5 Musts for Multi-Ethnic Churches
Being ethnically diverse is at the heart of who Cornerstone is and why we do church the way we do. On more than one occasion we’ve been asked how we maintain such a multi-ethnic congregation. We have found there are 5 "musts" for any church that wants to be multi-ethnic:
1. You must have conviction.
2. You must have intention.
4. You must have adaptation.
The first must is conviction. Breaking ethnic barriers must be a conviction your church carries. Miriam-Webster defines conviction as a “strong belief.” You must strongly believe that:
- God’s desire is that His church be multi-ethnic
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations (people groups), baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 (NLT)
- Not being multi-ethnic in approach is a sin
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favoritism…if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin…You are guilty of breaking the law. James 2:1 & 9 (NIV/NLT)
- Multi-ethnic unity reflects God’s love
I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:23 (NIV)
Remember, conviction drives choices. In choosing to be a multi-ethnic church you must first have a conviction to be one.
