The Impact of Cultural Diversity Month Towards Equipping and Unleashing an Intercultural Congregation for Gospel Outreach

Alexander Chu

Etd

The Impact of Cultural Diversity Month Towards Equipping and Unleashing an Intercultural Congregation for Gospel Outreach

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MLA citation style (9th ed.)

Alexander Chu. The Impact of Cultural Diversity Month Towards Equipping and Unleashing an Intercultural Congregation for Gospel Outreach. rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/b6137f7e-7f50-4a6c-beb5-97c499be8f23.

APA citation style (7th ed.)

A. Chu. The Impact of Cultural Diversity Month Towards Equipping and Unleashing an Intercultural Congregation for Gospel Outreach. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/b6137f7e-7f50-4a6c-beb5-97c499be8f23

Chicago citation style (CMOS 17, author-date)

Alexander Chu. The Impact of Cultural Diversity Month Towards Equipping and Unleashing an Intercultural Congregation for Gospel Outreach. https://rim.ir.atla.com/concern/etds/b6137f7e-7f50-4a6c-beb5-97c499be8f23.

Note: These citations are programmatically generated and may be incomplete.

Creator

Alexander Chu

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In Copyright

Abstract

This DMin major project examined the cultural, relational, and spiritual impact of a dedicated Cultural Diversity Month at Skokie Valley Baptist Church (SVBC), a diverse congregation welcoming over 40 ethnicities located in Wilmette, Illinois. The project corresponded with SVBC’s mission of “equipping and unleashing cultures and generations to authentically live out the Gospel everywhere” and addresses the importance of intercultural unity as a core biblical value. The project’s approach integrates theological foundations, such as the imago Dei and imago Christi, biblical reconciliation, and the redemptive mission of God for all peoples, explored through a sermon series with themes of Identity, Lament, Reconciliation, and Mission. This theological framework sets the stage for qualitative research conducted through focus group interviews to analyze the perspectives of SVBC members on the impact of Cultural Diversity Month. Key findings include enhanced cultural awareness, new relational connections across cultural lines, and a deeper engagement with biblical themes of unity and diversity. Participants expressed a sense of shared identity in Christ, an appreciation for diverse expressions of worship, and a strengthened commitment to living out SVBC’s mission in their daily lives. The project concludes with practical recommendations for SVBC, including steps for ongoing intercultural integration, the development of culturally sensitive outreach strategies, and strengthening SVBC’s mission through regular worship that reflects the congregation’s cultural diversity. The insights gained from this project offer potential insights for other churches aiming to establish an intercultural community that reflects the global body of Christ, supporting a congregation that worships, serves, and grows together across cultural boundaries.

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