Learning from Intercultural Development: ID Inventory Resource

Lucy Rucathi was born and raised in Kenya and felt the calling to ministry early in her youth. She served for a few years at a church before starting her theological studies at Moffat Bible College in Kijabe. She is currently enrolled in the masters of Divinity Program at Calvin Theological seminary in Michigan.

Last year, Rucathi took the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment because she was interested in communicating and connecting better with people from different cultures. At the time she was worshiping and working as an intern in a cross cultural church, which also inspired her interest.

Used as a comprehensive tool for assessing and developing intercultural competence, the IDI is essential for effectively engaging in a multicultural church environment or in a diversity setting. It's utilized across various sectors for enhancing cultural understanding.

“The IDI resource provided valuable insights to me especially about my intercultural competence.  Having come from a monoculture I was able to realize where I am in the continuum.” Rucathi explained. “So far I have been working on the areas where I overestimated or underestimated because there is beauty and great value in the differences.”

“In my ministry setting, IDI resources have helped to improve my communication and connecting skills with people from different backgrounds.”

Taking the assessment also helped Rucathi in her studies. “Through this [assessment] I have understood that a healthy community requires understanding and appreciating.This doesn't mean agreeing in everything but respecting and learning the story of other cultures (experiences) that others share.” She added, “I have appreciated the joy of learning not only from books but through listening. This is shaping me to be a better and sensitive leader.”

If you are interested in learning more about the IDI, contact: Idella Winfield at Iwinfield@crcna.org