Why Diversity and Culture is Important in the Church Part 2

Discrimination is a topic that has been dodged in the Church and deserted in the meeting places of our congregations for far too long. We’ve become comfortable with our calloused hearts regarding the topic of racism and culture and stay stuck in our box of comfortability. But, I’d propose that prejudice grows in the roots of the unknown; where lack of understanding and self-protection robs us of the nourishment diversity feeds our souls. Fear of rejection drowns our souls in the assimilation of the environment around us until we are unrecognizable. But, is this what God intended when He created every tribe and tongue? That we would become judgemental of those who are different from us? Or is this also rooted in fear - the fear of the unknown or of being uncomfortable? 

The truth is, “God has made of one blood all the peoples of the earth” Acts 17:26. So if this is true why do we let cultural barriers keep us from practicing family with one another? Is it the fear of prejudice or is it that we have not been taught how to break the barriers of racism and create family amongst a variety of people groups? I’d propose as a global Church, it is time for us to become more curious than afraid . It is time to grab hands with the ones that look different from us, not for the sake of “diversity”, but for the sake of unity. The world is in desperate need for the Church to arise and shine as a unified family embracing one another even in the differences because without them we lack the beautiful expressions of God. Let me be clear, we don't have to be the same to be unified — I am not asking you to be me or me to be you. But, I am proposing there is a way to live linked in unity with our neighbors from all different walks of life in a way that builds connection and acceptance and heals the generational wounds of discrimination. 

I recently sat down for an insightful conversation with Jamila Page, the multi-cultural ministry and BSSM pastor at Bethel Church on the topic of cultivating family amongst various people groups. Several weeks ago we shared the first part of this conversation but realized we only just scratched the surface on this vast topic. After our conversation, I knew I needed to have Jamilia back so we could dive deeper into this desperately needed conversation.