Diversity in the Church - Blog

Why should local churches strive for racial and social diversity?

If a young believer expresses an interest in planting a church or starting a ministry, the first question usually asked him is “What is your target group?”  This statement presumes a philosophy of ministry which encourages churches to build their entire ministry around one particular societal group.  Thus, young ministers are expected to start churches for a particular generation (Millennials, Gen-Xers, Boomers), economic class (more often than not the upwardly mobile), or even racial and ethnic groups.

This approach to ministry not only increases the racial and economic divides which already exist within the American church, but (as I have argued elsewhere) is based on a misunderstanding of the Scripture passages to which its supporters appeal.  In my opinion, it also sacrifices long-term faithfulness for short-term expediency.  May I give three reasons (there are more) for the long-term benefits of a diverse local church? 

Diverse local churches better represent the church’s mission.  In Matthew 28:19, Jesus makes clear that we are to make disciples of all nations, a term in context meaning “all people everywhere.”  To intentionally overlook the all in a church’s local outreach seems to strike at the very heart of Christ’s charge to His followers.  But when we see people from every strata of society embrace the gospel, we show our great commitment to the great commission.

Diverse churches better express Christ’s work of reconciliation.  Paul shows us in Ephesians 2 that in the cross, we not only find peace with God, but also become fellow citizens together in this wondrous entity which God ordained in eternity past called the church.  Jew and Gentile become one temple where God dwells.  A church which brings together the redeemed from the various elements of our community shows how great God’s work of reconciliation truly is.

Diverse churches provide a better witness to the world that we are genuine.  Jesus taught that the proof to the world that we are His disciples is our love for one another (John 13:34-35).  In a culture where we often talk a good deal about equality, but most live in personal segregation, God’s people have a tremendous opportunity to display how the gospel can break down the barriers which the world cannot.  But if we do not rub shoulders together in local church fellowship, we cannot demonstrate this love.

I am deeply grateful for The Moody Church’s continued commitment to reach the entire community in which God has placed us, and to be as diverse when we worship on Sunday as we will be someday before God’s throne (Revelation 7:9-10).  Let’s seek to make our personal fellowship as rich and varied as the population of heaven.

“God intends His people to be a visual model of the gospel, to demonstrate before people’s eyes the good news of reconciliation.”     John Stott