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April 09, 2008

A Visit from Leadership Journal

Recently, Brandon O’Brien, a staff writer from Leadership Journal, was in Arkansas speaking at his Alma Mater, Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. One hour from Little Rock, he arranged to stay through the Easter weekend and to worship with us at Mosaic. Check out his reflections on the visit (dated April 4, 2008).

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Comments

Hello Mark,

I just bought your book on starting a multicultural church. My Pastor has Just approved me and my wife to start my own church. Coming from an all Black church, I want to make sure that I break that label. The Majority of my life as a young black man I have grown up in very diverse areas. Its in my heart to see all nationalities worshiping God under one roof. I live on the lower East Side of Manhattan, What do you see as one of the Biggest Obsticles of starting a Ministry like yours?

Jason Stewart, NYC

Hey Jason,

First, let me say how sorry I am to only now be responding to your comment. My computer crashed almost three weeks ago and I am only now back in action (on my new MacBook Pro:-)

Yours is a good question and one to which I am increasingly asked to respond. Of course there are both personal and professional obstacles, but one of the biggest obstacles is spiritual in nature. Indeed, peacemakers shall be called the sons of God (Matthew 5:9); but the next three verses speak of persecution! Notice, too, that Paul's placement of the armor of God follows an entire letter devoted to the unity of the church!

Spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places have been aligned against the unity of the church - and those who would promote/pursue the vision for centuries; and they have done a remarkable job of keeping us apart. Now, there are those of us saying, "Not on our watch!" These forces will not go down without a fight.

The best defense in this regard is a good offense; one that would have you a) certain of your calling, b) prayerful, persistent and patient in your passion to see the dream realized and, finally as Barnabus, c) full of faith and the Holy Spirit. The multi-ethnic church can be established by no other means or methods.

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mp3s

  • LJ Ethnic Blends Podcast
  • Radio Rhema (New Zealand)

Book/Order Info

  • Click here to order a copy of BUILDING A HEALTHY MULTI-ETHNIC CHURCH today!

2008 Speaking Schedule

  • November 19-20 / Next Generation Leadership Community, Dallas, TX
  • November 5-7 / National Outreach Convention, San Diego, CA http://www.nationaloutreachconvention.com/2008/
  • October 20-22 /CCDA, Miami, FL http://www.ccdamiami08.org/
  • September 9 / Leadership Network Authors Forum, Dallas, TX
  • May 19-22 / Purpose Driven Community Gathering, Lake Forrest, CA http://www.purposedriven.com/en-US/Events/PDCommunityGathering/Gathering2008.htm
  • May 16-17 / Transethnic Transitions Conference, Virginia Beach, VA http://transethnictransitions.com/
  • April 21-24 / Exponential Conference, Orlando, FL http://www.exponentialconference.org/
  • April 10-12 / Ethnic America Network, St. Louis, MO http://www.ethnic-america.net/
  • February 10 (evening) / Mosaic Christian Community, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • February 10 (morning) / Christchurch Chinese Church, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • February 9 / The Bible College of New Zealand, Christchurch, New Zealand
  • February 6-7 / International City Church, Brisbane, Australia
  • February 3 (evening) Jesus Family Centre, Sydney, Australia
  • February 3 (morning) / Parkview Church, Sydney, Australia
  • February 2 / Jesus Family Centre, Sydney, Australia

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