DEAR FUTURE EMMAUS STUDENT,
Welcome to the Intercultural Studies Program! We believe that the goal of every Christian is to glorify God through a life of joyful proclamation of obedience to Christ’s commands. Christ’s final words to his followers, commonly known as the Great Commission, were:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20, ESV
We believe that the product of the Great Commission is transformation. Individuals and societies are transformed by God as they embrace Christ, his message, and his values. This transformation runs deep because it affects the deep-level assumptions of a culture, called the worldview.
In order to effect this transformation, a person must be able to adjust cross-culturally to living in a foreign culture, communicate the Gospel in ways that are understood, and lead cross-culturally in a Christlike way that is characterized by love and service. And that is just what we do at ICS. We believe ordinary people can become agents of worldview transformation, and so equip students for cross-cultural adjustment, cross-cultural communication, and cross-cultural leadership.
If you are headed into cross-cultural ministry at home or abroad, stop and consider that God first prepares those He uses. So take time to prepare before your journey. Consider the skills you need. And if I can help you think through your options or answer any questions, I would love to help.
In Him,
JOEL HERNANDEZ
Chair, Intercultural Studies Department
Program Director, Intercultural Studies
jhernandez@emmaus.edu