Who Is My Neighbor?: A Guide for Increasing Cultural Competency

The cultural climate in America today presents polarizing subject matter, manifested as societal pressures that divide communities and impact families and churches. One of the main divisive issues is the topic of race and racism. To effectively minister to diverse people in American communities, people must increase in cultural competency; unfortunately, many people do not know what steps to take to fulfill the quest. This book is about cultural competency. More specifically, addressing how a person can increase their cultural competency to minister more effectively within diverse American cities. While many people desire to bridge the racial divide within their communities, they basically do not know what to do, which results in avoidance of the issue. Utilizing Scripture, culminating with the story of ""The Good Samaritan,"" Jesus emphasizes a key principle within the conversation of racial reconciliation and cultural competency. Jesus commanded the expert in the law to ""go and do."" Jesus's mandate is a call to action for church communities. However, to effectively engage one's neighbor, particularly a neighbor that is ""different,"" requires a certain level of cultural competency. Therefore, increasing one's cultural competency becomes a means to move from discussion towards action.