Institute for Cross Cultural Ministry
Introducing the Institute for Cross Cultural Ministry
The US has a record-high number of International students, with a 30% increase in Chinese this year. This inspired Lynn and Mary Degener of China Friends and a close friend who knows ministry in mainland China very well to launch the “Institute for Cross Cultural Ministry” (ICCM). ICCM’s purposes are to:
- Create community among the various International Ministry groups
- Sharpen skills in reaching across cultural lines and focus efforts
- Learn to develop disciples who return to their home country as mature Christians
ICCM’s introductory session was Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Ann Arbor CRC. It was for anyone who is actively involved in or who is interested in ministry to the Chinese students, scholars and their families. Brent led an eye-opening, challenging time for people from several ministries and cities. More Saturday sessions are planned with the next one on February 19 from 10-2, including lunch. Interested? Contact Lynn Degener: lmdeg@comcast.net .
Cross cultural ministry is a call from God and a gift. To embark one needs a map of where he is going. To share God’s message, one needs a knowledge of the message and of the hearer. Culture or shared assumptions about how to behave, what is of value and the lens through which the world is viewed affect whether the message is heard and how it is received. “How Can the Chinese Heart Be Touched?” is the question. Are you called? Come, discover and grow together. In February a panel of Chinese will share about barriers to belief.