Equipping Ourselves for Intercultural Grace and Understanding

Our Church and communities are becoming increasingly multicultural bringing together people with different experiences and perspectives. We wonder why people are acting in a certain way. Why didn’t they make eye contact? Are they hiding something? Why did they make eye contact? Are they trying to be disrespectful? We can make judgements based on our own cultural norms and traditions without fully understanding why others are behaving the way they are. 

The United Mission and Education (UME) Intercultural Ministry team have developed workshops and resources to grow our understanding of how our cultural frameworks and life experiences impact our attitudes and behaviour.  

Participants have shared valuable reflections on how the workshops shifted their perspectives. 

 “Growing up in Australia I have never really thought about how Australian culture has shaped my belief and attitudes. I just thought the way I did things was normal, the best way to get things done. This has really helped me understand why people from other cultures see and do things differently and how they make it work” 

“ I wish I had done this workshop when I first came to Australia. It would have really helped me understand the differences between my own culture and the way things are done here. I think this would be a great workshop for overseas students”. 

“This workshop has been a good opportunity for our young people to talk about some of the challenges we face living in different cultures with different expectations. We don’t always get the opportunity to discuss this in a safe and open way.” 

‘It’s been very useful for our church to come together with people from our different language worships services to talk about how we can connect and work together more effectively. This workshop has opened conversations we were struggling to have before.” 

Workshop topics include communication, attitudes to time, individual vs. community commitments, culture shock, status and power relationships. When we have different approaches to these areas, our expectations differ, and relationships can become strained. Why don’t the other congregation put their washed dishes away after using the church kitchen? Why don’t some people speak up at meetings if they have a concern? Why are some people always late at intercultural church events? 

When we don’t understand the reasoning behind other people’s actions, we make our own assumptions and judgements about their behaviour based on what we think is ‘normal’. When we understand why people behave in a certain way we have a better chance of developing positive and productive relationships. 

Discussion and bible study resources include building bridges, hospitality, Church meetings and intercultural worship. These resources provide stories and opportunities for reflection on practical ways to live with difference. 

These workshops and resources are one way to further equip ourselves to be a light in an increasingly divisive world, while always being open to God’s transforming Spirit. 

We encourage you to contact your Presbytery or the UME Intercultural Ministry team if you would like to have a workshop in your congegation or to access the intercultural resources.