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October 2024
Advanced Culture Course for Veteran Missionaries
​At the request of one of our partnering missions, CultureBound is now offering an Advanced Culture Course. It is designed for people who have cross-cultural experiences and who already know some of the "nuts and bolts" of working across cultures. We are able to go deeper with these kinds of Culture Learners, helping them develop the skills to better understand the cultures they have been sent to. We have two veteran missionaries in our current Advanced Course, learning how to find the patterns of thought, behavior, and communication within an unfamiliar culture.
Releasing New CB+ Series on Understanding Common Cultural Differences
We are excited to release our new free CB+ series on Understanding Common Cultural Differences. This series covers essential topics such as Individualism & Collectivism, High & Low Context, Indulgence & Restraint, Short-Term & Long-Term Orientation, and Masculinity & Femininity. Our goal is to enhance your understanding of diverse cultural dynamics, allowing for more effective communication with the people you're serving in your ministry and life.
"Bonus" Language Course is Open for Registration!
Join us for our exciting "bonus" language course, still open for registration! Running from October 21-25, this is your last opportunity to participate in our group language course this year. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your language learning skills. If you're interested, please reach out to our training coordinator at trainingcoordinator@culturebound.org.
Consider Becoming a Monthly Donor for 2025!
Join us as we embark on a new financial year at CultureBound! We are seeking more donors to help us continue in training our US missionaries and building mission training for our Majority World Partners through Chapters. If you're already a donor, we encourage you to spread the word about our impactful work. Click here for a PDF copy to share with your friends and churches, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or ideas to help us further our mission!
September 2024
6 Bridges Workshop for CEF
CultureBound is conducting a training workshop once again with CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship) in Salem, OR.
6 Bridges Workshop, hosted by Dr. Mark Hedinger, has received positive feedback from a previous training with Refuge KC. This workshop is perfect for local churches or Christian organizations involved in intercultural ministry or outreach missions. Click here for more information about our new church course, 6 Bridges Workshop.
A Conversation of Trainers that Leads to Growth
CultureBound had the privilege of participating in a recent IMTN (International Missionary Training Network) Conversation on August 29th. The topic of the meeting was "Shaping the Direction of Intercultural Ministry Training and the IMTN Together." Dr. Mark Hedinger, one of the IMTN coordinators, joined a team of trainers from around the world to discuss the current state of intercultural ministry and training, as well as new opportunities and challenges in the field.
New Financial Year Starts This Month
Great news! CultureBound's financial year is coming to a close and we are excited to start fresh in September. We want to express our gratitude to our faithful donors and kindly ask for your continued support to help us kick off the new financial year strength. Thank you for being a part of our mission!
Annual CultureBound Board Retreat
We are pleased to inform you that CultureBound's Board members are gathering in Portland for their annual retreat in September. This event provides an excellent opportunity for our Board members to reflect on the past year and chart a new course for the upcoming year's training and direction. We are grateful for their unwavering commitment and service to our ministry.
We're Offering Language Course in October
For those who missed the September language group course, we are conducting another language group course from October 21 - 25, which is the last language group course for 2024 and now open for registration. Please contact our training coordinator for further assistance!
Check out our 2025 Training Opportunities
We are excited to share that the dates for our group training in 2025 have been officially announced. To learn more about our culture and language group training, please visit the Missions Course page. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our training coordinator.
August 2024
July Culture Course Ends Successfully
CultureBound had a Culture Course in July and August for participants from three mission agencies who are heading to serve God and His church on three continents. The course taught them how to learn and adapt the normal ways of life in their destination countries. One of the students told us that she appreciated having a framework and model for entering a new culture that could be applied anywhere. If you're interested in learning more about our culture group course, please get in touch with us.
Custom Language Course Joined from Asia
CultureBound organized a Custom Language Course during the first week of August to cater to the needs of a language learner who was in Asia and could not attend the group courses. CultureBound offers customized courses for individuals who are unable to participate group trainings in culture and/or language due to different reasons. If you require specialized training, feel free to explore our training by connecting with us today!
Language Course Registration is Open for September Training
Looking to learn a new language in a self-directed way? Our language group course is perfect for you! Join us from September 9-13 and equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed for mission-specific ministry. Registration is still open, so sign up now to secure your spot!
6 Bridges Workshop for Local Churches
We are thrilled to share that Dr. Mark Hedinger will be leading a workshop called "6 Bridges" from August 22-24. The workshop aims to prepare local churches for intercultural ministry through three main sessions covering biblical foundations, cultural bridges, and practical application. Check out the workshop interview by a Refuge KC representative below to understand the significance of this training for gospel workers in intercultural ministry contexts. If your church or mission organization is interested in the 6 Bridges Workshop, please contact us to get started.
July 2024
July Culture Training is Still Open for Registration
CultureBound is offering Culture Course from July 29-August 2 for those are planning or already in the field for their long-term missions to share the gospel in different cultures and languages. This training is designed for group learning with other missionaries. Contact us to schedule a virtual meeting to see if this training fits your needs or to inquire about other available trainings.
Training Opportunities in 2025
In the next few months, CultureBound will be planning a new training calendar for 2025. If you're a training director or coordinator of a mission agency and would like to schedule culture and language training with us, customized for your future appointees, please contact us to start this conversation. We're thrilled to partner with any mission organizations to train missionaries and enhance their intercultural competence through a relational lens. You can contact our training coordinator about scheduling training for 2025.
"Getting to Know the Stranger" at RefugeKC
CultureBound is excited to host a workshop titled "Getting to Know the Stranger" for RefugeKC from August 22-24. RefugeKC is a Christian ministry that welcomes refugees and mobilizes local churches to serve those who settle in Kansas City. The workshop will focus on exploring cultural differences and encouraging staff and volunteers to serve refugees through relationship building.
Releasing More Free CB+ Series
Great news! CultureBound offers a variety of free short courses on topics like American Patterns and Understanding Common Cultural Differences. Whether you're ministering to people of different cultures or supporting your missionaries through your local church, our resources and insights can help you build relationships with all people and anywhere God has placed you. Visit our training site to check out one of our free series that might be relevant to you.
June 2024
CultureBound Joins the IMTN Conversation
CultureBound is proud to be partners with the International Missionary Training Network (IMTN) for many years, where Dr. Mark Hedinger is serving as one of the group's leadership team. IMTN is a global network of missionary trainers that shares resources and help other Christian educators to engage in dialogue on subjects related to missionary training. During the recent the Conversation, Bennie Wolvaardt, President of Veritas College International, presented his article "Competency-based Theological Education." We are grateful for being part of this amazing network to help Gospel workers with new ideas and resources. To learn more about IMTN, visit their website or contact us with questions.
Culture Course is Coming Soon
Great news! Our next group training for Culture Course is scheduled for July 29 - August 2. You can find all the information on our website or click here for a quick scan. If you're unable to join due to schedule conflicts or would like a customized training to meet your specific needs, please contact us - we're happy to assist you! And don't forget to spread the word about this amazing training opportunity.
Language Acquisition with Crossworld
We are excited to continue our collaboration with Crossworld in the area of language acquisition. We will be talking about language learning with people who are considering joining the organization. Dr. Karen Hedinger will discuss learning styles, strengths, and potential challenges in language learning with each individual. We are looking forward to working with approximately 20 people this June.
CultureBound Chapters Community
We are thrilled to introduce Chapters Community on our website. This is an online community established to facilitate the support of our Chapters across diverse geographical areas. Here, each Chapter has its designated group space, where members can interact and share files, photos, and other pertinent materials with CultureBound. Additionally, all Chapter-related announcements will be centrally posted here. We encourage our Chapter members to utilize this community as a valuable resource. If you have any questions for would like to become a member of this online community, please contact us.
May 2024
Chapters Training in Mexico
Mark and Karen Hedinger were at Rancho El Camino outside of La Paz, Baja California, Mexico from April 21 – 28. The purpose was to work with a mission training outreach that is just getting started. The mission training center is called ELIM, meaning Equipando Lideres e Iglesias para Misiones (Equipping Leaders and Churches for Mission). The results of the trip are so very encouraging! We see a long, healthy partnership between CultureBound and ELIM. We are also excited to partner together to train Latin American missionaries who are leaving their homes to go to unreached and under-churched parts of the world. We envision a network of mission training centers which use CultureBound’s approaches and which encourage one another through online interaction. CultureBound is honored to be part of equipping and multiplying new missionaries from Mexico and Latin America.
Language Course in May
Our language training is off to a good start, which is already happening this week of May. We are delighted to welcome six students from diverse locations who have enrolled in our language acquisition course, which spans over five days. Our next group training for language course is scheduled for September 9-13. Please spread word about our language training and click here to learn more about our group language program.
CAST Training for Short-Term Missions
We are excited to announce that we recently conducted a customized CAST training for a short-term team in Toronto, Canada, who will be traveling to SE Asia. During the training, we emphasized the importance of going as learners and provided them with tools to help them observe and learn from the people in the new culture. This training was conducted online and tailored to meet the unique needs of the team. While we typically suggest CAST onsite or CAMP online training for short-term missions, we are always happy to provide customized training to ensure the best possible experience for our trainees.
A Coffee Break with CultureBound
We are thrilled to express our gratitude for our donors for their unwavering towards CultureBound. Their prayers and financial contributions have enabled us to prepare over 200 individuals to cross cultures and languages for the sake of the Gospel this year. We understand that it takes a team effort to provide and direct the ongoing work of CultureBound, not only to Tanzania but to Central and South American missions and to a growing network of US churches and agencies. We would like to invite you to engage with us through meal-gatherings or a coffee break near future. If you are a donor, please contact Mark Hedinger (mark.hedinger@culturebound.org) to schedule a virtual or in-person meeting to hear what God is doing with CultureBound and how you are part of this mission.
April 2024
When Cultures Meet
CultureBound had the privilege to join the regional gathering of Child Evangelism Fellowship in Portland, OR. Dr. Mark was a plenary speaker talking about how to recognize and interact across cultural differences with the children and families we serve. We also had good conversations with fellow workers who are teaching clubs that immigrant children are attending.
Culture Course in April
Great news! Our group training for culture course is scheduled for the second week of April. We also have a language course coming up on May 6-10, which is open for registration. Additionally, we have culture training available this summer for short-term mission teams, TCKs, and families who need culture learning for their children. Don't miss out on this opportunity and sign up for training today!
Upcoming Chapter in Mexico
We are excited to announce that we will be sharing our training resources with Rancho El Camino and their affiliates at the end of April. Our resources will be of great help to them as they work in a multi-cultural setting, invite interns from around the world, and train believers in Mexican churches to go to cross-cultural harvest fields. To learn more about their mission, click here.
We need your Input!
We prioritize providing top-quality training to our trainees, which is why we always strive to stay in tune with their needs and expectations regarding our culture and language training. If you have previously taken our training or encountered our training materials, we would greatly appreciate your feedback on any areas that need improvement or clarification. By sharing your thoughts, you will not only be supporting our ministry but also joining our mission: to see the world teeming with Jesus’ followers who are skilled at taking His Message into cultures and languages that are different from their own. Please click here to to share your valuable input.
March 2024
Tanzania Chapters Training
CultureBound’s first Chapters training surpassed our expectations and excitement! This training event was the first time in the 115-year history of AICT that all of the senior leaders gathered to consider their role in world mission. Dr. Mark Hedinger was the primary speaker, along with other speakers. This trip provided a powerful opportunity to see the impact of CultureBound’s Chapters. The purpose of multiplying Gospel workers to the unreached was clearly in view. We praise God for the opportunity to witness His work among the AICT churches and pray that He would open more doors for CultureBound to train those who skillfully and relationally engage the very heart and soul of the people they serve through fluency in their cultures and languages. You can sign up here to receive Chapters Updates.
Training for New Mission Agency
We're excited to announce our upcoming collaboration with a new mission agency to tailor custom training for their team. As the demand for high-quality yet cost-effective training options continues to grow among mission agencies, we're pleased to offer both. Our training stands out for its flexibility, providing practical guidance and tools that resonate with our trainees in the field. Along with our next group training for cultural course in April 8-12 and language course in May 6-10, we'll be dedicated to expanding our calendar with more custom training opportunities designed for mission agencies.
CEF's Super Saturday
CultureBound will be present at the regional gathering of Child Evangelism Fellowship in Portland, Oregon on March 23rd. Dr. Mark Hedinger is joining as a guest speaker, with a presentation on building bridges to other cultures. Click here to learn more about CEF ministries. If you're interested in having the CultureBound training team speak at your seminar or conference, reach out to us today!
Launching new culture training
We're excited to introduce the Culture Tree Project for TCKs, a specialized culture training designed for Third Culture Kids. This training has been eagerly anticipated and requested by many missionaries and mission training organizations in the past. Tailored to the unique needs of TCKs, this modified version of our culture learning materials provides invaluable guidance and tools. It empowers teens and young adults not only to adapt to new environments but also to learn to integrate their cultural heritage with the cultures they encounter.
This training will equip TCKs to thrive in their relationships with self, God, and others.
February 2024
Chapters Training in Tanzania
Our first Chapter training is taking place soon in Tanzania! Dr. Mark Hedinger will lead workshops training the trainers in mid February for about two weeks. Please pray for safety in travel, financial support, and above all that the assembled leaders will see the need and the approach to training; so that the African Inland Church Tanzania (AICT) can train their own people effectively. This will be the first of several planned trips this year to establish Chapters. You can learn more about Chapters here.
February Language Course
The February Language Course was fruitful and thoroughly enjoyable. The trainees learned about and experienced relational language learning as they grasped new attitudes, skills, and knowledge (A.S.K.) and prayerfully incorporated them into language lessons they carried out with speakers of their new language. We all thanked the Lord for His leading throughout the week.
Training with CEF
We had the privilege of spending two hours with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) workers who are conducting Good News clubs in apartment complexes full of families from around the world. What an opportunity! What a challenge! After listening to some of the challenges, we discussed a few key cultural differences including the way people think, feel, and communicate. Together with the group, we came up with some ideas and suggestions that could help them understand and interact more effectively with children and parents. CultureBound trainers will be participating in a bigger CEF conference in March.
New Trainings in Production
Our primary training objective is to help trainees acquire A.S.K. in learning a new culture and language through relationships while they engage in unfamiliar environments. In alignment with this goal, we constantly enhance our training curriculum to refine our relational approach. We are pleased to share that several core courses are currently in development. We are almost ready to launch a culture course specifically tailored for Third Culture Kids (TCKs). Additionally, we are actively producing an expanded CB+ series encompassing diverse topics. We kindly request your prayers and encourage you to stay tuned for our forthcoming training materials.
January 2024
Chapters Updates
The Chapters are continually growing as we have in-person training dates set for Tanzania (February), Mexico (May), and Panama (July). Our Chapters training will be designed for Sending Chapters - the trainers in partner organizations and Support Chapters - churches and other organizations who are interested in training their people for outreach ministry. In the upcoming months, our staff will be directing their efforts toward developing curriculum and executing the establishment of our Chapters. Check out our latest video featuring insights from our partner in Panama, sharing the significance of Chapters.
Mission Connexion 2024
From Jan. 19-20, CultureBound staff will host an exhibit table at Mission Connnexion North West. Dr. Mark Hedinger will be leading a workshop for the Short-Term Mission Connexion that meets at the same time as the larger, general Mission Connexion. Click here to learn more about Mission Connexion.
Our January Training
The January Culture Course, scheduled from January 8 to 12, is currently underway. We have our Language Course ready to begin during the week of January 29. The next Group Training for long-term missionaries will be April 8-12 (culture) and May 6-10 (language). While customized training caters to individual needs, these group trainings serve as the cornerstone, promoting collaborative learning and offering practical experiences through field trips and learning community. For additional information, click here.
Matching gift met!
We're pleased to announce that our End-of-Year donation campaign for establishing CultureBound Chapters has surpassed the $7,000 mark last month! With the inclusion of a matching gift, the total funds allocated for multiplying our Chapters exceed $14,000. We are still working toward a total of $20,000, which comprises the full budget that we expect for the first year of Chapters ministry. We thank God and all the generous givers who have joined us in this mission!
Thank You, Our Donors!
We send our wishes for God's blessings for 2024, especially to those who have joined our mission as donors. Donor Statements will be sent out mid-January via email. Paper statements will be mailed to those opted in. We appreciate your gifts and prayers!
Happy New Year!
We express gratitude to God for the various training opportunities and relationships that enable us to collaborate for the advancement of His Kingdom. In reflecting on the growth and expansion of training initiatives through Chapters in 2023, we anticipate an ongoing commitment to serving the Lord. Our focus remains on equipping individuals sent to us by Him, ensuring that the gospel is preached in every corner of the earth.
December 2023
CultureBound's Next Chapter in Baja California
We are happy to announce that we are equipping Rancho El Camino to be a CultureBound Chapter next year. This means that they will use CultureBound’s training approach to equip local Gospel workers in Mexico. Check out this video where we share why we believe this is such a strategic Gospel opportunity.
Renewing Annual Accreditation with the ECFA
CultureBound has renewed our annual accreditation with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) for 2024. You can view our accreditation here.
Introducing CultureBound's Next Chapter
CultureBound is at a turning point. For the last 15 years, we have been equipping Gospel workers to be effective in the language and culture they are going to. Now, we are multiplying through CultureBound Chapters by training trainers throughout the world. Each Chapter is a local ministry that shares the same goal of crossing cultures with the Gospel. They will accomplish this goal using our materials and training approach. Each location will be equipped to multiply workers from their own regions. Check out this video for more details.
We're Becoming More Agile
In October and November, CultureBound conducted both our Culture Course and Language Course in two different formats. We did our week-long group training on the scheduled weeks. We also had a custom language training for someone in Asia who would not have been able to attend the group training because of time zone differences. There were others who could not take off work for a week, so we met once a week for five weeks. One of our core values at CultureBound is agility. We can adapt to trainees' needs and situations.
Announcing Group Training for Culture & Language in 2024
We'll be launching our group training for Culture and Language courses starting this January! At the core of our mission is our commitment to providing foundational courses for long-term service to increase the effectiveness of Gospel ministry by facilitating intercultural understanding. Our dedicated team of trainers is ready to guide you through these transformative courses. Save the Dates! For more information, click here.
Culture Courses
January 8th - 12th
April 8th - 12th
July 29th - August 2nd
Language Courses
January 29th - February 2nd
May 6th - May 10th
September 9th - 13th
Monthly Updates
We're excited to share with you what's happening at CultureBound here on our website. Stay tuned for all the good things God is doing through CultureBound!