Multi-Ethnic Church : 4 Stages/ stances toward others

So as we continue the quest of defining and determining how to achieve a multi-ethnic church we must confront our personal stance toward people of another ethnicity. The below are 4 “stages” or “stances” on other ethnicities. I suggest you read through them and personally ask what stage your church is in, and what stage you live in.

View 1: Distance

Attitude: “We do things separately”

Viewpoint: They are different.

Practice:

  We do things differently and separately.

  We don’t understand them.

  We don’t try to blend together.

Examples: 

  English Speaking Mission church of another Ethnicity.

View 2: Respect

Attitude: “We do things for them.”

Viewpoint: They are needy.

Practice:

  We gather information about them.

  We intentionally seek to include them.

  We develop ways to help them.

Examples: 

    Church with Ethnic populous, who aren't represented in style.

View 3: Tolerance

Attitude: “We let them do things with us.

Viewpoint: They are acceptable.

Practice:

  We invite them to join us.

  We practice our cultural distinctives.

  We hold the decision-making positions.

Examples: 

    We let them show their specific Ethnic style once in a while.

View 4: Love

Attitude: “We do things with them.”

Viewpoint: They are equals.

Practice:

  They have a role making decisions.

  They are represented in key leadership positions.

  Their cultural distinctives are utilized and supported.

Examples: Every Ethnicity is represented in all levels of leadership, and style of the church.

http://unityinchristmagazine.com/misc/side-bars/four-stages-to-multicultural-ministry-development/ 

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