How to translate this into thinking and acting differently is a challenge. God calls people to work in other cultures and to be committed to their own communities. Neither should be an escape from the other, but individuals may be called to one more than the other. Congregations need to take practical steps to be in connection with Christian churches and mission in other places as well as with mission in their own community. Inclination and a sense of call to global mission are vitally important, but if there is inadequate training and a lack of cultural sensitivity people are likely to do more harm than good.
Enthusiastic insensitivity is as much a problem as indifference.
Positive attitudes towards ethnic groups in New Zealand are a good test of ability to relate to other cultures overseas. Training is needed for Mission Committee members of Congregations, and those who for a shorter or longer term wish to serve with a church or mission agency. There are a range of theological outlooks and styles in mission, and it is important to work with groups where differences of opinion, however creative, are not a cause of friction. Cross-cultural work is stressful enough without buying into conflict that can be avoided. Differences which actually cause problems are often about personality, lifestyle and culture more than theology.