Training a Christian Group to Think Cross-Culturally
by InterVarsity MissionsOur world is filled with diverse peoples, cultures and languages. It is naive to think that everyone in your group is equally capable of handling some of the differences which you will encounter by more actively exposing your group to worldwide missions. Therefore it is important to commit yourselves in leadership to continually provide training in understanding differences, communicating through differences and loving all people.
If your group plans a short-term mission trip, make sure there is good pre-trip training, covering cross-cultural issues. If your group is going to work in a local or nearby mission, have someone come from the mission beforehand and orient and train the group to sensitive issues.
If your group is going to reach out to another campus or area group, which may be culturally or ethnically different than your group, plan to inform and train before moving out. If an individual or several are going on a summer mission from your group, make sure that they have adequate training to think and live cross-culturally.
Areas to cover in a training program:
1. Biblical basis for service
2. Team building
3. Culture and history of the people
4. Communicating cross-culturally
5. Details and training for roles to be filled during the project
Other excellent training programs exist for deeper and more comprehensive training in missions and cross-cultural ministry. Be sure to investigate the training program of InterVarsity's Global Projects and Student Training In Missions programs, both geared toward summer mission projects. Or try the Perspectives Study Program, designed to give you both a comprehensive understanding of world evangelism and college credit.
Remember that you are helping to give the people in your group, a set of tools and attitudes that will prepare them for life outside of your group. You are investing in people's ongoing growth and ministry. Invest well; think training.
Unless otherwise noted, all materials on the urbana.org web site are Copyright InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA. All rights reserved.
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