Intercultural Competence and Undoing Racism at AMBS
At 911, we envision a learning community in which theological education is accessible to and welcoming of Christians of increasingly diverse traditions, ethnicities and racial identities to reflect more fully God’s purposes of unity and justice. Our institutional and interpersonal Intercultural Competence and Undoing Racism (ICUR) efforts, coordinated in part by ICUR staff, draw us closer to that reality.
Our ICUR staff
- Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, MA, ICUR coordinator and consultant
- Alicia Maldonado-Zahra, ICUR Associate Consultant (Intern)
- Daniel Nuertey, ICUR Assistant

Our approach
Intercultural competence
The ICUR staff’s understanding of intercultural competence aligns with that of Dr. Mitchell R. Hammer, creator of the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) and process. In that framework, intercultural competence is the ability to positively engage patterns of difference and commonality in values, beliefs and practice both within one’s cultural groups and across cultural groups. This competency is achieved through increasing “cultural self-awareness, understanding of the experiences of diverse communities, and the capability to adapt one’s mindset and behavior to bridge across differences.”
Undoing racism
The ICUR staff understands racism to be a type of social, institutional and interpersonal violence toward those categorized as non-White that results from and is perpetuated by the lie of White Supremacy. As a result, the work of undoing racism includes naming and challenging oppressive attitudes, practices and systems, and strengthening solidarity across the divisions caused by false racial categories. Because other types of discrimination and exclusion — sexism, classism, ableism and heterosexism, for example — overlap and are complicated by the reality of racism, the ICUR staff uses an approach Kimberlé Crenshaw called “intersectionality” to work toward greater equity and inclusion.
ICUR together
ICUR staff sees the intercultural competence portion of the work as a constructive task that creates communities that are not only diverse but also have relationships and systems that promote thriving, belonging, deep self-awareness and healthy engagement across that diversity. Meanwhile, undoing racism work is a dismantling task that reduces and removes barriers created by White supremacy so that power and shalom can be attained across so-called racial lines.
Our work
AMBS’s ICUR work builds on the foundation of the AMBS Damascus Road Antiracism Team, which began in the 1990s. Our efforts are both interpersonal and systemic in nature. Our commitment to this work involves pursuing changes in policies, practices and structures, and helping people become effective and compassionate agents of reconciliation across hostility and division. This work is essential for kingdom-building, so that we may be made one in Christ and bear witness through our love for one another; and for peacebuilding with other humans whom God has also made (Leviticus 19:18; John 17:19-26; Ephesians 2:11-19; Colossians 3:10-17).
Over several decades, ICUR work at AMBS has transformed the landscape of our learning community in significant ways. What was once a place where predominantly Mennonite men of traditional European backgrounds studied is becoming an increasingly global body of teachers and learners.
We have also increased our visibility locally and regionally. Some of our efforts have included:
- collaborating with the AMBS Institute of Mennonite Studies on the Benham West Project, documenting African American experiences of community, racism, displacement and hope in the City of Elkhart.
- integrating ICUR interviews into the hiring processes for faculty members and administrators.
- developing an ICUR external consulting arm to assist congregations, grassroots groups, organizations and others with their ICUR goals.
- conducting IDI assessments and accountability sessions with almost half of the AMBS employee base.
Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) assessment
The IDI is the primary tool that guides and measures our work in this area. Students enrolled in our graduate-level degree and certificate programs complete the assessment at the beginning of their studies and receive a plan for shifting their mindsets around diversity and increasing their skills in relating across cultures. In their final capstone or seminar course, students complete the IDI again to measure their growth. Doctor of Ministry students can also choose to have accountability conversations with a Qualified IDI Administrator to move forward on their plans and personal development.
ICUR Library Guide
The AMBS Library, in collaboration with ICUR staff, has organized a collection of materials on intercultural competence, undoing racism, intersectionality and other related topics. These resources support the seminary’s vision and strategic priorities. Some of these resources are available for use by alumni and .
AMBS IDI Qualified Administrators
- Henok Mekonin, MA
- David B. Miller, DMin
- Allan Rudy-Froese, PhD
- Julia Schmidt, MDiv
- Karl Stutzman, MLIS
- Leah Thomas, PhD