Acts 17 describes Paul’s experience as a Hebrew successfully bridging a cultural divide in order to minister to the Greek citizens of Athens. Paul’s spirit was sensitized to the spiritual needs of the Athenians, and he was schooled in their cultural norms. He was able to dialogue skillfully with the Athenians in their own language and from their own vantage point by calling on the cultural knowledge he had previously obtained.

As a conference minister in our increasingly diverse and pluralistic society, I have numerous similar opportunities to minister to people from different cultures. This sabbatical will provide the occasion to deepen my spiritual sensitivity, and the training to communicate effectively across a cultural divide. In particular, the sabbatical will help bridge the cultural gap between myself and Hispanic persons, with whom I work closely in my ministry.