In a recent article for Unity in Christ Magazine I described three shifts that Christian organizations need to make in order to become multi-ethnic...

1. Shifting from “please come to us” to “we’ll come to you” (John 4:1-42)
Jesus didn’t set up a synagogue in Galilee, put out an “All Are Welcome” sign, and then wait for the crowds to come. He left the comfort of his family, community, and ethnic group and traveled hundreds of miles on foot to reach out in love to people of all the cultures around him.  Jesus “had to go through Samaria” (John 4:4) and we have to intentionally go to the ethnic groups in our community if we truly want to serve them. To learn more see our e-learning session Crossing Cultures which contains over 70 short coaching videos by multi-ethnic expert Dr. Brenda Salter-McNeil.

2. Shifting from “equal treatment” to “special treatment to outsiders” (Matthew 25:31-46)
Many organizations hesitate to give special treatment to “outside groups” because they feel that everyone should be treated equally. But, passages like Deuteronomy 24:17-19 and Matthew 25:31-46 teach us to show special kindness to those on the margins. To learn more see the e-learning session The Art of Inclusion which contains over 60 short coaching videos by multi-ethnic expert Dr. David Anderson.

3. Shifting from “my way” to “our way” (Acts 15:1-31)
The Book of Acts is filled with examples of the early Christians making sacrifices in order to accommodate each other’s cultural preferences. They recognized it was a small price to pay in order to maintain the unity of the church and the effectiveness of their witness. We must follow their example through the leading of the Holy Spirit. To learn more see the e-learning session Harmonizing Cultures which contains over 70 short coaching videos by multi-ethnic expert Dr. Michael Emerson.

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- Chad Brennan

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Book: Radical Reconciliation by Boesak and DeYoung

Released on 6/1/12... "Everyone supports 'reconciliation.' But too often calls for reconciliation fall short of uprooting systems of injustice, and thus fail to accomplish the work required to truly reconcile... The result, according to Boesak and DeYoung, is 'political pietism.' And when Christians refuse to name this situation for what it is, they are practicing 'Christian quietism.'"

Exhibit / Website: RACE - Are we so different?

A good deal of the content of this powerful traveling exhibit is available on their website. It's purpose, "Looking through the eyes of history, science and lived experience, the RACE Project explains differences among people and reveals the reality – and unreality – of race." The materials can be great conversation starters for discussions about race, cultural differences, injustice, and unity.

Book: Post-Black and Post-White Church by Efrem Smith

Released on 8/14/12... "Using the example of Jesus, Smith develops a theology of multi-ethnic and missional leadership. Embracing urban and ethnic subcultures such as hip-hop, this book provides a rich mix of multi-ethnic church development, reconciliation theology, missional church thinking, and Christian community."