Intercultural Studies Department
Receive a degree in Intercultural Studies and Bible/Theology at Emmaus.
Cross-Cultural Impact
Whether it was meeting someone who inspired you with what God can do when you trust in Him or taking a trip that opened your eyes to the rich diversity of people and cultures around the world, you discovered your love for people of other cultures and your desire to see them come to know Christ. If you know that God is calling you to be a missionary or have interest in serving others at home or abroad, the ICS program will prepare you to become the means of transformation wherever God plants you. We do this by concentrating on three core skills: (1) Adapting successfully to cross-cultural life and ministry (2) Breaking cultural barriers to communicate effectively (3) Leading across cultures for lasting and meaningful impact.
Why Emmaus?
Our Intercultural Studies program includes cross-cultural and international service opportunities. Our Summex Teams travel to international destinations to experience and learn from what God is doing around the globe. ICS includes a semester-long internship overseas where you will serve with the guidance of an experienced missionary. Your preparation will include Emmaus’ signature biblical, theological and ministry foundation. You will be mentored by experienced missionaries who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of mission leaders.
The mission of the Emmaus Intercultural Studies department is to equip students to become agents of cross-cultural worldview transformation.
Intercultural Studies Graduates
Jennifer Matenaer
Graduate Studies at Dallas Theological SeminaryMy time at Emmaus Bible College was not only an excellent education—it was a life-changing experience. From taking classes with professors who really care about you to late-night conversations in the dorms with long-lasting friends, my time at Emmaus was unforgettable.
Simeon Beil
Youth Pastor at Countryside Bible ChapelMy time at Emmaus equipped me to engage in cross-cultural ministry to build bridges and discover relevant strategies to minister to my audience. I was given the keys to both lead in ministry and unlock the challenges of ministry. The Emmaus experience I had led to lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, refined Bible study skills, and the tools to serve others more effectively.
Featured Intercultural Studies Courses
Cultural Anthropology
This course helps you understand foundational questions of cultural anthropology. How do humans organize their social life? What is their conception of reality? How can an outsider decode their deep assumptions about life? Special attention is given to how the Bible addresses cultural anthropology, and what it takes to effect change. Practical assignments will help you understand the many, patterned, and hidden ways in which people organize their culture.
Issues in Missions
In this course we study and debate most controversial issues in missions today. The issues are explored through readings in academic missiological journals, and discussed in a highly interactive, student-led seminar format. This course will have a profound effect on your critical-thinking skills: you will learn how to summarize your own views and articulate the opposing views, and you will sharpen your ability to defend your viewpoint biblically and logically. The course is the capstone course for ICS majors.
Your Future
The ICS major will prepare you to become the means of transformation wherever God plants you. Our graduates are scattered around the world, serving in a variety of contexts:
- Traditional missions
- Chaplaincy
- Children's ministry
- Church planting
- Teaching English abroad
- Foreign service
- US Peace Corps
- Relief work
- NGO work
DEPARTMENT FACULTY
Joel Hernandez
Intercultural StudiesWhat's Next?
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