A multiethnic ministry does not just happen. It requires gospel-formed intentionality and sacrifice. It is made possible by Christ’s identity-transforming love and Spirit-enabled unity.

... in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria

It took a deep gospel-work of the Holy Spirit to renew the hearts, minds, and lives of the predominantly Jewish community of believers in Jerusalem. While the church naturally began there, God’s will was for a movement towards a multiethnic ministry that welcomed a growing multiethnic fellowship of believers.

No doubt, it was a long process that took many difficult conversations and decisions. Even within their own Jewish majority ministry, they had to address cultural concerns and barriers between the Hebraic and Hellenistic believers. Yet it was also a God-given opportunity to develop new leadership that propelled their gospel ministry beyond Judea to Samaria.

... and to the ends of the earth

As they moved out by faith, Jesus had to repeatedly show and challenge even a prominent leader to move past their ethnocentric way of life (and ministry) in view of the gospel. Jewish leaders and believers took small yet meaningful gospel-formed steps toward a multiethnic fellowship.

And when their intentional ministry flourished in Antioch, the people of that city (most likely unbelievers) coined a new word to describe the multiethnic fellowship of believers they witnessed. For the first time, the diverse loving community of disciples became known simply as “Christians.”

“Christians,” then, were known for their multiethnicity.

My own research within the context of one denomination has shown that, indeed, multiethnic ministry does not just happen. It truly requires intentionality and sacrifice that flows from an enduring hope in the gospel. Majority culture leaders and congregations make difficult choices for the sake of Christ’s multiethnic family. And churches that humbly walk in step with the gospel thrive for the joy of all people.

A homogenous church that hopes to become a multiethnic church must have an honest evaluation of its motivation and preparedness of both leaders and members.

Both ethnic minority and majority culture pastors need to consider pastoral and leadership challenges they will encounter. Core teams of servant-leaders need to prepare for the nuances of intercultural dynamics and interactions. Leaders and members alike need to understand the difference between cultural preferences and biblical principles.

Multiethnic ministry will require much grace and patience. But churches find that it is truly worth the endeavor for the sake of the gospel and our Christian witness in a racially divided world.

As a fellow minister who has studied and engaged in multiethnic ministry pursuits, it would be my joy to share and provide any level of consultation for your unique context and community. Through honest conversations, we can explore questions, opportunities, and ideas to bring clarity to help your team take meaningful steps toward building your multiethnic ministry.

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Email Eddie:

hello@multiethnicity.org

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