Learning Objectives

God calls to himself people of every tribe, tongue, and nation. It is our hope that, as a movement, we become more and more effective in serving students and faculty of every ethnicity and culture.

  • Learn what culture is and how cultural differences may arise in ministry

  • See Jesus’ approach to ministering across cultures

  • Find out how to use the Approaching Differences Diagram, a tool for navigating cultural differences

Play Your Way

Engage with the material in your context!

  • ~45 minutes (self-paced)

    All your progress will be saved so you can resume where you left off

  • Course Quicksheet (pdf)

    This is a quick summary of the material that you can use as a preview of the course or as a refresher once you've taken it.

  • Resource Toolbox

    See a list of the resources referenced in this course, all collected in one spot for your convenience.

Course Curriculum

  • 1

    Chapter 1: Ministering Across Cultures on Campus

    • A Vision for Ministering Across Cultures

    • Introduction

    • Before we begin . . .
  • 2

    Chapter 2: Culture Matters!

    • Lesson 1: Crossing Cultures for the Sake of the Gospel

    • Lesson 2: What is Culture?

    • Lesson 3: What Does Scripture Say About Crossing Cultures?
  • 3

    Chapter 3: Crossing Cultures Well

    • Lesson 1: The Approaching Differences Diagram

    • Lesson 2: The Red Line or Green Line?

    • Check for Understanding (Quiz)
  • 4

    Chapter 4: Identifying & Responding to Cultural Differences

    • Lesson 1: Assessing Your Entry Attitude

    • Lesson 2: Assessing Your Responses to Dissonance

    • Lesson 3: Which Line Will You Choose?
  • 5

    Conclusion

    • Closing Remarks

    • Before you go . . .

Resource Toolbox

All resources referenced from this course will be linked below for your convenience to view and download. Please use/adapt these resources to what works for you in your ministry context.


Worksheets

Ministering Across Cultures Quicksheet

(3-page pdf) 

Summary of the course in a quick, 3-page format, perfect for a quick review on the go!

Download

Ministering Across Cultures Quicksheet
Entry Attitude Self Diagnosis Worksheet

(2-page fillable pdf) 

One way to cultivate an attitude of openness is to engage in intentional reflection and prayer.

Download


 Entry Posture Self Diagnosis Worksheet
Response Self Diagnosis Worksheet

(3-page fillable pdf) 

Reflect on some of the aspects of critical and curious responses to cultural dissonance.

Download


 Response Self Diagnosis Worksheet

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More

Approaching Differences Overview

(Ministry Library page) 

In this collection you will find: a video that explains the Approaching Differences Diagram and a downloadable graphic for use in a presentation or handout
Approaching Differences Diagram Video

(Vimeo Video)


 This animation introduces the diagram and how to use it to help us have positive cross-cultural interactions.
Approaching Differences Diagram

(png image) 


 The Approaching Differences Diagram is a vital tool for loving and working well across cultures, both domestically and internationally.

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