As the Multi-ethnic Church Movement gains momentum throughout the world, established ministry leaders who have pursued the development of mono-ethnic churches focused on first generation inter/nationals - whether here in North America or beyond - are concerned with the implications. Does the multi-ethnic vision dimension the importance of their work? Should their efforts continue? Are the two models for church planting, development and ministry mutually exclusive?
Along this line, I was recently asked to respond on behalf of the Mosaix Global Network to the head of an organization with whom MGN has partnered in the past through conferencing. In brief, the response clarifies our position and casts a vision for partnership in the years to come. Here's what I wrote ...
"Dear Dr. __________,
"It has come to my attention that some confusion exists within (your organization) as to the passion of the Mosaix Global Network for the multi-ethnic church. To be clear, our message is in no way intended to denigrate or in any way dismiss other models of ministry; and most specifically, those churches/ministries targeting first generation inter/nationals here in North America or beyond. The fact is, we believe the need for such churches/ministries, as well as the need for multi-ethnic churches is not an either/or but a both/and proposition: for clearly, extending the love of Christ to first generation people groups through their own language, customs and culture has proven effective as a method both for evangelism and church planting here in the US and around the world.
"Yet, it is equally true (as research has shown) that second and third generation believers produced in and through these otherwise homogeneous environments do not as readily identify with them over time. Consequently, second and third generation believers often leave these churches for other churches or worse yet, leave the Church altogether. Beyond this, one partner in a cross-cultural marriage is often (though unintentionally) disenfranchised by churches solely focused on a specific people group and rather than ministering to the whole family, such a church is positioned only to minister to a part of it.
"Looking ahead, then, one God-honoring solution would be to promote the development of intentional partnerships between churches/ministries specifically focused on first generation people groups and multi-ethnic churches who, while respecting the integrity of and the need for first generation fellowships, can work with them to serve the needs of the second and third generation and/or the rest of the family. Indeed, this type of partnership is something we have already established here at Mosaic with a Latino congregation and hope to do soon with a local Korean congregation, as well. And it is precisely with such partnership in mind that MGN can serve (your organization) well.
"All in all, I want to assure you that MGN remains sensitive to such issues and in no way believes or intends to suggest that there is only one way of doing things. And with greater sensitivity to the issue you have raised, we will approach any and all future opportunities to cast a vision for the multi-ethnic church.
"Thank you for raising this concern with Jim Spoonts recently and for this opportunity to address it with you. On behalf of MGN, we look forward to our continued partnership with (your organization) in the future."
One in Christ with you,
Dr. Mark DeYmaz
Pastor, Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas
Board Chairman, Mosaix Global Network
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