Thank you for the insights shared. I especially appreciate that the emphasis needs to be on God's justice first and not so much concern about diversity.
For 11 years I serve as a white pastor of a small congregation in a poorer neighborhood of our city that is 25% Hispanic. Our need meeting ministries (i.e. Feeding America) draw a diverse and almost majority-minority population. However, our Sunday worship remains almost exclusively white.
Our neighborhood during my tenure "gentrifies". Now, our small congregation has given our historic building to a younger congregation, still primarily white in worship, but led by a diverse staff with a Latino lead pastor and black preaching pastor.
I share my time with this congregation while also supporting another congregation in our neighborhood led by a black pastor. The services there last 1 1/2 hours. The congregation falls more in line with what you are describing as a "multi-cultural" group.
Really appreciated this piece! Holding onto this line for my own healing and in solidarity with others feeling halted: "a church or institution moving toward racial and ethnic diversity only goes as fast as the most fragile white person in their midst." An example I have experienced of these "multicultural" churches simply fitting more BIPOCs into a white supremacy mold is the SES/educational background/professional homogeneity which persists even with more "hues in pews."
Great writing sir! East End Fellowship is a multi-ethnic, economically diverse Christian church located in the east end of Richmond where I was one of the founders and still serve. Just about 20 years in as a 64 year old African-American realizing the racial trauma I’ve have experienced doing this kingdom work of joining the Jesus of the Bible in building his ekklessia as he intended from Matthew 6:9-10,16:13-20 and Rev.7:9. On earth as in heaven!
Living as God’s people still requires a death to self that white supremacy as a spiritual principality is determined to try to hinder by centering whiteness in multi-ethnic gatherings.
The battle continues yet the Jesus of the Bible will build his true ekklessia………. Thank you for speaking truth that points to that reality.
I am in a congregation that is devoted to be Multicultural. Still its devotion falls short of multicultural. We celebrate Dia De los Muertos (it helps to have a Mexican decent pastor, who served a Puerto Rican congregation), and sermons make reference (regularly) to be looking at theological issues from the Hispanic view point, and exemplified with Hispanic culture stories. I have done research for the Lutheran Church In America (before it became The ELCA) on Churches in Puerto Rico (Caribbean Synod), as well as consulted with Hispanic Congregations in Texas and California. These experiences clearly pointed that multicultural churches to develop Staff (Pastor, outreach personnel) need to have more than a passing familiarity with the target culture. Liturgy must include rituals, music, and frequent references to the non-white culture. At least the leadership in the congregation need to be open and seek feedback from members of the cultural group being that is. attracted and wanted to be partners with.
Ideally the Pastor is clearly wishing to have a congregation that is truly multicultural. In my experience these Pastors are part of the cultural tradition or have been immersed for a significant amount of time in the cultural milieu. I had also noted that White Pastor that had voluntarily had serve Black or Hispanic congregations can be effective in opening a congregation to move in the direction of multiculturalism.
Ideally the congregation also try to have exposure to the cultural views and social structures of the "target" culture. For Example in the Hispanic culture is acceptable and expected that children at welcomed at social situations, and invitations noting that event is adults only is considered at least to be impolite. It is also important to Have both groups be familiar with cultural differences. (this comes from my experiences in training students and prospect Peace Corp members to prevent Cultural Shock).
Your insights are right on point. I am a Deacon from a very large African American Church that does have some white members and is very cohesive. I am also director of the Men's Ministry. We are located in one of the poorest zip codes in our state in the west end of the city. Recently, I sponsored a Men's fellowship called "Bridging the Gap" and invited churches from west (Predominately black) and east (Predominately white). This fellowship was designed to come together an address "The Elephant in the Room("Black Boogiemen" - DEI, CRT, and Woke) and why we are divisive. This was not to be another "Cum Ba yah" moment, were you dance all around the real issues and nothing gets accomplished. For the most part it went very well with real interaction. It went so well that jsut about everyone wants to do it again and expand to include other east and west churches.
With one exception, one participant from the largest white church in our area accused us of "hijacking him", catching him completely off guard. The agenda had been put out for weeks ahead of time. We had also attended two of their Men's sponsored functions - one at their church in east, and one in at one of the churches in west Louisville. Another issue was that his men were invited but I found out later that the information about our forum never got to them. Sound familiar?
I did learn a few things from thi endeavor. One - certain white churches have to control the narrative in order for them to participate. This is not true of all as we have some great relationships with other white churches and appreciate each other's cultures. Two - some of these churches give you "lip service" and are really not interested in becoming the true body of Christ. Three - some churches are looking for a specific kind of Minority Christian - one who fits in with their culture only and who will skate by on real issues. Fourth - regarless of thsoe who are negative/sceptical - the fight for social justice both in the social realm and in the church must go on. As the great Thea Bowman once said, we have to continue to bring our black/brown selves and culture into the Body of Christ.
Excellent article. We have long understood multicultural church as a goal leads to many inauthentic practices. ALL of the diversity comes from Black people and people of color attending what would be a White congregation. Black people have always lived in two cultures. There's also the reality that many Black people like all of the benefits that big, rich, White churches offer. It's not unlike going to Starbucks and restaurants and having to suffer through the music to enjoy food and drink.
It's amazing, given our much smaller percentage of the population, that we have any Black churches still thriving. Those of us who lead smaller African-American churches know the pain of seeing Black people leave to go join the big White church because we can't deliver all of the programs that they offer. We do not lack good teaching and preaching, and especially engagement injustice, but this is really not what many people want.
I never want to hear an argument in favor of multicultural churches so long as white people do not intentionally make it their aim to follow/serve Black pastors or congregations of color.
When those same Black folk have certain needs, such as illness or death in their families, or some eye-opening incident with white people, they come running back to us smaller Black churches to help. And of course we serve.
About 4 years ago, my wife and I came to the realization that you highlight; we were white people in a white church asking black and brown skin people to be like us. Being more motivated to be of one spirit, we decided to drive down that multiracial, multicultural one-way street in the opposite direction. We stepped into a Sunday black space and, as you describe, we were fearful of how we would impact others. Every time we had a small twitch of standing out, it was a reminder that this was only 2 hours a week for us. We had to get over ourselves quickly. After some initial curiosity and maybe a bit of hesitation regarding our motives, we've only experienced acceptance, love and friendship. We officially joined the church after about a year, a formality we had never really gone through in our white churches. We still experience the micro differences in cultural references, occasions celebrated, and institutions supported, but mostly we've experienced a gospel more centered on God's character, rather than my self-help improvement needs. And Sundays seem to have more joy these days. We've learned the rhythms, habits and norms of a congregation not too unlike our white churches, but yet different. No, we did NOT change the black space, but WE have been changed.
Spot on. Enjoyed the article and lived thru every dot and tittle. I always believed that unless you see it at the leadership level, nothing is going to happen. The best we can hope for is doing ministry and serving others together. The trauma and hurt is so deep that trust is now a factor....DW.
As a pastor continuing to work with a congregation that is 50% white and 50% immigrants from Asian and African countries, it is hard for the dominate white culture to realize it is their need for power that makes multiculturalism so difficult, learning to value all contributions in all their variety.
We are a small Nazerine church in a very poor and marginalized district. Parter weed with a community center after we merged our separate congregations (white, addiction recovery and Spanish language). We transferred the Spanish members to the one who still had a Spanish speaking pastor. Small groups are Black majority, but led my me. Our white members are likely not overly welcomed to our all white suburban churches as being too leftist now. Our Sunday morning is now about 30+ % people of color with most having spent time in the homeless shelter. I teach adult Sunday School like I teach college as I feel my students deserve it. Still need to train someone from this congregation to replace me. (Getting old)
Thank you so much for this article, Dr. Tisby. Lately've been thinking about my own faith journey. This piece touches on a lot of things that I have wondered about. Thank you, sir.
Thank you for the insights shared. I especially appreciate that the emphasis needs to be on God's justice first and not so much concern about diversity.
It's a tough concept for people to accept, but I find if justice is the goal, diversity is more authentic and durable.
For 11 years I serve as a white pastor of a small congregation in a poorer neighborhood of our city that is 25% Hispanic. Our need meeting ministries (i.e. Feeding America) draw a diverse and almost majority-minority population. However, our Sunday worship remains almost exclusively white.
Our neighborhood during my tenure "gentrifies". Now, our small congregation has given our historic building to a younger congregation, still primarily white in worship, but led by a diverse staff with a Latino lead pastor and black preaching pastor.
I share my time with this congregation while also supporting another congregation in our neighborhood led by a black pastor. The services there last 1 1/2 hours. The congregation falls more in line with what you are describing as a "multi-cultural" group.
Every story is so unique and nuanced. Thank you for sharing yours.
Really appreciated this piece! Holding onto this line for my own healing and in solidarity with others feeling halted: "a church or institution moving toward racial and ethnic diversity only goes as fast as the most fragile white person in their midst." An example I have experienced of these "multicultural" churches simply fitting more BIPOCs into a white supremacy mold is the SES/educational background/professional homogeneity which persists even with more "hues in pews."
Precisely. And so disappointing and painful because racial diversity in the church is a good thing, but so hard to do well.
Great writing sir! East End Fellowship is a multi-ethnic, economically diverse Christian church located in the east end of Richmond where I was one of the founders and still serve. Just about 20 years in as a 64 year old African-American realizing the racial trauma I’ve have experienced doing this kingdom work of joining the Jesus of the Bible in building his ekklessia as he intended from Matthew 6:9-10,16:13-20 and Rev.7:9. On earth as in heaven!
Living as God’s people still requires a death to self that white supremacy as a spiritual principality is determined to try to hinder by centering whiteness in multi-ethnic gatherings.
The battle continues yet the Jesus of the Bible will build his true ekklessia………. Thank you for speaking truth that points to that reality.
"death to self"...that's the key isn't it. Grateful for your witness Pastor Don!
We can walk together when we look outward toward the world. When we look inward, we remain apart. Or so I think.
Yes. Counter-intuitive for many, yet still accurate.
Amen and amen. Thank you.
Thanks for reading, Danielle!
I am in a congregation that is devoted to be Multicultural. Still its devotion falls short of multicultural. We celebrate Dia De los Muertos (it helps to have a Mexican decent pastor, who served a Puerto Rican congregation), and sermons make reference (regularly) to be looking at theological issues from the Hispanic view point, and exemplified with Hispanic culture stories. I have done research for the Lutheran Church In America (before it became The ELCA) on Churches in Puerto Rico (Caribbean Synod), as well as consulted with Hispanic Congregations in Texas and California. These experiences clearly pointed that multicultural churches to develop Staff (Pastor, outreach personnel) need to have more than a passing familiarity with the target culture. Liturgy must include rituals, music, and frequent references to the non-white culture. At least the leadership in the congregation need to be open and seek feedback from members of the cultural group being that is. attracted and wanted to be partners with.
Ideally the Pastor is clearly wishing to have a congregation that is truly multicultural. In my experience these Pastors are part of the cultural tradition or have been immersed for a significant amount of time in the cultural milieu. I had also noted that White Pastor that had voluntarily had serve Black or Hispanic congregations can be effective in opening a congregation to move in the direction of multiculturalism.
Ideally the congregation also try to have exposure to the cultural views and social structures of the "target" culture. For Example in the Hispanic culture is acceptable and expected that children at welcomed at social situations, and invitations noting that event is adults only is considered at least to be impolite. It is also important to Have both groups be familiar with cultural differences. (this comes from my experiences in training students and prospect Peace Corp members to prevent Cultural Shock).
Lots of great insights and practical advice. I think your example about the place of children in social situations is spot on. Thanks for sharing!
Wow - this is incredibly helpful. Thanks, Jemar.
Thanks for reading, Scott! What other questions or wonderings around this topic might you have? Maybe I can write a bit more about it.
Your insights are right on point. I am a Deacon from a very large African American Church that does have some white members and is very cohesive. I am also director of the Men's Ministry. We are located in one of the poorest zip codes in our state in the west end of the city. Recently, I sponsored a Men's fellowship called "Bridging the Gap" and invited churches from west (Predominately black) and east (Predominately white). This fellowship was designed to come together an address "The Elephant in the Room("Black Boogiemen" - DEI, CRT, and Woke) and why we are divisive. This was not to be another "Cum Ba yah" moment, were you dance all around the real issues and nothing gets accomplished. For the most part it went very well with real interaction. It went so well that jsut about everyone wants to do it again and expand to include other east and west churches.
With one exception, one participant from the largest white church in our area accused us of "hijacking him", catching him completely off guard. The agenda had been put out for weeks ahead of time. We had also attended two of their Men's sponsored functions - one at their church in east, and one in at one of the churches in west Louisville. Another issue was that his men were invited but I found out later that the information about our forum never got to them. Sound familiar?
I did learn a few things from thi endeavor. One - certain white churches have to control the narrative in order for them to participate. This is not true of all as we have some great relationships with other white churches and appreciate each other's cultures. Two - some of these churches give you "lip service" and are really not interested in becoming the true body of Christ. Three - some churches are looking for a specific kind of Minority Christian - one who fits in with their culture only and who will skate by on real issues. Fourth - regarless of thsoe who are negative/sceptical - the fight for social justice both in the social realm and in the church must go on. As the great Thea Bowman once said, we have to continue to bring our black/brown selves and culture into the Body of Christ.
Excellent article. We have long understood multicultural church as a goal leads to many inauthentic practices. ALL of the diversity comes from Black people and people of color attending what would be a White congregation. Black people have always lived in two cultures. There's also the reality that many Black people like all of the benefits that big, rich, White churches offer. It's not unlike going to Starbucks and restaurants and having to suffer through the music to enjoy food and drink.
It's amazing, given our much smaller percentage of the population, that we have any Black churches still thriving. Those of us who lead smaller African-American churches know the pain of seeing Black people leave to go join the big White church because we can't deliver all of the programs that they offer. We do not lack good teaching and preaching, and especially engagement injustice, but this is really not what many people want.
I never want to hear an argument in favor of multicultural churches so long as white people do not intentionally make it their aim to follow/serve Black pastors or congregations of color.
When those same Black folk have certain needs, such as illness or death in their families, or some eye-opening incident with white people, they come running back to us smaller Black churches to help. And of course we serve.
About 4 years ago, my wife and I came to the realization that you highlight; we were white people in a white church asking black and brown skin people to be like us. Being more motivated to be of one spirit, we decided to drive down that multiracial, multicultural one-way street in the opposite direction. We stepped into a Sunday black space and, as you describe, we were fearful of how we would impact others. Every time we had a small twitch of standing out, it was a reminder that this was only 2 hours a week for us. We had to get over ourselves quickly. After some initial curiosity and maybe a bit of hesitation regarding our motives, we've only experienced acceptance, love and friendship. We officially joined the church after about a year, a formality we had never really gone through in our white churches. We still experience the micro differences in cultural references, occasions celebrated, and institutions supported, but mostly we've experienced a gospel more centered on God's character, rather than my self-help improvement needs. And Sundays seem to have more joy these days. We've learned the rhythms, habits and norms of a congregation not too unlike our white churches, but yet different. No, we did NOT change the black space, but WE have been changed.
Spot on. Enjoyed the article and lived thru every dot and tittle. I always believed that unless you see it at the leadership level, nothing is going to happen. The best we can hope for is doing ministry and serving others together. The trauma and hurt is so deep that trust is now a factor....DW.
As a pastor continuing to work with a congregation that is 50% white and 50% immigrants from Asian and African countries, it is hard for the dominate white culture to realize it is their need for power that makes multiculturalism so difficult, learning to value all contributions in all their variety.
We are a small Nazerine church in a very poor and marginalized district. Parter weed with a community center after we merged our separate congregations (white, addiction recovery and Spanish language). We transferred the Spanish members to the one who still had a Spanish speaking pastor. Small groups are Black majority, but led my me. Our white members are likely not overly welcomed to our all white suburban churches as being too leftist now. Our Sunday morning is now about 30+ % people of color with most having spent time in the homeless shelter. I teach adult Sunday School like I teach college as I feel my students deserve it. Still need to train someone from this congregation to replace me. (Getting old)
Thank you so much for this article, Dr. Tisby. Lately've been thinking about my own faith journey. This piece touches on a lot of things that I have wondered about. Thank you, sir.
Thanks for this thoughtful piece.
Appreciate you reading!