Multiracial Churches
introduction: this resource page provides a vast collection of information to grow + build multiethnic/ multicultural/ multiracial churches and ministries, not only for research, but to inspire and motivate you towards reaching all peoples because God wants to reach all peoples!
Events
- 2008 Mosaix Conferences — hosted by the Mosaix Global Network
- Nov 15, 2008 - Mosaix Northeast Conference (Lancaster, PA)
- TBD - Mosaix Portland Conference (OR)
Articles
- “On Earth as it is in Heaven” (PDF) by Glen Kinoshita (in Prism Magazine, Sept/Oct 2006) — focuses on segregation that exists within the body of Christ despite the value of equality and justice that Christians profess. Kinoshita interviewed two pastors Adam Edgerly and Ken Fong, pastors who hold racial reconciliation as a core value and Brad Christerson, associate professor of sociology at Biola University, on their perspectives of church diversity.
- Keep an eye on this project, Congregational Music and Racial Diversity, being coordinated by Gerardo Marti of Davidson College. From the abstract about it: “This study explores the relationship between worship music and congregational diversity. Although we are coming to understand more about multiracial congregations, for example the rarity of such churches (DeYoung et al. 2003; Emerson and Smith 2000), the appropriation of theology in promoting integration (Becker 1998), the nature of identity negotiation within such churches (Marti 2005), and the perceived costs and benefits of membership (Christerson et al. 2005), ultimately we know little about how multiracial congregations emerge. Given that many congregational leaders are taking on the challenge to diversify their churches, it is important to identify congregational factors that stimulate (and perhaps accelerate) diversification. Building on preliminary findings from my own case studies of two multiracial churches, this study seeks to determine how congregational music helps or hinders ethnic and racial diversification.”
- Sociologist’s Book Explores Keys to Multiethnic Church Membership (Davidson newsletter, September 2004)
- 2003 AAR Abstracts re: multiethnic churches, includes great titles like: “Ethnic Diversity and the Culture of Discomfort,” “Multi-Ethnic Congregations in a Microcosm of World Religions: Snapshots from Flushing, Queens,” “Power and Class: Faith-Based Organizing in a Multi-Ethnic Community”, and “Can Lightning Strike Twice? A Comparative Analysis of Two Large Multi-Ethnic Congregations in Los Angeles.”
- Leading Multi-Ethnic Congregation from an Assemblies of God perspective
- A Church for Our Capital by David Wong, excerpt from Church Planting Voices by Michael Noel (1998) — “A church targeting internationals runs counter to the church growth principle of homogeneous groups.”
- One Lord, One Faith, Many Ethnicities - a great interview with Intervarsity about how it became (one of the few) ethnically diverse Christian organizations (CT 12/30/03)
- Color-Blinded: Why 11 o’clock Sunday morning is still a mostly segregated hour. An excerpt from Divided by Faith. By Michael O. Emerson and Christian Smith. (Christianity Today, October 2000)
- A Multiethnic Model of the Church by Russell C. Rosser (Direction Journal, Fall 1998).
- “The inverted norm: the formation and functioning of racially mixed congregations in South Africa”. In Cousineau, Madeleine (ed.) 1998. Religion in a Changing World. Westport, CT: Praeger, pp. 69-78.
- “A global perspective on racial and linguistic integration in South African Christian congregations.” Journal of World-Systems Research 5, 3 1999:521-553.
- “Silencing Babel: Language preference in voluntary associations - evidence from multi-cultural congregations”. Society in Transition 29 (1-2) 1998: 22-39.
- “Mending the multi-coloured coat of a rainbow nation: cultural accommodation in ethnically mixed urban congregations”. Missionalia 23 (3) 1995: 312-338.
- Multicultural Church Planting Models (PDF) - Kenneth Davis, in The Journal of Ministry & Theology, Baptist Bible College & Seminary (Spring 2003)
- Choices for Congregations: Creating Multicultural and Multigenerational Congregations (Word DOC) by George Bullard
- Multiracial Congregations Project - research led by a team with Michael Emerson, funded by Lilly Endowment
- God’s New Community: The Challenges and Hopes for Multi-racial Churches in America — Jeff Bailey interviews Dr. Michael Emerson, author of Divided By Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America ( Cutting Edge, Summer 2002)
- Learning to Live Together: An Inside Look at One of the Most Culturally Diverse Churches in the Vineyard An Interview with Steve
Nicholson, Senior Pastor, Evanston (IL) Vineyard ( Cutting Edge, Summer 2002) - Living in America: Becoming a Multi-Cultural Movement By Mark Fields ( Cutting Edge, Summer 2002)
- Being the People of God: Dealing with the Dividing Walls of Hostility An interview with Mark Fee and Chuck Sullivan, pastors at MetroNorth Vineyard, Melrose, Massachusetts ( Cutting Edge, Summer 2002)
- CHURCH CHAMPIONS UPDATE: IDEAS, IMPACT AND INNOVATION - 11/24/00 spotlights cross-cultural ministries (it’s not only an “over there” thing)
- Multiracial congregations in America: Looking for a more realistic picture of what the world looks like, by Elfriede Wedam
- “Several Nations Under God”: Urban Space, Race, and Religion, a paper presented by Tyrone R. Simpson II (Nov. 2002)
- ‘The most segregated hour in America’: A look at three churches that worship the multicultural way (inthefray.com, Nov. 2001)
- How multi-cultural is the postmodern church? Really. (Next Wave, Mar. 2001)
- Hues in the Pews: Racially Mixed Churches an Elusive Goal (Christian Century, Feb. 2001)
- Urban Cross-Cultural Church Planting Models by Jerry L. Appleby (1986) - nice pictoral overview of church models progressing thru cultural contexts
Books
- Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church: Mandate, Commitments and Practices of a Diverse Congregation ~ Mark DeYmaz [October 2007]
- Crossing the Ethnic Divide: The Multiethnic Church on a Mission ~ Kathleen Garces-Foley - a case study on Evergreen Baptist Church of Los Angeles, pastored by Ken Fong
- Reconciliation Blues: A Black Evangelical’s Inside View of White Christianity ~ Edward Gilbreath (cf. CT article, Exit Interviews: Why blacks are leaving evangelical ministries)
- People of the Dream: Multiracial Congregations in the United States ~ Michael O. Emerson, with Rodney M. Woo; cf. The Christian Century review “Choosing to be different” by R. Stephen Warner
- A Church Of Our Own: Disestablishment And Diversity In American Religion ~ R. Stephen Warner (September 2005); also in hardcover
- The Multicultural Leader: Developing A Catholic Personality ~ Dan Sheffield (January 2005)
- A Mosaic of Believers: Diversity and Innovation in a Multiethnic Church ~ Gerardo Marti (January 2005) - excellent in-depth sociological analysis of Mosaic Los Angeles, an incubator of leading innovation; Book Review by R. Stephen Warner in The Christian Century
- Multicultural Ministry: Finding Your Church’s Unique Rhythm ~ David Anderson (April 2004) - Great practical guide from a leading practitioner
- A Many Colored Kingdom: Multicultural Dynamics for Spiritual Formation ~ Elizabeth Conde-Frazier, Steve Kang, Gary Parrett (March 2004)
Description: A Many Colored Kingdom explores Christian formation and teaching in the church, with a particular focus on intercultural and interethnic relationships. Well qualified to speak on issues of diversity. The authors describe relevant aspects of their own personal journeys, presented in compelling narrative form. They go on to identify key issues emerging from their Scripture studies and teaching experiences. A final chapter contains a conversation among the authors as they respond to one another’s insights and concerns. - United by Faith: The Multiracial Congregation as an Answer to the Problem of Race ~ Curtiss Paul Deyoung, Michael O. Emerson, George Yancey, Karen Chai Kim
- Divided By Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America ~ Michael Emerson
- One Body, One Spirit: Principles of Successful Multiracial Churches ~ George A. Yancey - best book available that gives specific how-to principles of churches who are demonstrably racially diverse
- Racism@Work Among The LORD’s People ~ Robert Upton
- No Partiality : The Idolatry of Race and the New Humanity ~ Douglas R. Sharp
- Prejudice and the People of God: How Revelation and Redemption Lead to Reconciliation ~ Charles Ware
- One New People: Models for Developing a Multiethnic Church ~ Manuel Ortiz (1996; IVP’s preview;
this excellent book shares case studies of churches listed above) - The Global God : Multicultural Evangelical Views of God ~ Aida Besancon Spencer & William David Spencer,editors (1998; Baker)
- What Color Is Your God? : Multi Cultural Education in the Church ~ James Breckenridge (1994)
includes excellent chapters on Asian American culture and social dynamics; the traditional ethnic Asian church is a multi cultural setting, which implies cross cultural communication methods for ministry and teamwork - Where the Nations Meet : Reaching the World Next Door ~ Stephen A. Rhodes (1998; IVP)
sets forth a biblical, ministry-tested pastoral theology of multicultural ministry - annotated bibliography of books and articles from congregations.info
- Strange Virtues : Ethics in a Multicultural World ~ Bernard T. Adeney (1995; view IVP’s preview)
- Racial Equality in the Church : A Critique of the Homogeneous Unit Principle in Light of a Practical Theology Perspective ~ Bruce W. Fong (1996)
makes a case for church life that balances between reality and theology, suggests possible models of mutual acceptance in the church, and wrestles with the question: “Are ethnic churches biblically justifiable?” - Embracing Diversity : Leadership in Multicultural ~ Charles R. Foster
- “We’re the Church Together” ~ Foster & Brelsford
- Focus Groups : A Practical Guide for Applied Research ~ Richard A. Krueger
- A Theology As Big As The City ~ Ray Bakke (1997; view IVP’s preview)
- The Gospel in Black & White : Theological Resources for Racial Reconciliation ~ Dennis L. Okholm (Editor, 1998)
- The Universe Next Door : A Basic Worldview Catalog ~ James W. Sire (3rd ed, 1997; view IVP’s preview)
- Neighboring Faiths ~ A Christian Introduction to World Religions ~ Winfried Corduan (1998; IVP)
not just a formal survey of world religious teachings, but how each religion is practiced in daily life - Cross-Cultural Conflict : Building Relationships for Effective Ministry ~ Duane Elmer (1994; view IVP’s preview)
good handbook for conflict resolution across a wide variety of cultures; concepts such as truth, integrity and accountability aren’t so transcendent - Penetrating Missions’ Final Frontier: A New Strategy for Unreached Peoples ~ Tetsunao Yamamori (1993; view IVP’s preview)*
Churches
- djchuang.com’s index to multiracial churches
- Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas (Little Rock, AR)
Pastor Mark DeYmaz; home of the Mosaix Global Network - Bridgeway Community Church (Columbia MD)
Pastor David Anderson, author of Multicultural Ministry: Finding Your Church’s Unique Rhythm, co-author of Letters Across the Divide: Two Friends Explore Racism, Friendship, and Faith; hosted Reconciliaton Live radio talk show; BridgeLeader Network - Mosaic (Los Angeles CA)
Pastor Erwin McManus [about 1/3 Latino, 1/3 Asian, 1/3 Anglo] - Newsong Community Church (Irvine CA)
Pastor David Gibbons [35% Korean, 35% Chinese, 10% Asian, 17% White, 3% African-American & Hispanic] - Grace Bible Fellowship (Cary NC)
Pastor Norman Peart, author of Separate No More: Understanding and Developing Racial Reconciliation in Your Church - Glide Memorial United Methodist Church (San Francisco)
news articles from 2002: Church gets leg up on inner-city outreach, Glide Memorial United Methodist programs,
Radical church looks at its future, Interview with Cecil Williams - Gaithersburg Community Church (MD)
- Washington International Church (DC)
- Jubilee Christian Center (San Jose) - [ 35% White, 30% African-Am, 20% Hispanic, 15% Asian ]
- Covenant Church of Pittsburgh (PA) - [ about 50% White, 50% African-Am ]
- Armitage Baptist Church (Chicago IL) - people from over 40 nations in attendance
- Christian Fellowship Baptist Church (Amherst NY) [1/3 Black, 1/3 White, 1/3 Indian/Pakistani]
- Emmanuel Reformed Church (Paramount CA) [50% White, 40% Latino, and 10% Black]
- Rock of Our Salvation (Chicago IL)
Pastor Raleigh Washington (with Glen Kehrein; authors of Breaking Down Walls : A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife ) - Word of Life (Springfield VA) over 100 nationalities in its international congregation
- see more at djchuang.com’s index to multiracial churches
Links
- Mosaix Global Network: inspiring unity and diversity in the local church [a new network with Mark DeYmaz, George Yancey, and others] cf. Mosaix blog + Mosaix multi-ethnic ministry conferences
- Robert Upton: a ministry that is seeking to engage Christian leaders in a discussion and conversation about the Multiethnic/Blended Church
- The BridgeLeader Network (had hosted 3 annual Multicultural Leadership Summits– 2001-2003)
- Blended Church Network - a new multi-denominational network of pastors, churches and leaders with resources for blended, multiethnic churches
- MultiethnicChurch.com - Pastor Gordon Marchant’s resources
- Congregations.info - best research project with quantified data about multiracial churches
- The General Commission on Religion and Race (GCORR), a commission of the United Methodist Church - has an excellent bibliography on resources related to racial reconcilation
- emergent diversity — a (blog) conversation on multiculturalism and the church
- Antioch Global Network Conference - Multi-ethnic/Cross-Cultural Ministry Conference
- Multi Cultural Ministry - Art Lucero
- Multiethnicity at Intervarsity’s Document Library- perhaps the leading organization that is living out, training, and mobilizing multiethnic leaders
- Assisting Multicultural Churches With Their Various Expressions of Worship - big list of links
- Multicultural Church Network
part of the AA Church Consulting web site - ministry of Robert Goette, specializing in Korean/Asian Americans - Ethnic Harvest
excellent resource center for serving the ethnic diversity already here in America - BrRon’s list of Books on Cultures and Christianity
- National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) is recognized by several leading evangelical organizations as one of the 50 most important ministries in the world
Cultures
- AAAUnity: African and Asian American Unity
- Unblinded.com: Interracial Community
- ColorQ World: interracial interactions between people of color
- www.NewDemographic.com: strategies for a mixed race society