The Challenges of Multiculturalism for the American Church

Malcolm Webber, Ph.D.

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Conclusion

The American church has been parochial for long enough. We cannot continue to expect people from other national backgrounds to happily embrace the structures and models that we developed to suit ourselves. They will not do this, and, for the most part, they have not done this. Jesus called us to serve (Matthew 20:26-28), and with a servant spirit to reach people from all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The increasing cultural diversity of America is the church’s opportunity to reveal to the world the power and reality of the love of our God. In a multicultural context, we must change our ways and intentionally seek the cultural knowledge and skills necessary to build communities of faith that reflect the Kingdom of God in eternity – a kingdom composed of "every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9-10, NIV; 7:9-17).

In Jesus’ death, God broke down the walls between the cultures (Ephesians 2:14). Multiculturalism is difficult and demanding, but God will help us succeed. Unity was His idea!

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« Where Do We Go From Here?

Conclusion

References »

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© Malcolm Webber, Ph.D., www.healthyleaders.org.

Reproduced on this web site by permission.