By Rev. Lisa Talbott
I am excited to introduce a dedicated and gifted cohort of Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) Qualified Administrators who will be serving United Methodist churches, ministries, boards, and agencies across the Greater Northwest Area. These leaders bring with them not only training and experience in guiding intercultural growth but also a heartfelt commitment to building beloved community in all its diversity.
As the Greater Northwest continues to be shaped by cultural shifts and demographic changes, we recognize the opportunity—and responsibility—before us: to grow in our capacity for authentic cross-cultural relationships rooted in mutual respect, humility, and grace. One vital way we are doing that is by supporting clergy and congregations engaged in cross-racial and cross-cultural appointments. These new IDI Qualified Administrators will play a central role in that support.
The Intercultural Development Inventory is a widely respected tool that helps individuals and groups understand how they navigate cultural differences and how they can grow toward deeper intercultural competence. Our new administrators have undergone formation through the GNW Equity Cohorts and Qualified Administrator training, and they are prepared not only to administer the IDI but also to walk alongside pastors and church leaders in interpreting results, setting goals, and fostering practices that lead to greater cultural humility and effectiveness in ministry.
This work begins with relationship. Each administrator brings not only professional skill but also lived experience and a compassionate presence. They understand that cross-cultural ministry is sacred work—beautiful, challenging, and transformational. They will begin their work by focusing on incoming pastors and congregations who are beginning cross-racial or cross-cultural appointments, offering tools for understanding, conversation, and spiritual growth. This will kick off with Zoom overviews on May 27 with the incoming pastors and the key laity from congregations receiving cross-racial / cross-cultural appointments. These will be followed by in-person trainings with an IDI Qualified Administrator at each of the churches, which will include follow-up support.
These leaders will help us ask important questions:
- What does it mean to truly welcome one another across differences?
- How can we listen deeply and respond with love, even when uncomfortable?
- What skills can we cultivate to improve our communication and conflict management?
- What might the Spirit be teaching us through the diversity of God’s people?
This effort is not about a one-time workshop or a checklist. It’s about building a culture of curiosity, courage, and care—where every person is valued and every voice can be heard. It’s about becoming more Christlike as we live into our baptismal vows to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.
Let us receive this new cohort with joy and commit ourselves—again and again—to the holy work of justice, reconciliation, and love. May the Spirit move among us, and may our churches be places where all God’s children can thrive.
Rev. Lisa Talbott serves as Greater Northwest Assistant to the Bishop for Equity & Intercultural Competency. She is also completing an appointment as pastor with the people of Homer United Methodist Church in June of 2025.
