Models for a Multicultural Church

In a world where conversations about diversity are often met with both hope and skepticism, it can be difficult to know how to lead a church in cross-cultural practices that faithfully reflect the kingdom of God in its multiethnicity.

From leadership structures to music and preaching styles, cross-cultural ministry postures vary widely and do not always reflect local demographics. In this book, Kenneth Nehrbass and Eunice Hong explore different ministry approaches for crossing cultural and ethnic boundaries. Their research identifies five key dimensions of multicultural churches and introduces the Cross-Cultural Posture Assessment Tool to help congregations discern their current approach. Congregations tend to embody one of seven cross-cultural postures--some blending multiple cultures into shared worship and others centering on one dominant culture, with several variations in between. The authors state that no single cross-cultural posture is inherently better than another; the approach should fit the church's calling, context, and constituency.

Each chapter includes reflection questions, recommended reading, and practical tools, along with callout boxes, charts, and images. With a foreword by Derwin L. Gray, this book translates insights from leaders and church members into "best practices" for those who engage in--or want to engage in--multicultural ministry.