Intercultural Studies

• World Religions

  Surveys the world’s most influential religions through a Christian perspective. Students learn the history and teachings of these religions, how these religions impact contemporary cultures, and how these religions intersect with Christianity.

• Strategies for Intercultural Ministry

  Broad overview of brands and methodologies for reaching various contexts. Discussion of various approaches and kinds of ministry along with field-specific preparation. Lecture, media, reading, discussion.

• Strategies for Teaching

  This course is designed to explore the strategies governing the teaching/learning process and the methods used to convey biblical truth in the lesson plan, the classroom setting, and the teacher/student relationship.

• Interpreting Culture

  This course trains students to understand key elements of culture, using New York City as a laboratory. Students will learn to identify cultural artifacts and differentiate between cultural constructs and Christian virtue, with a view toward adaptability in ministry.

• Orientation to Church Planting

  This course introduces students to some of the key concepts and methods of establishing new congregations. Students will grow in awareness of the distinct ministry challenges and opportunities involved with church planting. The format of the course will include a trip to a church planting conference or site.

• History of the World Christian Movement

  Studies the lives and ministries of men and women who have led missions over the history of the church. Students understand the people, issues, and dynamics of the missions movement from the end of the New Testament through modern times. Lecture, media, reading, discussion.

Intercultural Studies Program Description and Outcomes

• Program Description

  This program is designed for students who wish to develop their skills and deepen their passion for ministry that crosses cultural barriers. This preparation is accomplished with three avenues of engagement in mind: 1) resident service in a cultural setting other than the student’s home culture; 2) stateside service in the homebase of an cross-cultural organization; or 3) ministry that involves mobilizing both workers and senders in the local church. As a part of their program, students carry out a field internship in a cross-cultural setting under the supervision of an experienced cross-cultural worker.

• Program Outcomes

  Students completing the BA in Intercultural Studies will be able to:

  1. Outline a biblical theology of intercultural service through both the Old and the New Testaments.

  2. Create a basic plan for a sound cross-cultural program in a local church context.

  3. Produce a well-structured appeal for financial and spiritual support of an entry level cross-cultural work.

  4. Articulate a clear and specific understanding of the place of Western Global Ambassador Partners in the contemporary global Christian community.

  5. Demonstrate a field-based understanding of cross-cultural life and work.

  6. Produce introductory ethnographic research demonstrating a comprehension of basic anthropological principles