Off the Agenda: Conversations for Building Church Leaders

I recently had the opportunity to return to my native Arkansas. I had forgotten that spring arrives in some parts of the country by March. But I was even more surprised to find, in Little Rock of all places, a vibrant and growing multi-ethnic church.

Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, led by pastors Mark DeYmaz and Harry Li (with several supporting staff), is an intentionally multi-ethnic and economically diverse community in Little Rock's University District. Though only six years old, the church has gained credibility by shining forth the love of Christ in a historically divided town. It has done so through its focus on inter-ethnic ministry and worship. In his book, Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church, DeYmaz warns:

I believe the homogeneous church will increasingly struggle in the twenty-first century with credibility, that is, in proclaiming a message of God's love for all people from an environment in which a love for all people cannot otherwise be observed.

In his book—and on the Mosaix Global Network website—DeYmaz offers "Seven Core Commitments of a Multi-ethnic Church":

1. Embrace dependence: determine to trust God to provide financially and spiritually.

2. Take intentional steps: make changes to attract people outside the majority demographic.

3. Empower diverse leadership: multi-ethnic churches require multi-ethnic staff.

4. Develop cross-cultural relationships: work through awkwardness to develop true friendships.

5. Pursue cross-cultural competence: learn to be sensitive to cultural differences.

6. Promote a spirit of inclusion: commit to being comfortable being uncomfortable.

7. Mobilize for impact: take steps to minister to the greater community and make disciples.

Take a moment to think on these things. Are there things your church could do to develop a multi-ethnic and economically diverse ministry?