All the Colors of the Rainbow
Why do we find multi-cultural worship so difficult. Here we are in the first decade of the 21st century, and yet Sunday mornings are still the most segregated hours in America! What a shame. What a sin. What are we going to do about it?
1. Be Proactive: Connect personally with someone of a different ethnic background.
2. Be Intentional: Influence your church leadership and members to purposefully build cross-cultural bridges.
3. Be Educated: Read excellent works on multicultural churches like those of David Anderson.
4. Be Brave: Don’t expect everyone to support you. Do expect some to subvert you.
5. Be Thrilled: Nothing thrills the soul more than worship of every tribe, nation, and tongue. Just ask God in Revelation 5!
Doctor K.;
Thank you for your insights and simple steps to take a church in the multi-cultural direction. In our area, I am noticing many hispanics. I would love to reach this community for Christ, however, there is a language barrier with which we are ill-equipped to address.
How then should a small rural church respond? Should we assume that a Spanish language ministry is appropriate and seek God’s help with our shortcomings (no one able to speak Spanish) or should we reach out in English, and accept what would probably be a limited impact?
-Mark
Pastor Mark,
Great question and great sensitivity. Of course, there is no easy answer. Intentionality is the key and you are being intentional and purposeful in reaching out across cultures. Certainly begin by praying. Also, be sure to be involved in “change management” with your congregation–cast a vision of multicultural ministry and help your congregation to catch that vision.
Specifically, either options or both could be effective and God-led. You can cast the vision for a Spanish language ministry and seek God’s leading for the right person. You could also reach out in English. Assuming your efforts result in fruit, some of those you reached out to could become future leaders of your Spanish-speaking ministry!