I think I’ll start highlighting some slightly ‘out-there’ ideas I’ve been pondering over the next couple weeks. Here’s one.
I’ve spent the bulk of my church-life in ethnic churches. I’m a firm believer in the ethnic church and it’s role critical role in developing community, evangelism, identity, perspectives, etc. However, like many others in my generation, we struggle with also being a multi-ethnic church in a multi-ethnic culture.
While there is undoubtedly incredible diversity even within an ethnic community, there’s something indescribably beautiful about entering a community where the diversity is almost blatant.
Many of us have been there before, where we’ve invited, or wanted to invite a friend from a different, only to find that the whole ‘race-thing’ can become just one more barrier to Christ.
So the big question is how on earth do you transition a church that’s mono-ethnic into a multi-ethnic church?
Here’s one simple idea I’ve been bouncing around…
We declare a month where everyone commits to bringing someone who’s not like themselves.
This way no one feels awkward, no one knows it’s an ethnic church
In a month’s time you’re a completely different church!
What do you think? Too radical? Too naive? I know there are other factors and issues such as multiethnic staffing/leadership, integration, etc. I’d love to know what people think.
(I know multiculturalism is the even bigger issue, but one thing at a time folks…)
{ 2 comments }
