Course Summary

This course unit explores culture, worldview and intercultural communication from theological and practical perspectives. It will assist students in effective cross-cultural ministry.

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Learning Outcomes

At the end of this unit students will be able to:

1. identify the concept of culture and principles of cross-cultural communication

2. describe the biblical foundations of cross-cultural ministry

3. develop skill in analysing cross-cultural situations

4. suggest ways to cope with the complexities of cross-cultural ministry

   5. apply a basic understanding of culture and worldview to the communication of Christian

       faith across cultural barriers

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Course Content

1. Biblical precedents for cross-cultural mission

2. Developing a theology of cross-cultural ministry

3. Understanding culture and worldview; a basic model of culture types

4. Identifying and understanding one’s own culture and worldview

5. Culture shock and reverse culture shock

6. Basic principles of communication; dangers of miscommunication

7. Key aspects of cross-cultural communication, including language and non-verbal communication; influence of social structures on communication; relationship of medium and message; and the distinction between form and function      

8. Church and culture

9. Contextualisation, indigenisation and enculturation in cross-cultural ministry and mission

10. Identifying and dealing with prejudice, racism and cross-cultural conflict