Domestic Church Visitation Policy

In an effort to experience a rich cross-cultural exchange in a religious setting a student may wish to visit local or neighborhood churches whose members follow traditional cultural norms which are substantially different from their own. The essence of this encounter is to ensure students are thrust into an experience that differs significantly from their own on an ethnic, cultural and where possible language level.

1. Duration- The student will spend a minimum of 45 hours during a 15 week semester or
   summer term interacting with a domestic church whose culture is significantly different from their own. This model is based upon a typical one credit-hour internship experience requirement. Participants may attend Sunday school, worship services, Bible studies, youth rallies, revivals, and/or special church functions or programs. Additionally, visits to homes of church members and activities outside of the church services are encouraged as part of the experience.
    

2. Intensity- The student will be required to keep a log of visitation hours which serves to
   enhance accountability and build intensity into the cross-cultural study. The hours log form is included in the course assignment syllabus. The student must identify themselves to the congregation as well as their intentions for attending.
    

3. Interaction- The student must engage in conversation with members of the congregation, observe body language, conduct interviews, participate in church activities, and reflect on his/her experiences. The congregation should not be watched from a distance and treated as mere specimens. Students should inquire as to the mission, goals, and vision of the church and record this within their Journal. Volunteering time at the church may be necessary to increase interaction.
    

4. Sensitivity- The student should review information from the GNST 200 Global Perspectives
   Seminar to ensure they do not offend church members through insensitivity or criticism of worship styles that may differ from their own. Students should conduct research on the faith tradition in question and its attendant taboos prior to conducting the experience. Strict attention to items of dress, speech, posture, demeanor, interaction with older adults, roles of women and children, etc. requires the careful consideration of the student.
    

5. Awareness- The student should discuss with a member of the pastoral team the role of the
   church in the area of cultural awareness, its diversity, and the roles of men, women, and children within the culture. This discussion may cause you to examine how this culture is similar to or differs from your own in these areas and should serve to enrich both your experience, as well as those with whom you have chosen to interact.