How To Move from Homogeneity to Diversity In A Christian Congregation

After this, I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands. - Revelation 7:9

The World's Most Diverse Cities

 

What is the most diverse city you know? It is not New York.

The BBC says Toronto is the most ethnically diverse city in the world. Stockton, Ca. comes up as the most diverse city in America. New York City is said to have the largest number of different ethnic groups, and one of the largest numbers of citizens with a Chinese background.

A Hometown Transformed

 

The town in New York City with the largest Chinese community is Flushing, Queens. It was established in 1683 as a colony of the Dutch. Flushing is where I grew up. (The Dutch named it "Vlissingen," but the English, not able to pronounce it, called the town "Flushing.")

When I was growing up in Flushing, a mixed marriage was a German marrying an Italian.

Things have changed. The ethnic makeup of my hometown has changed – probably yours as well. The ethnic diversity of schools and colleges has changed. As has diversity in the workplace. But not much has changed in Lutheran Churches. Every study shows Lutherans are 95% white English-speaking.

Meet Rev. Terry Chan

 

Terry Chan is an LCMS missionary to America in San Francisco. His congregation includes Asians and Hispanics, African Americans and European Americans. Terry was born in Hong Kong, his father was from Hong Kong but his mother was American. His mother's family first came to the United States from China in 1879.

Terry has been a leader in Asian missions in the LCMS; he was the first chairman of the Chinese Ministry Conference. He is currently a member of the board of Mission Nation Publishing. Recently, the missionary entered a doctoral program to answer the question of how LCMS churches can move from homogeneity to ethnic diversity. Mission Nation intends to publish a book of its findings to help churches reach an ethnic group different from their own.

President Emeritus Dan Gilbert sat down with Terry to find out what he has discovered. You can see the edited video interview below. Dan's and Terry's desires are that the LCMS will someday look like the picture in Revelation 7:9.

The Most Diverse City of All

 

I will end with the question at the beginning of this blog: what is the most diverse city of all?

In fact, John gives us the answer in his Revelation, chapters 21 and 7.

"I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: "Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,' and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away."

After this I looked and saw a multitude too large to count, from every nation and tribe and people and tongue, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice, "Salvation to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

It is the only eternal city. You became a citizen when you were baptized.

Check out the full interview below!

More Stories Like This One

At Mission Nation Publishing, we inspire and equip churches to reach new ethnic groups in America with the gospel of Jesus. One of the ways that we do this is by publishing the stories of immigrants. If Alex's story inspired you, I would encourage you to check out our book collection and find more stories that show God's unfailing love through His people.

Check Out Our Books Today!

I want to invite YOU to check out our books, where you can learn more about what it means to engage with your community and better serve those around you. Click HERE to see our books. Specifically, I want to point you to Together in Mission. This resource is designed both

for congregations preparing to step into cross-cultural ministry and for those already engaged in it. It serves as an introduction to the vision of Revelation 7:9 and the work we carry out at Mission Nation, helping you move forward grounded in the Word and equipped for the work ahead.

Rev. Dr. Bob Scudieri

Founder of Mission Nation Publishing

Mission Nation Publishing is dedicated to inspiring and equipping churches across America to effectively engage with and minister to new ethnic groups by amplifying the powerful stories of immigrant missionaries and fostering diversity within Christian communities.

Thank you for journeying with me through this exploration of ministry tools. May your efforts bear fruit and your community flourish.