Lane, Patty. A Beginner's Guide to Crossing Cultures: Making Friends in a Multicultural World.

IVPress, 2002. Book, 206p. English. [Click here.] Also available as e-book.

Abstract [from IVPress]

• How do you befriend an international student or a new coworker from a different country?

• What can you expect when your church building is shared with a congregation from another cultural group?

• Why are your words and actions sometimes misinterpreted by others?

Crosscultural specialist Patty Lane answers these questions and more. She shows you how to develop hands-on relational skills that build crosscultural friendships. And she provides practical resources to help you navigate multicultural environments with sensitivity and savvy. 

Keywords: cross-cultural ministry, intercultural communication, friendship

Niebuhr, H. Richard. Christ and Culture.

Harper & Row, Torchbook Series, 1951. Author's introduction 1996. Book, 320p. English. Click here to purchase.

Abstract: For the serious student of culture. Christ and Culture is a classic, scholarly book that sets a foundation for understanding culture, Christ's relationship to culture, and the Christian's living within culture. It does not deal with cross-cultural living in the sense with which we usually understand that phrase but rather with the very nature of culture itself. Originally published in 1951, it is nevertheless up to date with its critical questions that wrestle with the Church's affiliation to culture, based upon Christ's own relationship to culture. Chapters include:

• ​Christ against Culture

• The Christ of Culture

• Christ above Culture

• Christ and Culture in Paradox

• Christ the Transformer of Culture

Keywords: culture, paradox, social ethics, historical Christianity, cultural transformation​

Newell, Marvin. Crossing Cultures in Scripture: Biblical Principles for Mission Practice.

IVPress, 2016. Book, 302p. English. [Click here.]

From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible is a cross-cultural book. Scripture is full of narratives of God's people crossing cultures in pursuit of God's mission. Biblical texts shed light on mission dynamics: Sarah and Hagar functioning in an honor-shame cult.

Keywords: mission, contextualization, communication

Rawson, Katie. Crossing Cultures with Jesus.

IVPress, 2015. Book, English. 208p. Click here.

Abstract: Crossing Cultures with Jesus fills a gap in the literature for ISM. Although numerous small publications address specific needs within ISM, Rawson gives us a much more comprehensive work that finds the heart of ISM in the heart of God. Sound biblical teaching undergirds each chapter, enhanced by appropriate principles from missions and cultural anthropology. Stories from ISM―many of which are from the author's own experience―provide examples of how the principles can be applied in multicultural contexts. Chapters include sections for both personal reflection and group discussion. Crossing Cultures with Jesus will be a valuable resource for ISM staff members and interns. In addition, this book can provide church missions personnel with a strong rationale for supporting ISM in their own communities.

Keywords: Cross-cultural, ISM, missions

Fernando, Ajith. Discipleship in a Multicultural World.

Crossway, 2019. Book, 288p. English. Click here to purchase.

Abstract: Our multicultural world needs countercultural disciplers.,,,Rooted in over four decades of multicultural discipleship experience, Ajith Fernando [Sri Lanka] offers biblical principles for discipling and presents examples showing how they apply to daily life and ministry. He addresses key cultural challenges, such as the value of honor and shame, honoring family commitments, and dealing with persecution, and helps us think realistically about the cost and commitment required for productive cross-cultural ministry. This practical guide to discipleship will help us help others grow into mature and godly followers of Christ.

Keywords: discipleship, multicultural, honor, shame, persecution, cross-cultural ministry

For more about the author,, click here.

Lanier, Sarah A. Foreign to Familiar. A Guide to Understanding Hot- and Cold-Climate Cultures.

McDougal, 2000. Book, 128p. English. Click here to purchase.

Foreign to Familiar is an introductory book to understanding cultural differences. The author moved from Georgia to the Middle East as a child, and since "1980 she has worked with an international and interdenominational organization and its university system. Her expertise is in the field of leadership and personnel development" [amazon.com]. 

Keywords: cross-cultural ministry, communication

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Hesselgrave, David J. "The Gospel Communicated" in Planting Churches Cross-Culturally: North America and Beyond.

Baker, 2000. English. Chapter 10: "The Gospel Communicated," p. 142-166. Click here to purchase.

Abstract: This volume is a scholarly work intended for the missions endeavor as a whole. It is included in a list for ISM workers for its valuable treatment of contextualization, "the gospel communicated." The author writes, "Not only does Scripture reveal a salvific core, it also reveals that the salvific core was adapted to various audiences--not to their prejudice and taste in order to make the message palatable, but to their world view and knowledge in order to  make it understandable." [Note: The sub-title was formerly A Guide for Home and Foreign Missions.]

Keywords: contextualization, gospel, meaning, message, communication

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Lawson, Richard B. ("Dic"). A Home for the Nations: A Small Church Looks at Mission.

Pleasant Word, a division of Winepress Publishing, 2007. Book, 248p. English. Click here to purchase.

Abstract: A Home for the Nations is written primarily for the local church, especially those of smaller size, to encourage them to become involved in missions and to advise them on ways to do this. Lawson highly recommends that they engage the nations that have already come to America as students and refugees. He also recommends that returned missionaries be used in such outreach. The author has many years of experience in the pastorate and was formerly the director of an ISM in Seattle.

Keywords: local church, ISM, hospitality, cross-cultural, short-term missions, retirees

Davis, Charles A. Making Disciples across Cultures: Missional Principles for a Diverse World.

IVPress, 2015. Book, 236p. English. [Click here.]

Abstract: Using the metaphor of a music mixerboard,  Dr. Charles A. Davis outlines ten sets of assumptions that form the cultural "music" in making disciples. Adjusting the "slider switches" according to cultural norms can fine tune the biblical message so that the listeners can better understand its intent.

Keywords: cross-cultural ministry, discipleship, spiritual warfare, contextualization

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement

15-week course. English. See website for further information. [Click here.]

Abstract: Perspectives is a fifteen week course designed around four vantage points or "perspectives" — Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic. Each one highlights different aspects of God's global purpose.

The Biblical and Historical sections reveal why our confidence is based on the historic fact of God's relentless work from the dawn of history until this day. The Cultural and Strategic sections underscore that we are in the midst of a costly, but very "do-able" task, confirming the Biblical and Historical hope.

Keywords: missions, history, evangelism, cross-cultural

Zahniser, A. H. Mathias. Symbol and Ceremony: Making Disciples across Cultures.

Go to Discipleship.