Diversity and Inclusion Resources

Shalom Seminar I

As Christ-followers, we are called to be reconcilers-shalom bringers in a sinful, broken world. Vertical reconciliation through Christ to God is essential. But horizontal reconciliation leading to shalom with others who are different from us is the difference between remarkable and unremarkable Christianity. Shalom Seminar I looks at the basic biblical understanding of reconciliation-shalom. We then explore areas of needed growth often hidden from our awareness that keep God’s people from living remarkable Christianity and hinder our ability to promote and model reconciliation and a diverse community of shalom. —Ruben Rivera

Fall dates: October 5 and November 14

This is offered in partnership with Human Resources.

Shalom Seminar II

As Christians, we believe we are called to fulfill the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to make disciples of peoples from every language, ethnicity, and culture around the world. However, becoming Christian does not automatically impart us with the ability to do this well. We also often find ourselves inadequate to engage difficult issues in the classroom, our churches, and even with friends and family. This seminar picks up where Shalom I left off. Participants will be introduced to developing cultural intelligence, exploring personal and social identity formation and its relational impact, and intergroup dialogue. —Ruben Rivera

This seminar is offered once in the fall on October 24 from 8 a.m.-noon.
In the spring, this seminar will be offered on March 27 from 8 a.m.-noon.

Cultural Intelligence (CQ) Training

Cultural intelligence is the ability to understand, shift perspective, and appropriately adapt behavior cross-culturally in ways that are loving and respectful, and allows for more effective relations, work, and service in different cultural settings. —Ruben Rivera (adapted from David Livermore, Cultural Intelligence, 2009).

The department of Diversity and Inclusion offers cultural intelligence training through the use of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and the Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory.

Intergroup Dialogue Training

As society grows more diverse and engagements in difficult issues bring more toxicity than understanding and solutions, it is critical that we learn how to dialogue. Intergroup dialogue training is facilitated face-to-face dialogue that helps us communicate effectively and honestly, explore differences, and build trust, understanding, common ground, and—if not agreement—at least the expansion of our humanity and thereby a more constructive trajectory going forward. —Ruben Rivera