EDITORIAL
Raise the Future | Rob Hoskins
If the only headline you ever read about the United States was “Florida Man Throws Alligator Into Wendy’s Drive-Thru Window”—based on an actual incident that occurred in October 2015—you would certainly have questions … and an incomplete representation of America. I can personally attest that my home state is more than “Alligator Alley.”
Yet, many people see a headline or two about a foreign country and come to conclusions based on limited information. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian novelist, warns that if we hear only a single story about another person or country, we risk a critical misunderstanding.
God made this magnificent world, and it’s a worthy endeavor to seek to understand more of the richness of a culture that is not your own. The global Christian church is a beautiful, diverse representation of what heaven will look like someday—brothers and sisters in Christ from every nation.
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, it’s more important than ever to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives that different cultures bring—and to increase your cultural IQ (CQ). A high CQ is imperative, whether you often venture out of the United States or don’t yet have a passport.
Growing up in a missionary family, I lived in a handful of countries. As an adult, I’ve visited dozens more. You can increase your CQ without jumping on a plane. Start with your local community:
1. Cultivate an inquisitive personality.
Cultivating an inquisitive personality starts with stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring new cultural experiences in your neighborhood. Visiting “foreign” markets, attending cultural events at your local library, or trying new foods can help you develop a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives. The more you engage with different cultures, the better you become at connecting with others and navigating diverse environments.
2. Approach growing in CQ with genuine humility.
Recognize there is always more to learn and discover. No one has all the answers, and often we aren’t even aware of what we have yet to discover. By staying open-minded and embracing a willingness to learn from others, you create opportunities for deeper understanding across cultures.
3. Listen intently.
Listen intently to people from different cultures to help you understand their perspectives and experiences more deeply. By practicing active listening, you build stronger connections and gain valuable insights. I recently talked with a team member in a country where Christians are often severely persecuted for their beliefs. Understanding his lived reality makes it easier to know how to pray for and support him through challenging times.
4. Read up.
I highly recommend you dive into Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress edited by Lawrence E. Harrison and Samuel P. Huntington. Culture influences every aspect of our lives. This book offers a deeper understanding of how beliefs and traditions influence progress. Reading this book will expand your awareness of cultural dynamics.
In the global church, understanding and appreciating diverse cultures is essential for meaningful fellowship. The journey of expanding our cultural intelligence deepens our ability to build bridges between cultures and understand the richness of God’s world.