As I think about the jouney of the church I'm privileged to lead, I rejoice in how diverse we've become. We have many different ethnic and socio-economic groups represented in our church. We have, by God's grace, become a church for all people, although those who don't want us to be a church for all people tend not to stay with us for too long. In any given pew, you may find a white homeless person sitting next to a young black professional couple on one side and a single hispanic college student on the other side. This is a delight to me!
We talk about diversity a lot, but not with political or sociological jargon. Instead, we frame the diversity issue theologically, since that's what concerns us most. Before I show my theological cards, let me see yours. What would you say to someone who asks, What theological rationale do you have to support your preference for an ethnically, generationally, and socio-economically diverse church?
I can't wait to see your thoughts on this!
5 comments:
Honestly, Pastor Lenny, the word diversity has become an ugly word in my vocabulary. Not because I don't appreciate how God has created us each unique and fashioned us with a wide variety of stories to tell, but Satan is using God's good word diversity to push his agenda, his one world religion of many truths and many ways to God. The hospital that I work at mandates that I go to 'Diversity Training', in which everyone has a voice but the Christian. The underlying message is that if I do what I'm created to do, preach the Good News to the sick, oppressed, and dying, that I could lose my job.With all that said, it's time we take back, reclaim the good word diversity and make it our own.
Rev 5:9 "And now they sing a new song, saying, 'You, O Lord, are worthy to take the scroll and to break the seals that are on it, for You were slain and with Your Blood You purchased men unto God from every tribe, language, people, and nation. And You have made them a Kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign over the earth!"
John 17:20 Jesus prays, "Neither for these alone do I pray, but also for all those who will ever come to believe in Me through their word and teaching. That they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may know, believe, and be convinced that You have sent Me."
The Gospel of Jesus Christ has spread like wild fire into every land, language, tribe. No other religion can boast of such an over-whelming victory! The fact that we can come together in one Spirit, one Faith, one Way, one Family regardless of our differences, our culture, socio-economic upbringing is even more evidence of the Truth. Jesus is Lord...the Way, the Truth, the Life, and nobody gets to the Father except through Him.
I believe that every tribe from the largest to the smallest will be represented in the Kingdom of God, as proof that our God is a fair, loving, merciful, glorious God. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess, 'Jesus is Lord!' Amen!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Baney
Carolyn, thanks for your honest and thoughtful reflections. Diversity has become a word that usually means "let's tolerate each other's differences." However, I believe the gospel does not call us to tolerate but to love people, all people. Of course, love demands that we not only share wih our mouths but embody with our lives the hope that is in Christ alone.
My childhood experiences in growing up in a Quaker church in the northwest have, influenced me all my life. Their beliefs that we are equally loved and valued by God have given me an appreciation of the meaning of living a life of equality and appreciating diversity. Fighting quietly for the rights of those who are underprivileged was a hands on theology. These were expressed in multiple ways. I was blessed to have it as my spiritual heritage.
My children and my grandchildren have been involved in experiences of ministering to the poor in some of the desperate parts of the globe
as well as within the U.S. I say this as an expression of my view of diversity not as an idea but as a way of living.
To me seeing the diversity in many faces at SWC is such a blessing to me, just knowing that the people who come through our doors are loved and accepted is a beautiful thing. Its great how God is at work and reaches those who may not go to church other wise but when they come to SWC the Gospel message is preached and lives are changed ! Seeing God at work WoW what else can I say!! To God Be the Glory!!!!!!!
To me seeing the diversity in many faces at SWC is such a blessing to me, just knowing that the people who come through our doors are loved and accepted is a beautiful thing. Its great how God is at work and reaches those who may not go to church other wise but when they come to SWC the Gospel message is preached and lives are changed ! Seeing God at work WoW what else can I say!! To God Be the Glory!!!!!!!
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