1. It coincides with the mission of the church
to reach every ethnic group with the gospel (Matthew 28:18–20). Knowing God has placed persons from other nations within the proximity of a local church invites a mission response from that church. “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26,27).2. It corresponds to the nature of the gospel
to reconcile the world in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:14–21; Galatians 3:28). Without partiality, the local church must reach out as ministers of reconciliation to those around them.
3. It concurs with the nature of the Church
to be a redemptive community reflecting the new humanity in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:11–22). The local church, with persons from various ethnicities and backgrounds in leadership positions, has the privilege of demonstrating how Christ’s work within them has removed the dividing walls of animosity and hatred.4. It conveys a picture of multicultural worship
that celebrates God’s “fearfully, and wonderfully made,” creations (psalm 139:14); because every nation, tribe, people, and language will worship together before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9–12).Here are 15 “Do-able” ways that you can naturally foster cultural diversity within your ministry. Be The Solution!
- 1. Hiring people of different ethnic and cultural heritage on Pastoral team
- 2. Hiring staff of different ethnic and cultural heritage
- 3. Presenting diversity on Worship Team from the platform (i.e. music leader)
- 4. Having people of diverse heritage and background on the Board of Elders
- 5. Hiring interns of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds
- 6. Encouraging a multi-racial church congregation
- 7. Developing cross cultural relationships within the community
- 8. Partnering with a sister church in the urban areas of the city
- 9. Staging a city-wide church swap where 3 or 4 participating churches of different races agree to go through the same series (pastors would collaborate) and each weekend the congregations are encouraged to visit a different church during the series. Promote a spirit of inclusion by integrating diverse cultural forms and expressions of worship into weekend schedule.
- 10. Hosting multi-cultural events
- 11. Creating small groups where the DVD series and teaching included different people of different churches. Participating churches would encourage their small groups to join together with small groups of other churches for the series.
- 12. Inviting other Pastors of different races to speak from your pulpit
- 13. Providing monies and assistance to the ministries that focus in this particular arena of diversity. (Example: Dream of Destiny)
- 14. Providing scholarship monies for Bible Colleges that are recruiting students of differing ethnic backgrounds.
- 15. Providing financial assistance to students that desire to go in to ministry, but attend a church other than your own. Reach out to neighboring churches to locate these young people that need sponsoring.
