Ethnicity

What does it mean for the church of Jesus Christ to live and do mission in a multicultural and multiethnic
world? As we proceed into the twenty-first century, that is a question which evangelicals must increasingly face. Modern means of communication and the emerging world economy have transformed our world from a set of self-contained tribes and nations into a global city. Our world, our nation, and our communities are rapidly changing around us. Globalization means that immigrants and refugees are bringing their customs and traditions right to our Western doorsteps. More than ever before, the nations are a mosaic of different ethnicities. They are nations within nations.

People gathering from so many cultures, backgrounds, and nationalities can pose a challenge for the pastor because racial and ethnic diversity brings a diversity of expectations, cultural norms, and religious traditions. How does a pastor lead a church made up of people from every tribe and nation?

Although the multicultural church and pastor will highlight and celebrate its diversity periodically, it is not wise to emphasize it too often. Rather, the pastor needs to look for truly meaningful ways to celebrate the church’s diversity. For example, a missions banquet can focus on a particular part of the world by having people from various nations lead it. Musical presentations can represent a particular ethnic/national group within the congregation. Have someone from the various languages represented read Scripture. These are just a few ways of celebrating a church’s diversity without making it appear contrived. Of course, everyone loves an international potluck.

The multicultural pastor should not allow any one cultural, ethnic, or racial group to dominate the church’s style of ministry (e.g. music, structure, or forms of prayer). Rather, the church’s style of ministry needs to remain broad enough to minister to all people groups represented. However, some individuals may leave the church in favor of a place of worship that is more connected to their culture or language. However, the majority of people who are part of a multicultural church are there because they appreciate being part of something larger than their own culture. Families in a multicultural church are interested in their children learning to appreciate what it means to be part of a larger culture. The multicultural church must do all it can to create an inclusive culture — i.e. one in which every people group feels welcome.

Another way to show respect for different racial and ethnic groups is to regularly pray publicly for their native country. Periodically our prayer meetings focus on praying for various parts of the world. People are blessed to know that their pastor and church are praying for their nation of origin. Should one of those nations experience a natural disaster or war, it is important for the pastor to lead the church, not only in prayer, but also in sending material help.

The pastor must be careful not to assume that because people come from the same nation they are all the same ethnically or culturally. For a time I did not realize that some of the people in our church from West Africa came from tribes that had been at war with each other. The same was true of people in the congregation from Sri Lanka. Not only did the two ethnic groups speak different languages, they had been at war with each for many years over control of the nation. It was my responsibility to unite all peoples under a larger banner — the banner of Christ.

I’m reminded that multicultural differences exist even when people of different racial and ethnic groups are born in North America. This affects the types of illustrations I use in my preaching, how much background information I give when describing a particular situation, and the kinds of assumptions I make of people as I prepare my sermons.

People of similar ethnic/national/language backgrounds are naturally attracted to each other and will form friendships more easily. The relationships they develop with others of similar language and ethnicities keeps them tied to the church and helps bring others of similar background into the church. This flocking together helps the church to grow and fulfill its mission as a multicultural church.

The pastor and/or leadership will need to determine when, or if, it is strategically appropriate to allow a particular ethnic/language group to form its own Bible study or home fellowship group. Reasons for allowing such groups to form may include common language issues related to Bible study, prayer, and the ease of connecting with others for the purpose of evangelism and discipleship. These issues will need to be worked through with great sensitivity to all involved. In the end, however, the church’s overall health must remain primary.

Many churches rely on visuals (e.g. videos, PowerPoint presentations, web sites, bulletins, etc.) to communicate its message or deliver announcements. It is important to include pictures that show ethnic and racial diversity. I use videos to highlight various holidays like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, and Christmas. These videos reflect the diversity of people in the church. We are also careful to use appropriate pictures of people on our web site, mailers, bulletin covers, etc. that represent the diversity in the church.

One of the most important aspects of a truly multicultural church is the diversity of those in leadership and platform ministry. This does not happen best by setting quotas. It happens by providing opportunities for all who are part of the church to be involved in every aspect of church life. As opportunities for leadership are available to all who attend the church, choose based on gifts and God-given talents, rather than skin color or racial/ethnic background. A natural process will bring diversity to the church board, those who speak from the pulpit, those who participate on worship teams, sing in the choir, and lead the church’s ministries. God has gifted people of every shade of color to administer His gifts to the church.

Ethnicity Matters