Cultural Intelligence

December 15, 2008
This engaging book seeks to tackle the challenges of cross-cultural interaction in the context of Christian ministry. Livermore, an expert in intercultural studies, urges his readers to “become more multicultural people so that we might better express love cross-culturally.” While most works on cross-cultural ministry seek to teach their readers about other cultures they may encounter, Livermore’s book contends that preparation for cross-cultural ministry depends on an inward investigation and transformation. This is what he calls developing one’s Cultural Intelligence quotient, and the book explores the knowledge, interpretations and behavior one must develop to heighten one’s CQ. While grounded in both theory and theology, the strength of this book comes from the many vignettes from Livermore’s personal experience in such places as Singapore, India and Cambodia. Questions throughout and a self-assessment test in the appendix give the book an interactive feel, drawing the reader into self-examination and application of the book’s lessons. Though the book is written for Baker’s youth ministry series, all who are interested in the question of cross-cultural ministry will profit from its information and advice.