How do we serve a culturally diverse world? We embrace others!
This week I am preparing for the second message in our series at Mosaic called Peppermint-Filled Pinatas. This week’s topic: Seeing Past Stereotypes (formerly called White Men Can Jump (Just Not As High)).
If you have any stories about ethnic diversity or know of any interesting facts or Scripture passages I should consider, let me know!
Here are a couple of interesting facts I have recently discovered:
Muhammad will be the #1 baby boy’s name in the U.K. in 2008 (currently the order is Jack, Muhammad, Thomas, Joshua, and Oliver)
Diversity leads towards innovation. In The Medici Effect by Frans Johansson, he unwraps the idea that the Renaissance was born as a result in part to the Medici family which brought to Florence a diverse group of collaborators together from multiple disciplines. The intersection of these ideas created remarkably new innovations.
I wonder if the name statistic means that in 2008 there will be more diversity or less, just depends the direction. Or more specific, if new minorities will pop up b/c new majorities are growing.
Regardless, it does say alot about the various shifts taking place aroudn the globe.
Interesting stuff, hope the series goes well, all of us need a huge does of teaching and challenge in that direction if we’re going to be a church true to the gospel – anywhere in the world.
Hope to read it in the near future.
in south africa we have a hugely diverse nation,with a difficult past because of fear. peopled feared that which was different. but i think the truth and reconcilliation commission did something amazing, it gave people a platform to share their stories, to be heard…to be valued.
it’s still one of the greatest struggles here, to accept people who are different. yet there is nothing more beautiful when you hear our national anthem sung in 3 languages and reflected by amazing colourful people.
One of my friends did a great post on ethnic diversity and the church. Here is the link if you are interested:
http://justintapp.blogspot.com/2007/05/distinguishing-mark-of-spirit-led.html
i was listening to the message you gave at mosaic (through the podcast) and just wonderful to hear youre experience on the place and the way you dealt with it later on… by changing your perception.
I live in the middle east and i see the gulf the “middle eastern” sterotype and the reality… we need more people to realize that… great message…. love (fruit of the spirit) is strengthened through breaking these stereotypes.