Cultural Competence Workbook:
The Key to Loving One's Neighbor
FOREWORD
Part of my life’s work, other than loving God, loving people, worshipping God, and making disciples, is teaching/training and communicating about culture and specifically Cultural Intelligence. I have researched it, written a whole dissertation on it, taught it, trained folks, and now I am writing this workbook about it.
This workbook is for anyone who loves Jesus and wants to serve Him by loving one’s neighbor as themselves. Specifically, it is for your ministry, church, organization, family, and business. Neighborly love can only exist if one understands their neighbor’s culture. We live in a world torn apart by the sin of racism. I do not have time to address that sin in this workbook, however, I believe understanding culture, being culturally conscious and sensitive, and applying Cultural Intelligence will lead to the byproduct of reducing racism in America and consequently in the world. This can only be done by celebrating our differences, which will unify us as the people of God. Cultures vary even within ethnic groups. A focus on this can and will facilitate better relationships with those around us and will benefit our communities, churches, organizations, and society as a whole.
This workbook is to be done in small groups as a class or meeting. Each session provides questions for reflection and/or group exercises. This is NOT to be done alone. Each session will increase in content, in assignments, and go deeper in reflection, so dig deep and leave no stone unturned in your discussions. Utilize this workbook over eight (8) sessions or longer, and journey with me as we explore biblical, theological, and ecclesiological implications of culture and take a deep dive into Cultural Intelligence (CQ), cultural values, and unconscious bias in order to better understand and place ourselves, as THE CHURCH, in a better position to love and care for our neighbor.
FOREWORD
Part of my life’s work, other than loving God, loving people, worshipping God, and making disciples, is teaching/training and communicating about culture and specifically Cultural Intelligence. I have researched it, written a whole dissertation on it, taught it, trained folks, and now I am writing this workbook about it.
This workbook is for anyone who loves Jesus and wants to serve Him by loving one’s neighbor as themselves. Specifically, it is for your ministry, church, organization, family, and business. Neighborly love can only exist if one understands their neighbor’s culture. We live in a world torn apart by the sin of racism. I do not have time to address that sin in this workbook, however, I believe understanding culture, being culturally conscious and sensitive, and applying Cultural Intelligence will lead to the byproduct of reducing racism in America and consequently in the world. This can only be done by celebrating our differences, which will unify us as the people of God. Cultures vary even within ethnic groups. A focus on this can and will facilitate better relationships with those around us and will benefit our communities, churches, organizations, and society as a whole.
This workbook is to be done in small groups as a class or meeting. Each session provides questions for reflection and/or group exercises. This is NOT to be done alone. Each session will increase in content, in assignments, and go deeper in reflection, so dig deep and leave no stone unturned in your discussions. Utilize this workbook over eight (8) sessions or longer, and journey with me as we explore biblical, theological, and ecclesiological implications of culture and take a deep dive into Cultural Intelligence (CQ), cultural values, and unconscious bias in order to better understand and place ourselves, as THE CHURCH, in a better position to love and care for our neighbor.
"This is a needed tool in the Body of Christ and actually in every aspect of society. Scripture teaches us in Mark 12:31, "The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Who is my neighbor? Cultural differences are everywhere, even among ethnicities, religions, denominations, and families. The Covid-19 pandemic that has swept across the world has actually revealed a hidden phenomenon as some of us like to hide behind our masks so we don't have to engage with our neighbors. This workbook is needed for a time such as this because we need to look behind the masks of 'church' and get to know our neighbors and cultural competence is needed for all."
Dr. Pamela S. Jackson
VP Academic Affairs, United Cornerstone University
Dr. Pamela S. Jackson
VP Academic Affairs, United Cornerstone University
"Dr. Dee Stokes' workbook on cultural competence brings together her practical experience in the field, her work as a scholar, as well as her clarity of communication. This workbook will provide practitioners, students, and others with a resource that helps Christ-followers navigate the multigenerational, multiethnic world in which we work--I recommend it without reservation."
Dr. Carlos Campo
President, Ashland University and Theological Seminary
“To love one’s neighbor fully, hearts and minds need to be transformed. Dr. Stokes provides powerful tools in this workbook to accomplish just that!!"
Jo Anne Lyon
General Superintendent Emerita, The Wesleyan Church
Jo Anne Lyon
General Superintendent Emerita, The Wesleyan Church