2022 Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Workshop 

June 4, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Virtually on ZOOM  

At the 2017 Annual Conference Session, GNJ approved a 10-year intercultural competency plan that will develop laity and clergy so that we continue to strengthen and grow diversity, inclusion and collaboration in our local churches, communities and GNJ. A Journey of Hope plan approved at the 2020 Annual Conference serves to deepen and integrate this intercultural competency work.  

As a part of this commitment, we are offering a Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Workshop for those pastors and churches who are receiving a cross-racial and/or cross-cultural appointment starting on July 1, 2022. The workshop will be held on June 4, 2022 virtually on ZOOM from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

The intent of our gathering is to provide pastors and laity with the awareness of barriers, challenges and blessings of cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments, as well as to build new skill sets and learn how to welcome and embrace a new pastor. Congregations have been specially invited to attend the Cross-Racial and Cross-Cultural Workshop. 

The agenda of the day will invite participants to:

  • Discover cultural competency and its biblical framework
  • Connect with leaders who also serve in cross-racial/cross-cultural appointments
  • Explore the resource called “Learning from Stranger”
  • Discern congregational next steps

Each church should assemble a team of four people, including the pastor, to attend the training. Team members may include the associate pastor, lay leader, representatives from the pastor/staff parish relations committee, finance, trustees, or a young person from the congregation. 

Incoming pastor or the pastor parish chairperson should register the team of four. The deadline for registration is June 1st. Early registration is encouraged.  

The ZOOM link will be provided to you the week of the event.  

For more information on Cross Racial – Cross Cultural Appointments, review GCORR’s Learning from Strangers click here. Click here for a news article.