CHURCH MULTI-ETHNIC TRANSITION

We help churches with their transition to multiethnic churches that embrace and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of  their congregation. We can help churches incorporate a variety of worship styles, music genres, and languages, creating an environment that encapsulates the vision of every nation, tribe and tongue being united together in Heaven. We prioritize intentional community-building activities that foster genuine relationships and mutual understanding among our members. We aim to create a space where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and empowered to fully participate in the life of the church. Contact us below for more info.

START YOUR TRANSITION TODAY

When giving your sermon, it is important to keep in mind your audience. People from different ethnicities may interpret a sermon differently due to various factors such as cultural background, experience and perspective. It is beneficial to consider the diverse perspectives, prompting you to engage in cross-cultural dialogue to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of the message being conveyed. Here are some tips to consider when giving a sermon in a multiethnic context:

SERMONS

    • Using language that avoids assumptions and biases.

    • Using examples, illustrations, and references that resonate with various cultural backgrounds to help connect with the entire congregation.

    • Intentionally quote pastors that are from different ethnicities.

    • Creating opportunities for dialogue and feedback to understand how different members of the congregation interpret and respond to the sermon.

    • Encouraging open communication.

    • Creating a safe space for diverse perspectives to be shared and understood.

    • Engage with leaders and members from different ethnic backgrounds to gather insights and feedback during sermon prep.

    • Collaborate on sermon series or guest speakers to bring diverse perspectives and voices to the forefront.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

During a church service, the time of announcements presents a wonderful opportunity to introduce someone of a different ethnicity within the congregation. This moment allows for the celebration of diversity and the breaking down of cultural barriers. It is a perfect occasion to emphasize that the significance lies not in the person's theological expertise, but in their presence as a representation of the unity and inclusivity that Christ calls us to embrace within the body of believers.

SCRIPTURE READING

Incorporating scripture readings in different languages during a Sunday morning service holds significant importance, as exemplified in Revelation 7:9. By including diverse languages in scripture readings, the congregation echoes this biblical vision of unity and diversity, symbolizing the gathering of believers from all corners of the world. Additionally, hearing scripture read in your native language allows you to connect with the Word of God in a way you wouldn’t be able to in a second language. This practice not only celebrates the beauty of cultural differences but also intentionally recognizes presence in your congregation, enabling a deeper connection with the universal message of God's Word and its people.

SAMPLE SUNDAY SETLIST

The following worship songs are composed by a variety of minorities within the christian worship realm. It is important to be intentional even with the composer of the worship song we use in congregational service as it brings diversity, fosters inclusiveness and enables a more profound and holistic expression of worship that transcends specific cultural boundaries within the context of the church community.

    1. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus by Church of the City
      This hymn was originally written by Louisa Stead in 1882 but has been modified and adapted by many worship leaders. Jon Reddick, a black gospel singer and songwriter, took this hymn, specifically a chorus, and added a gospel feel to it by introducing solely the piano and organ.

    2. Yeshua by Alessandro Vilas Boas
      This song was originally written in Portuguese by Alessandro Vilas Boas, a brazilian singer and songwriter and it is titled “Quero Conhecer Jesus.” This song became popular during The Send in 2019 and many other worship groups have translated it from Portuguese to English, Spanish, Hebrew, etc.

    3. Defender by Rita Springer and Bethel Music 
      This song was written in 2017 by Bethel Music and vocalist Rita Springer, Steffany Gritzinger and Jean-Paul Gentile. This song’s concept comes from Exodus 14:14 and it has become popular in Christian Contemporary music genre, sung by many worship organizations and evidently translated to many languages. 

    4. Excess Love by JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise
      This song was composed by gospel singer JJ Hairstone, leader and director of Youthful Praise choir. “Excess Love Remix” features lead vocals by a native Nigerian woman, Mercy Chinwo. The single was recorded live in Abuja, Nigeria and is from his award-nominated album, Miracle Worker.

    1. No weapon by Fred Hammond
      This song is composed by Fred Hammond, a celebrated gospel singer, songwriter, and producer who has been honored with a Grammy Award, is renowned for his soul-stirring and encouraging music. One of his notable compositions, "No Weapon [Live]," beautifully articulates the strength found in faith and the steadfast protection that God bestows upon those who follow Him.

    2. How Deep the Fathers Love by Stuart Townend
      This hymn was originally written by British songwriter and Christian worship leader Stuart Townend in 1995. The hymn became an instant classic and is now sung in churches all over the world. Many bands have adapted it and even added their own style to it. 

    3. Give me Jesus by UPPERROOM
      This song was originally written by Fernando Ortega in 1999. Upperroom is a prayer and worship movement formed in 2010 which consists of multiple singer and songwriters in Dallas. They covered ‘Give Me Jesus’ in their Love Note album released in October 2021, where over 1.2M people listened to it. 

    4. Make Room by Community Music
      Based out of Chicago, Community Music is a part of COMMUNITY Christian Church and has just released their newest single “Make Room." Community Music is comprised of church planters and artists who work together to equip local and global artists and leaders in the Jesus Mission. Make Room was written by Lucas and Evelyn Cortazio, Josh Farro and Rebekah White; produced by Andrew Bergthold (We The Kingdom) and mixed by Ainslie Grosser (for KING & COUNTRY). 

    1. Shout to the Lord by Jeremy Riddle
      This song was originally composed by Darlene Zschech in 1993, a popular worship ballad that was published by Hillsong Music Australia. The studio version of the performance charted at number 43 in the Billboard Hot 100 of that year, receiving coverage from multiple worship artists and bands, including Bethel Music. 

    2. More than Anything by Anita Wilson
      This song is sung by Anita Wilson, a famous gospel singer, and was written and produced by Rick Robinson, her husband. This song is famous within the black christian community and instantly draws in listeners to worship God freely. 

    3. Psalm 23 (I am not Alone) by People & Songs
      This song was written by Phil King and Meredith Andrews, two musicians who are popular within the christian contemporary music realm. However, People and Songs covered it and they adapted a more gospel feel with the way it is vocally sung, including having a choir in the live recording. This song embodies psalm 23 and is a great reminder of God is with you throughout mountains and valleys.

    4. In Christ Alone + Praise The Lord by Bethel Music 
      In Christ Alone is one of the most popular Christian hymns written by Ketih Getty and Stuart Townend in 2001. Due to its popularity, many worship groups covered it, including Bethel Music. They took the traditional hymn and added more of CCM style to it, including the spontaneous tag ‘Praise The Lord’ that was birthed out of one of Upperroom’s worship sets. 

WORSHIP

The following worship songs are composed by a variety of minorities within the christian worship realm. It is important to be intentional even with the composer of the worship song we use in congregational service as it brings diversity, fosters inclusiveness and enables a more profound and holistic expression of worship that transcends specific cultural boundaries within the context of the church community.