It was great seeing all of you at the Field Forum! Please let me know if you have any questions or are looking for particular information.

The following are just a few resources for developing intercultural competence. Some are Christian resources. Others are more secular. Please remember, just because something is on my recommended list doesn’t necessarily mean I am endorsing all of the values or ideas expressed in the book. It does mean that I think the book is valuable in helping develop greater intercultural abilities. All of the books on the list (and one documentary) are well worth your time and money.

One Body One Spirit: Principles of Successful Multiracial Churches by George Yancey (author is an African American sociologist and Evangelical Christian, great place to start in getting a realistic idea of what it means to move toward having a multiracial church)

Christians and Cultural Difference by David I. Smith and Pennylyn Dykstra-Pruim (short book, less than 100 pages, could be useful to begin discussing these ideas with staff or in a small group, easy read, inspirational)

Learning from the Stranger: Christian Faith and Cultural Diversity by David I. Smith (by the same author as the one above, excellent book for exploring issues of faith and culture, has more depth than the shorter book)

Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility by Duane Elmer (Duane Elmer has written many books on cross-cultural ministry, the focus of this one is on humility which is crucial in cross-cultural interaction)

Beyond Racial Gridlock: Embracing Mutual Responsibility by George Yancey (African American sociology professor and Evangelical Christian, exceptional book for understanding racial justice issues)

“Between A Shoe and the Roof” Documentary about the Global Church and our place in it. Can be purchased here https://www.regentaudio.com/products/between-a-shoe-and-the-roof. Includes a study guide and license to show to groups.

Through My Enemy’s Eyes: Envisioning Reconciliation in Israel-Palestine by Salim J. Munayer and Lisa Loden (excellent book for understanding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a Christian perspective, written by a Palestinian Christian and an Israeli Messianic Jew, if you read the first two chapters and the last chapter you will be miles ahead of most Americans in understanding the situation in Israel-Palestine)

Miniskirts, Mothers & Muslims: A Christian Woman in a Muslim Land by Christine A. Mallouhi (author does a great job of helping people see the world through Muslim eyes)

Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It) by Robert D. Lupton (there are many books on this topic, I’m just recommending this one because it’s relatively quick and easy to read, good for working on understanding the perspective of people from different economic backgrounds)

Understanding the World’s Cultures: 20th Anniversary Edition of the Classic Figuring Foreigners Out by Craig Storti (workbook format, great book for using in a small group or individual development, the first two chapters are a great introduction to intercultural development, chapter three is a bit more advanced)

Cross-Cultural Dialogues by Craig Storti (uses short dialogues to illustrate cultural differences, fun way to learn and also a useful teaching tool)

American Ways: A Cultural Guide to the United States by Gary Althen and Janet Bennett (gaining a deeper understanding of one’s own culture is an essential piece of developing intercultural competence, this book is written to international students and business people to help them understand American culture)

99 Questions for Global Friends: Quality Conversation Starters for Friends from Different Places by Jerry Jones (great resource for deepening interactions with culturally different friends).

Personal Leadership: Making a World of Difference by Schaetti, Ramsey, and Watanabe (focuses on the internal and emotional challenges of developing intercultural competence)

Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion, & Truth in the Immigration Debate by Matthew Soerens and Jenny Yang (good introduction to immigration issues from a Christian perspective)

Four Days to Change: 12 Radical Habits to Overcome Bias and Thrive in a Diverse World by Michael Welp (often white men can feel attacked when people are discussing diversity issues, this book is a white guy speaking to other white guys about developing intercultural competence)

Some people asked for more information on the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI). The IDI website is here: https://idiinventory.com/. The website is more for professionals who use the IDI in their practices than for general public information but you can learn a few things about it from the website. You are welcome to contact me if you have any questions about the IDI.