.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Overview
Working in a cross-cultural setting is complex and without understanding individuals can cause more hurt feelings and deepen divides. This topic is not understood in a few short paragraphs. The recommendation is to select one of the Resource books and read it cover to cover. The American culture is constantly changing, and this topic especially is one where being a lifelong learner is critically important. Seek to build inclusive and effective relationships.
Here are a few excerpts from two top resources.
- Bridging the Diversity Gap: Leading Toward God's Multi-Ethnic Kingdom by Alvin Sanders
Author Alvin Sanders believes the church is facing a chairos moment—the right time—to address the issue of ethnic division and tension within the church. Through this book, he offers a how-to resource for Christian leaders to lead their organizations in a majority-minority, multi-ethnic America. In a diverse, divided world, pastors and church leaders are faced with the question of how to lead across ethnic lines to bring healing and unity to the body of Christ. How can the church more accurately reflect the vision of God's kingdom, gathering together every tribe and nation? It all begins with leaders whose minds and hearts have been transformed by the gospel. Bridging the Diversity Gap is for pastors and ministry leaders who want a biblical process and principles, informed by the best academic thought on race and ethnicity, to engage with an ethnically diverse church or organization and guide them toward becoming one in Christ.
- Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton
As Robert Lupton states in the overview of his book, “The urban landscape is changing and, as a result, urban ministries are at a crossroads. If the Church is to be an effective agent of compassion and justice, Robert Lupton notes, we must change our mission strategies. In this compelling book, Lupton asks the tough questions about service-providing and community-building to help ministries enhance their effectiveness. What are the dilemmas that caring people encounter to faithfully carry out the teachings of Scripture and become personally involved with "the least of these?" What are some possible alternatives to the ways we have traditionally attempted to care for the poor? How do people, programs, and neighborhoods move toward reciprocal, interdependent relationships? To affect these types of changes will require new skill sets and resources, but the possibilities for good are great.”
Leader’s Wisdom
Consideration for English as a Second Language
- Give extra consideration when English is not someone’s first language.
Understanding and Empathy
- Understand others’ life skills and knowledge.
- Provide grace based on individuals' starting points and recognize their strengths.
- Meet your clients where they are at and not where you want them to be.
Emphasizing Client Voice
- Build on the voice of the people you serve, not on the leader’s voice.
- Ask questions and clarify to be in touch with their voice; avoid assuming understanding.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
- Consider DEIB – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.
- Before bringing a donor and a client together, ensure that each understands their different worldview.
- A diverse work group will not happen unless you are intentional.
- There should not just be diversity in faces but a blending of people’s cultures.
Relationship Dynamics
- More work will be accomplished if energy is not spent on fighting with people.
- Develop authentic relationships based on people with good character.
- Make sure everyone is contributing versus being a token representative.
- People navigate toward others who are like themselves.
Addressing Stereotypes and Assumptions
- Be bold to try ideas that have never been tried before and to debunk traditional stereotypes.
- Try not to use broad categories for people but rather focus on finding good people and work with them.
- People with a wide variety of skills, gifts, and networks are needed so everyone can bring their part to create a greater good.
Navigating Cultural Differences
- Minority people are used to having to assimilate.
- The majority culture is often uncomfortable and will need to seek deep conversations and greater understanding.
- Expect racism but be encouraging when it doesn’t happen.
- Find people who God is using and join them in their work.
Resources
Websites
- Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) is a widely used and effective cross-cultural valid assessment for building cultural competence. https://idiinventory.com/
- Two organizations that provide training materials and conferences for working cross-culturally and building healthy community relationships are:
- Christian Community Development Association for over 30 years has shared the journey of seeing Christians fully engaged in the process of transformation in their communities. Whether through community gatherings, regional events or online, CCDA works to creatively provide spaces for practitioners and partners to learn and network with like-minded leaders. www.ccda.org
- Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) is at the center of a large and growing movement that considers local assets as the primary building blocks of sustainable community development. Building on the skills of local residents, the power of local associations, and the supportive functions of local institutions, asset-based community development draws upon existing community strengths to build stronger, more sustainable communities for the future. https://resources.depaul.edu/abcd-institute/Pages/default.aspx.
- Leadership Foundations is a global network committed to a contextual approach that harnesses the spiritual and social vitality of cities. www.leadershipfoundations.org
- Center for Leadership and Neighborhood Engagement mobilizes congregations and non-profit leaders as powerful agents for social change. www.clne-mn.org
Books
- The Bible. There are amazing life lessons and teachings on how to treat others. Easy examples include the Good Samaritan parable in Luke 10. Here the enemy becomes the helper and friend. Loving God is revealed by loving your neighbor as yourself.
- Bridging the Diversity Gap: Leading Toward God's Multi-Ethnic Kingdom by Alvin Sanders
- When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert
- Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton
- Compassion, Justice, and the Christian Life: Rethinking Ministry to the Poor by Robert D. Lupton and John Perkins
We’d love to hear from you!
This website's strength lies in its curator's commitment to gathering user feedback. We value the reader’s perspective to enhance content quality. Please share suggestions or questions via the contact form.
Preparing for a Safe Trip
Staffing & Employee Mentoring
New nonprofits often start with a working board comprised of dedicated volunteers. As the organization grows, roles must be clearly defined to ensure smooth...
Read More
Staff Selection & Employee Dev
Staff Selection & Employee Dev
Working in a Cross-cultural Setting
Navigating a cross-cultural environment requires a nuanced understanding of individual differences to avoid misunderstandings and foster unity...
Read MoreNavigating a Cross-Cultural Setting
Navigating a Cross-Cultural Setting
.svg)
Community Relationships
The key principle in fostering healthy community relationships is to cultivate shared experiences while collaboratively devising solutions. According to...
Read More.svg){kind=small}
Healthy Community Relationships
Healthy Community Relationships
Volunteer Management
Most nonprofit organizations utilize volunteers to save staffing costs, to engage other skill sets that are needed, and to have advocates for their organization...
Read MoreVolunteer Training & Management
Volunteer Training & Management
.svg)
