What is IDI?
The Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) is a widely used, research-based assessment tool that helps individuals and groups better understand how they experience and engage with cultural differences.
Unlike a test with right or wrong answers, the IDI is a learning tool — designed to increase self-awareness, improve cross-cultural communication, and develop greater effectiveness as leaders across diverse contexts.
Key Facts
- ✦ Completed online — takes approximately 15–20 minutes
- ✦ Individual results are confidential and used for personal learning
- ✦ Group results guide collective leadership development
- ✦ Administered by a certified IDI facilitator
The IDI measures where individuals and groups fall along the Intercultural Development Continuum — a framework that describes how people move from monocultural mindsets (Denial, Polarization, Minimization) toward intercultural ones (Acceptance and Adaptation).
Why IDI?
The Presbyterian Church (USA) calls all Councils of the church to develop anti-racism policies and cultivate practices of Radical Welcome. The IDI is a proven first step toward both.
In our Presbytery Council Retreat, we named Radical Welcome as a high value in our common life — and committed to developing practices that would move us concretely toward that goal. The IDI gives us a shared language and starting point.
Self-Awareness
Understand your own cultural lens and its impact on leadership and relationship.
Stronger Relationships
Build deeper trust and communication within Presbytery leadership teams.
Cultural Humility
Develop genuine openness to perspectives different from your own.
Effective Ministry
Lead more effectively across the diverse communities our churches serve.
The IDI is not about blame or judgment — it is about growth. It invites us into honest self-reflection so that we can show up more faithfully for one another and for the communities we are called to serve.
IDI for a Better Church
The Church exists to be a community where every person is welcomed, respected, and invited to participate — regardless of race, culture, or background. Yet good intentions are not enough. The IDI gives us a map.
"I believe this process can help us continue building a healthier, more faithful, and more connected Presbytery community."
As a certified IDI facilitator, Rev. Sam Kim walks church leaders, councils, and congregations through the inventory and debrief process — helping communities move from awareness to action.
How IDI Strengthens the Church
- →Equips leaders to navigate cultural differences with greater skill and grace
- →Creates shared vocabulary for talking about race, culture, and belonging
- →Guides the development of anti-racism policies grounded in real data
- →Supports church planting and ministry in diverse communities
- →Builds the intercultural competency needed for authentic Radical Welcome
Whether you are a congregation discerning its next chapter, a presbytery council building a culture of belonging, or an individual leader seeking to grow — the IDI is an invitation to become the church we are called to be.
Interested in IDI for your community?
Rev. Sam Kim is available as a certified IDI facilitator for congregations, councils, and leadership teams.
Get in touch →