Ethnic churches: A new approach
If there is one indisputable truth about churches during these days, it is that the cycles of change are happening at a faster and broader rate than ever before. As the environment changes, churches are forced to adapt to new realities at the risk of being ineffective at their missio dei. Ethnic churches need to be not only aware of the pace and intensity of change, but also ready and willing to make important adjustments in order to thrive.
Demonstrate unity
An important exercise for ethnic leaders is to revisit the theological framework of their church’s existence. In every instance of the biblical narrative which refers to the nature of the church, as instituted and led by Jesus, the focus is to sacrifice personal preference in order to reach those who are different than us.
As a matter of fact, the greatest message that can be preached to a world of division and racial tensions is one of unity among believers, despite their differences. If our churches gather by race, social class or political party, what does this say about the Gospel? And if we as Christians are unwilling to make sacrifices for the sake of the Kingdom, what does that say about our commitment to the Great Commission?
A new mission force
Another vital aspect to consider is God’s sovereign will in placing us in a certain place at a certain time in history, so as to fulfill His purposes (Acts 17:26). Never before in history has humanity seen such a great amount of immigration movement around the world, as if God were shuffling His people around the globe in order to spread the Gospel. This has resulted in massive conversions of unreached people groups within the past 25 years, such as Iran, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Kuwait, Sudan and Saudi Arabia, just to mention a few (according to a 2019 study by Operation World).
The same study reveals nations with the slowest growing evangelical populations, and the U.S. is among the top 30. It is vital for ethnic churches to embrace the reality that God has enabled people groups who were once the mission field to now become the mission force! New England was once a vibrant icon of Christianity around the globe but is currently one of the greatest mission fields.
Plan for every generational phase
Another extremely important approach for ethnic churches is to prepare for a long-term impact in the place where God has planted them. Every single paper or case study I have seen on the longevity of ethnic churches point to three main phases: first-generation mono-cultural ministry, second-generation multi-cultural transition, and third-generation full assimilation into the receptive culture. Each phase requires a different strategy and a different type of leadership.
Understanding these shifts and embracing the reality of generational differences and needs will extend the impact of the church for generations to come. Unfortunately, many ethnic leaders have chosen the wrong battles, which result in churches becoming monolithic bastions of preservation of culture versus environments of discipleship movement to impact an ever-changing mission field.
But how will our children invite their friends from school to participate in the life of the church if they do not understand the language? How will church members disciple their foreign-born friends if they don’t speak the language? How are ethnic churches equipping their people to thrive in a culture different than theirs? The future of the ethnic church resides in dealing effectively with these issues today.
Joe Souza serves as the pastoral leadership development coordinator at the Baptist Convention of New England.