Mark DeYmaz' Building a Healthy Multi-Ethnic Church

In chapter one, DeYmaz examines Christ's prayer in John 17 and its call for unity among all people. He uses this prayer as the foundational piece of his argument in which he believes that the creation of thriving multi-ethnic churches will allow the Church as a whole to more effectively fulfill the Great Commission. Because of my intentions to work cross-culturally in the future, I wholeheartedly agree with DeYmaz and can foresee how his ideas will play out practically in the work that I and others do with the international church.

Next, in chapter two, DeYmaz examines the pattern of the early NT Church and how its movement beyond Judaism to include Gentile believers was a turning point in its growth. Although this chapter provides a solid Biblical foundation for DeYmaz' argument, it is not particularly useful for my final paper.

Likewise, chapter three's examination of the multi-ethnic church at Ephesus under Paul's leadership, while providing a strong Biblical and theological foundation for DeYmaz's argument, is not necessarily helpful for my paper.

In chapter four, DeYmaz begins by examining the first of seven commitments that he believes are core to the establishment of a thriving multi-ethnic church: embracing dependence and trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit to work through us to establish such churches. This chapter has implications not only for multi-ethnic churches but for any sort of church plant. Dependence is vital. Nothing can be done on the strength of our action alone.

Chapter five then discusses the second core commitment: taking intentional steps that will enable the formation of a multi-ethnic church, whether it be implementing new forms of worship or instituting new practices that will allow other racial and ethnic groups to feel connected. Sometimes it also involves being intentional in our response to patiently wait on God to reveal his will and plans.

In chapter six, DeYmaz discusses the importance of empowering a diverse leadership body in order to build a healthy multi-ethnic church. This will be something important for me to keep in mind as I work to assemble a team in the initial stages of my church planting plans.

Chapter seven then examines the fourth core commitment: making an intentional effort to develop cross-cultural relationships and to participate and partner together within a heterogenous community. This commitment will be integral to my own future church plant because of the way in which it encourages the development of the plant's corporate identity. When we pursue cross-cultural relationships, we seek to establish unity and to understand the ties that bind us in the midst of our diversity, rather than focusing on those elements which separate us.

In chapter eight, DeYmaz continues his examination of the healthy multi-ethnic church by calling for the pursuit of cross-cultural competence. In this case we are to examine the differences that separate us (e.g. language, customs, etc.), with the end result of seeking to understand how we can connect to one another in the midst of these differences. Such a notion emphasizes an other-focused mentality as we work to truly know and love all of our neighbors, regardless of difference.

Next, in chapter nine, DeYmaz examines the sixth core commitment: promoting a spirit of inclusion. This chapter builds on the two before it because it is ultimately about a commitment to love one another with the love of Christ. This is, in my opinion, one of the foundational elements upon which any plant should be built, regardless of ethnic makeup or cultural diversity.

Chapter ten then examines the seventh and final core commitment: mobilizing in order to have an impact on the Church and world at large. DeYmaz argues that the multi-ethnic church is in a position to play a particularly crucial role in the growth of the Kingdom.

Chapter eleven is particularly useful for me as DeYmaz discusses the intricacies of actually planting a multi-ethnic church. I found that many of his ideas focus on the importance of being open and seeking unity above all else. Planting a multi-ethnic church requires an understanding of the unique process to which you have been called as well as a willingness to seek out relationships with an even wider spectrum of people than is typical for most individuals.

Chapter twelve does not apply to me, however, as it deals with revitalizing a declining church.

Finally, the principles for transforming a homogenous church as discussed in chapter thirteen are helpful for my own future planting plans, specifically in relation to the notion that transformation lies on a continuum. Although I of course want to constantly be open to the leading of the Spirit, I can foresee myself referring to the continuum that DeYmaz outlines on pages 180-181 as a way in which to assess the level of cross-cultural commitment that my future plant is pursuing.