A Bright Light in the Public Square

The growing movement toward multi-ethnic churches must not be fueled by a desire to grow a church numerically. Nor should we embrace the vision simply in light of changing times and neighborhoods or because it is somehow “cool” or politically correct. The movement and the healthy multi-ethnic church must be built instead on the fi rm foundation of the Word of God and a desire to lead individuals to Christ.

We should recognize that the unity of diverse believers walking together as one in and through the local church provides for us the most effective means for reaching the world with the Gospel in the twenty-first century. Such unity was envisioned by Christ, described for us (by Luke) at Antioch, and prescribed by Paul in his letter to the Ephesians. In other words, we must embrace the vision because it is “spiritually correct” and, while not necessarily easy, a right and noble pursuit. Yes, the multi-ethnic church is the church of our past and our future! Likewise, the goal is not to become multi-ethnic simply for diversity’s sake. Rather, the goal of a healthy multi-ethnic church, once established, is to turn the power and pleasure of God, as displayed uniquely in such settings, outward in order to (1) bless the city, (2) lead people to Christ, (3) encourage the greater body, and (4) fulfill the Great Commission.

Excerpt from the book, Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church by Mark DeYmaz (Jossey-Bass/Leadership Network, 2007).