Intercultural Competence and Undoing Racism at AMBS
AMBS envisions a learning community where theological education is accessible to and welcoming of Christians of diverse traditions and backgrounds, and across the global church, to more fully reflect God’s purposes of unity and justice. Our approach is both interpersonal and institutional in nature, with a focus on advocating for changes in policies and practices, and helping people become effective, compassionate agents for justice and reconciliation across dividing walls of hostility. Our institutional and interpersonal Intercultural Competence and Undoing Racism (ICUR) efforts draw us closer to that reality.
AMBS understands intercultural competence in the way of Dr. Mitchell R. Hammer, creator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and process. In that framework, intercultural competence is the ability to positively engage patterns of difference and commonality in values, beliefs and practice both within one’s cultural groups and across cultural groups. This competency is achieved through increasing “cultural self-awareness, understanding of the experiences of diverse communities, and the capability to adapt one’s mindset and behavior to bridge across differences.”
AMBS sees intercultural competence as a constructive task that creates communities that promote thriving, belonging, deep self-awareness and healthy engagement across diversity.
AMBS also understands racism to be a type of social, institutional and interpersonal violence toward those categorized as non-White and sees undoing racism as naming and challenging oppressive attitudes, practices and systems based on racial theories and ideologies.
Our work
AMBS’s ICUR work builds on the foundation of the AMBS Damascus Road Antiracism Team, which began in the 1990s. Our efforts are both interpersonal and systemic in nature. Our commitment to this work involves pursuing changes in policies, practices and structures, and helping people become effective and compassionate agents of reconciliation across hostility and division. This work is essential for kingdom-building, so that we may be made one in Christ and bear witness through our love for one another; and for peacebuilding with other humans whom God has also made (Leviticus 19:18; John 17:19-26; Ephesians 2:11-19; Colossians 3:10-17).
Over several decades, ICUR work at AMBS has transformed the landscape of our learning community in significant ways. This includes becoming an increasingly global body of teachers and learners.
We have also increased our visibility locally and regionally through special projects and external consulting.
Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment
The IDI is the primary tool that guides and measures our work in this area. Students enrolled in our graduate-level degree and certificate programs complete the assessment at the beginning of their studies and receive a plan for shifting their mindsets around diversity and increasing their skills in relating across cultures. In their final capstone or seminar course, students complete the IDI again to measure their growth. Doctor of Ministry students can also choose to have accountability conversations with a Qualified IDI Administrator to move forward on their plans and personal development.
ICUR Library Guide
The AMBS Library has organized a collection of materials on intercultural competence and other related topics. These resources support the seminary’s vision and strategic priorities. Some of these resources are available for use by alumni and community members in the Elkhart region.
AMBS IDI Qualified Administrators
- Henok Mekonin, MA
- David B. Miller, DMin
- Allan Rudy-Froese, PhD
- Julia Schmidt, MDiv
- Leah Thomas, PhD
