Learning to cross cultures effectively is a key part of overseas mission. It is important that you seek to understand as much as you can about the differences between your own cultural norms and those of the host culture you are about to enter, or those you will minister to. Researching this ahead of arrival and becoming sensitive to likely areas of cultural differences will help to mitigate culture shock for yourself and prevent you giving unnecessary offence to nationals.

It is important to begin the process of distinguishing the values and assumptions of your home culture relative to the culture you will be encountering. Remember that you will be entering a society with a completely different framework of established attitudes which drive “normal” behaviour. As a guest in another culture, it is key that you approach the transition with a servant heart and a willingness to learn.

 

Pre-field requirements:

  • An understanding of the cultural norms and behaviours attached to your home culture and how they affect you.
  • A familiarity with the culture you are going to, and/or that of those you will minister to, including its differences and how they will manifest in daily life.
  • An awareness of the operation of honour-shame, fear-power and guilt-innocence cultural dynamics.
  • An understanding of the different stages of culture-shock and its likely effects on you.
  • Awareness of how living and serving overseas is likely to impact your life as a single person, your marriage and your family (if applicable).

 

How to fulfil requirements:

    Essential (requirements which must be completed)

    • Attend the Cross-cultural Training component of Pre-field Orientation.*
    • Research the culture you will be ministering in.
    • If applicable, to have a meeting with the TCK Support Coordinator.*

     

    Ongoing development (ways of growing further in this area):
     

    • Attend mentored course Entering Another’s World.*
    • Reflect on and debrief previous short-term/cross-cultural experiences.
    • Participate in training with a Pioneers team in the UK or Ireland.
    • Gain experience of meeting people from your target people group.
    • Attend TCK events on HMA.
    • Attend debriefing on HMA and re-entry.*
     

    Suggested resources

    Start here – suggested foundational resources

    • TVSeminary Cross-cultural communication – Duane Elmer.
    • The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame, and Fear Cultures – Jason Georges. (see also (https://honorshame.com/)
    • Transitions Across Cultures: A Guide to Culture Shock for Travelers and Those Who Love Them – Stephen W. Jones.
    • A Beginner’s Guide to Crossing Cultures: Making Friends in a Multicultural World – Patty Lane

     

    Understanding cultures

    • Culture Shock!: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette (Series published by Marshall Cavendish).
    • Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (Series published by Kuperard Publishers).

     

    The Arab world

    • Honor and Shame: Unlocking the Door – Roland Muller.
    • When in the Arab World: An insider's guide to living and working with Arab Culture – Rana Nejem.
    • Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Modern Time – Margaret K. Nydell.
    • ► The Emergence of the Modern Middle East course – Asher Susser. 

     

    Living cross-culturally

    • Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility – Duane Elmer.
    • When Cultures Collide: Leading Across Cultures – Richard D. Lewis.
    • Leading with Cultural Intelligence: The New Secret to Success – David Livermore.
    • Ministering Cross-Culturally:  An Incarnational Model for Personal Relationships – Sherwood G Lingenfelter & Marvin K Mayers.
    • Culture Map: Decoding How People Think, Lead, and Get Things Done Across Cultures – Erin Meyer.

     

    Culture shock

    • Burn Up or Splash Down: Surviving the Culture Shock of Re-Entry – Marion Knell.
    • Culture Shock:  Dealing with Stress in Cross-Cultural Living – Myron Loss.

     

    TCKs and family

    • Serving at the Ends of the Earth: Family life and TCKs – by Steve and Gill Bryant.
    • Third Culture Kids: A Gift to Care For – Ulrika Ernvik.
    • Love Across Latitudes: A Workbook on Cross-Cultural Marriage – Janet Fraser-Smith.
    • Families on the Move – Marion Knell.
    • Third Culture Kids: The Experience of Growing up among Worlds – David C. Pollock & Ruth van Reken.