Program

Doctor of Ministry

Year Approved

2018

First Advisor

Magnuson, Doug

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the need for intercultural competence development among leaders of a Christian reconciliation organization (Musalaha) in Israel-Palestine. Success in reconciliation work depends on many factors of which intercultural competence is one. Living in a region of great diversity or even frequent interaction with cultural others is no guarantee of a high level of intercultural competence. The researcher sought to gather information on current levels of intercultural competence among Musalaha leaders as well as material on the best means for continued development. A biblical reflection included an examination of Philippians 2:1-11 as a source of guidance for both appropriate attitudes and actions when the Body of Christ experiences disunity. The literature review included several studies regarding the relationship between intercultural competence and various spiritual and emotional factors that either help or hinder its development. The central role of humility was explored both in Philippians and in the literature review. Quantitative data was gathered through the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) both before and after providing Musalaha leaders with intercultural competence training. Qualitative data was gathered through observations during group and individual training and written answers to questions at the end of each group training. Additionally, data was collected through Musalaha’s curriculum, previously published interviews of Musalaha participants, and interviews with participants in Musalaha women’s programs conducted by the researcher in the fall of 2016. Results from the IDI indicated that as a group Musalaha’s leaders are operating from a Minimization orientation, which is an improvement over the polarized mentality of the surrounding culture but falls short of the intercultural competence level necessary to reach their reconciliation goals. Post-IDI results indicated the greatest improvement among those who accepted the validity of their pre-IDI results and participated in focused and intentional activities to develop. Results from the IDI indicated that as a group Musalaha’s leaders are operating from a Minimization orientation, which is an improvement over the polarized mentality of the surrounding culture but falls short of the intercultural competence level necessary to reach their reconciliation goals. Post-IDI results indicated the greatest improvement among those who accepted the validity of their pre-IDI results and participated in focused and intentional activities to develop.

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry

Document Type

Doctoral thesis

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