As we move toward becoming a multicultural church, some questions may arise. Please consider the following responses to questions likely to be asked:
- Are we just responding to a cultural trend?
No. This initiative is a gospel response to advancing Christ’s kingdom. As a church, we want to address a culture that is in great distress. The Bible instructs the church to be salt and light as we follow Christ, not a cultural trend. As we love one another and love our neighbors in Christ’s power, we demonstrate the radical beauty of Christ-centered unity.
- Why use the word “Multicultural”? In what way is this a gospel priority?
When we use this phrase we are not co-opting the language of the world that may associate socialism, Marxism, intersectionality, or a liberal political definition of promoting “multicultural concepts” in our community. To the contrary, we aspire to be the church of Jesus Christ that lives as God’s family, united across all ages, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds, as we live each for the other and all for Christ. We celebrate that our church is becoming more diverse, and together we are seeking to reflect the beauty of God’s diversity in Christ.
- What should the Church do to maintain and grow our oneness in the setting of a culture where everyone is being set against one another?
Following Jesus calls us to be intentional in seeking ways to know and love each other across the cultural and political barriers that typically divide us. In this way, we show people that God is the answer to the strife and brokenness found in the world. We are called to unify around the foundational principles of the centrality of the person and work of Christ for life, the Scriptures as our authority, and the mission of extending Christ’s love in the world. Our unity allows us to listen to one another and to seek to learn from each other, being able to discern and even disagree on secondary and even tertiary issues while we continue to celebrate our unity and diversity.
Lead Pastor Dr. Mike Hearon said “I want to encourage the congregation to watch the video to understand our commitment as a church to be a radical and beautiful reflection of his kingdom.”
