Who Is My Neighbor? Preparing Vocational Ministry Students at North Central University to Increase Their Cultural Competency
[Thesis]
Sikorski, Adam C.
Hausfeld, Mark
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
2019
204 p.
D.Min.
Assemblies of God Theological Seminary
2019
As American culture continues to morph, pastors face different complexities. The cultural climate in America today presents polarizing subject matter, manifested as societal pressures divide communities and impact families and churches. One of the main divisive issues is the topic of race and racism. To effectively minister to diverse people in American communities, current and future pastors must increase in cultural competency; unfortunately, many pastors do not know what steps to take to fulfill the quest. This project utilizes the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to leverage a key learning opportunity for five current vocational ministry students at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, by guiding them toward increasing their cultural competency. The IDI assessment provides metrics that can pinpoint specific areas of growth, in addition to providing a baseline to measure current and future culturally competent growth. Students navigated eight sessions framed around the IDI's Ten Key Intercultural Learning Opportunities. Results documented in chapter 4, ranging from increased self-awareness to catalytic events, provide a framework for current and future pastors desiring to increase their cultural competency. By utilizing the project's tools, with an open heart and an awareness of the Holy Spirit, any current or future pastor could move toward more effective outreach to diverse populations in local communities.