Increasingly, church leaders are recognizing the intrinsic power and beauty of the multi-ethnic church. Yet, more than a good idea, it's a biblical, first-century standard with far-reaching evangelistic potential. How can your church overcome the obstacles in order to become a healthy, fruitful multi-ethnic church of faith? And why should you even try? In Ethnic Blends, multi-ethnic church pioneer Mark DeYmaz provides an up-close and personal look at seven common challenges to mixing diversity into your local church. Through real-life stories and practical illustrations, DeYmaz shows how to overcome the obstacles in order to build a healthy multi-ethnic church. He also includes the insights of other effective, multi-ethnic local church leaders from the United States and Australia. Ethnic Blends describes what effective local churches in the 21st century will look like and shows us how to create them, together as one, beyond race and class distinctions. --Miles McPherson, Senior Pastor, The Rock Church, San Diego, CA Mark DeYmaz, perhaps more than any pastor in America, has his pulse on what it will take for the Church to find real reconciliation in our generation. --Matt Carter, Lead Pastor, Austin Stone Community Church, Austin, TX
Ethnic Blends
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Review
"Ethnic Blends describes what effective local churches in the twenty-first century will look like, and shows us how to create them, together as one, beyond race and class distinctions." --Miles McPherson, Senior Pastor, The Rock Church, San Diego
"Maybe more than any pastor in America, Mark DeYmaz knows what it will take for the church to find real reconciliation in our generation. The quilt of the gospel is made with people of varying ethnicities, cultures, and tongues. Ethnic Blends gives us a better glimpse at that quilt." --Matt Carter, Lead Pastor, Austin Stone Community Church
"God scatters by language at Babel, and then we see men and women from `every tongue, tribe, and nation' in Revelation. Something remarkable happens between the two events. The gospel unites and builds bridges to, and then among, the `nations'--ethnolinguistic people groups of all varieties. There have been few practical works to help Christians prepare for a multicultural eternity by reflecting the kingdom in a multicultural church. Ethnic Blends helps fill that void. DeYmaz and Li have provided a gift to churches that desire to reflect the kingdom where cultures are valued, but also bridged, for God's glory." --Ed Stetzer, President, LifeWay Research
"Mark DeYmaz is a man raised up for such a time as this, a time when churches need a greater perspective of what Christ expects from his church. This book will help every church broaden its horizon of outreach, love, and care for its city. Acts 1:8 commands us to reach out to the uttermost parts of the earth. In 2010, the `uttermost parts' can many times be found within a few miles of where you live. God called us to reach people, love people, and help people grow in Christ, no matter what their background is. Mark's book helps us to recapture that vision in a powerful way." --Jonathan Falwell, Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church
Ethnic Blends is a prophetic, Christ-centered road map that offers practical, pastoral wisdom on how to form multi-ethnic congregations. Mark DeYmaz and Harry Li are redemptive voices crying out in a wilderness of homogeneity for the church in all its ethnic diversity to be one as God is one. I thank God for their biblical vision and mission and firmly believe that Christ's church will bear more authentic witness to the world that God has sent his Son the more we heed the authors' multi-ethnic church claims. --Paul Louis Metzger, PhD, Multnomah Biblical Seminary, author of Consuming Jesus: Beyond Race and Class Divisions in a Consumer Church
"Maybe more than any pastor in America, Mark DeYmaz knows what it will take for the church to find real reconciliation in our generation. The quilt of the gospel is made with people of varying ethnicities, cultures, and tongues. Ethnic Blends gives us a better glimpse at that quilt." --Matt Carter, Lead Pastor, Austin Stone Community Church
"God scatters by language at Babel, and then we see men and women from `every tongue, tribe, and nation' in Revelation. Something remarkable happens between the two events. The gospel unites and builds bridges to, and then among, the `nations'--ethnolinguistic people groups of all varieties. There have been few practical works to help Christians prepare for a multicultural eternity by reflecting the kingdom in a multicultural church. Ethnic Blends helps fill that void. DeYmaz and Li have provided a gift to churches that desire to reflect the kingdom where cultures are valued, but also bridged, for God's glory." --Ed Stetzer, President, LifeWay Research
"Mark DeYmaz is a man raised up for such a time as this, a time when churches need a greater perspective of what Christ expects from his church. This book will help every church broaden its horizon of outreach, love, and care for its city. Acts 1:8 commands us to reach out to the uttermost parts of the earth. In 2010, the `uttermost parts' can many times be found within a few miles of where you live. God called us to reach people, love people, and help people grow in Christ, no matter what their background is. Mark's book helps us to recapture that vision in a powerful way." --Jonathan Falwell, Pastor, Thomas Road Baptist Church
Ethnic Blends is a prophetic, Christ-centered road map that offers practical, pastoral wisdom on how to form multi-ethnic congregations. Mark DeYmaz and Harry Li are redemptive voices crying out in a wilderness of homogeneity for the church in all its ethnic diversity to be one as God is one. I thank God for their biblical vision and mission and firmly believe that Christ's church will bear more authentic witness to the world that God has sent his Son the more we heed the authors' multi-ethnic church claims. --Paul Louis Metzger, PhD, Multnomah Biblical Seminary, author of Consuming Jesus: Beyond Race and Class Divisions in a Consumer Church
Review
Provides not only practical advice for those navigating the waters of racially diverse ministry but also an overview of the place of the multiracial movement in the larger Christian context. These are words that must be heard by all who want to create racially relevant ministries. -- Dr. George Yancey, University of North Texas <br><br>
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
My how we could have used this book ten years ago when our church (Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, IL) first decided to cross the racial divide in hopes of becoming multi-ethnic! Our results were recently described in a January, 2010 Time Magazine article that shows both how far Willow has come, and how far it still has to go.
It's interesting that both these authors and our pastor (Bill Hybels) were inspired by Michael Emerson's depressing book "Divided by Faith." For those who haven't read it yet, it describes lasting multi-ethnic churches as sociologically impossible. Yet, as I once responded to Dr. Emerson in a meeting, it HAS to be possible for Christians, because the Bible commands it. This book is the story of HOW it has been possible with God's help, not only for Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, but also for several other cited examples to become truly multi-ethnic (defined as no more than 80% from any one ethnicity.)
A key insight of this book is: however well the homogeneous unit principle of church growth worked in the twentieth century, only multi-ethnic churches can achieve lasting growth in the twenty-first. One reason is that the U.S. is becoming more diverse. Twenty-five percent of the people living near Willow's suburban campuses no longer look like the people who founded Willow. Any church that today only appeals to only one ethnicity, thereby shrinks its market, especially as the U.S. moves toward becoming majority-minority by 2042. Second, and more importantly, people who are considering the message of the church today can't avoid wondering why it can't be at least as diverse as their workplace. As this book put it "For in an increasingly diverse and cynical society, people will no longer find credible the message of God's love for all people when it's preached by segregated churches."
Another key insight: "it is the [multi-ethnic] church at Antioch, and not the [homogeneous] church in Jerusalem, that is the most influential church of the entire New Testament." and "it wasn't until the church at Jerusalem was persecuted that individuals were forced to carry the message of Christ to other lands and people."
The book lists seven core commitments of a multi-ethnic church: embrace dependence, intentional steps, diverse leaders, cross-cultural relationships and competence, inclusion and mobilizing for impact.
Thankfully, this book then gets into actual cases, such as tongues, women in ministry, politics, the undocumented, worship music, wine versus grape juice, choosing leaders, and resolving conflicts. It also presents various models of how multi-ethnic churches function, listing strengths and weaknesses of each approach. For instance, Willow now has a popular weekly service in Spanish, good for attracting Hispanics. However, the resulting challenge is how to ensure Willow remains united, not two congregations sharing a building.
I found the transitions between the two authors a bit hard to track, and still wonder about the ethnicity of Deymaz. Those primarily concerned about bridging the specific divide between black and white may want an additional book, such as the book "Letters Across the Divide" that helped Willow start its "Justice Journey."
Overall, for churches interested in actually becoming multi-ethnic, this is your "how to" guide.
It's interesting that both these authors and our pastor (Bill Hybels) were inspired by Michael Emerson's depressing book "Divided by Faith." For those who haven't read it yet, it describes lasting multi-ethnic churches as sociologically impossible. Yet, as I once responded to Dr. Emerson in a meeting, it HAS to be possible for Christians, because the Bible commands it. This book is the story of HOW it has been possible with God's help, not only for Mosaic Church of Central Arkansas, but also for several other cited examples to become truly multi-ethnic (defined as no more than 80% from any one ethnicity.)
A key insight of this book is: however well the homogeneous unit principle of church growth worked in the twentieth century, only multi-ethnic churches can achieve lasting growth in the twenty-first. One reason is that the U.S. is becoming more diverse. Twenty-five percent of the people living near Willow's suburban campuses no longer look like the people who founded Willow. Any church that today only appeals to only one ethnicity, thereby shrinks its market, especially as the U.S. moves toward becoming majority-minority by 2042. Second, and more importantly, people who are considering the message of the church today can't avoid wondering why it can't be at least as diverse as their workplace. As this book put it "For in an increasingly diverse and cynical society, people will no longer find credible the message of God's love for all people when it's preached by segregated churches."
Another key insight: "it is the [multi-ethnic] church at Antioch, and not the [homogeneous] church in Jerusalem, that is the most influential church of the entire New Testament." and "it wasn't until the church at Jerusalem was persecuted that individuals were forced to carry the message of Christ to other lands and people."
The book lists seven core commitments of a multi-ethnic church: embrace dependence, intentional steps, diverse leaders, cross-cultural relationships and competence, inclusion and mobilizing for impact.
Thankfully, this book then gets into actual cases, such as tongues, women in ministry, politics, the undocumented, worship music, wine versus grape juice, choosing leaders, and resolving conflicts. It also presents various models of how multi-ethnic churches function, listing strengths and weaknesses of each approach. For instance, Willow now has a popular weekly service in Spanish, good for attracting Hispanics. However, the resulting challenge is how to ensure Willow remains united, not two congregations sharing a building.
I found the transitions between the two authors a bit hard to track, and still wonder about the ethnicity of Deymaz. Those primarily concerned about bridging the specific divide between black and white may want an additional book, such as the book "Letters Across the Divide" that helped Willow start its "Justice Journey."
Overall, for churches interested in actually becoming multi-ethnic, this is your "how to" guide.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
Stained glass, with all of its multiple brilliant colors, provides a unique style of rainbow for church families, allowing nature's light to shine through a prism of various shades of peace and comfort. Mark Deymaz and Harry Li attempt to introduce the stained glass concept into the church body with their new book, "Ethnic Blends: Mixing Diversity into Your Local Church". As Deymaz and Li explore the possibilities associated with bringing different ethnicities together under one Godly roof, it's impossible to ignore the analogy of the stained glass, the elegant, beautiful art work that stands as a testament to the value of strength derived from the sum of disparate parts.
Deymaz and Li don't deny the fact that there are obstacles to creating such a spiritual utopia; in fact, they recognize this sad fact in every chapter. However, not ones to be dissuaded, they acknowledge the difficulties, and in the same breath they offer solutions for eradicating these barriers. Multiple races worshiping together requires overcoming challenges that range from the personal to the practical. Ironically, there is a chapter devoted to debunking the myths created by theological sources, making one want to throw up her hands and give up. Yet, the authors do such an amazing job of convincing the reader it is possible, racial harmony in God's House is within our grasp, it renews hope and faith that the promise of knowing we are "Christians by our love, by our love" will be a song that literally comes to fruition.
Excellent read for anyone interested in justice, spirituality, or the how the two might blend.
Deymaz and Li don't deny the fact that there are obstacles to creating such a spiritual utopia; in fact, they recognize this sad fact in every chapter. However, not ones to be dissuaded, they acknowledge the difficulties, and in the same breath they offer solutions for eradicating these barriers. Multiple races worshiping together requires overcoming challenges that range from the personal to the practical. Ironically, there is a chapter devoted to debunking the myths created by theological sources, making one want to throw up her hands and give up. Yet, the authors do such an amazing job of convincing the reader it is possible, racial harmony in God's House is within our grasp, it renews hope and faith that the promise of knowing we are "Christians by our love, by our love" will be a song that literally comes to fruition.
Excellent read for anyone interested in justice, spirituality, or the how the two might blend.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Churches struggling with issues of diversity and ethnic representation will welcome Mark Deymaz and Harry Li's ETHNIC BLENDS: MIXING DIVERSITY INTO YOUR LOCAL CHURCH. It covers common obstacles churches face in trying to blend in different ethnicities, and provides paths for a church to become a healthy, multi-ethnic representation of faith. The authors are multi-ethnic church pioneers with a track record in addressing and successfully handling barriers to church growth, making this an authoritative church reference.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Helpful Tool for A Great Call
At this writing I've been pastoring a multi-ethnic church since we planted Emmaus 6.5 years ago. I only wish I would have known about this book back then. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Cole Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
Groundbreaking Work
In his groundbreaking book `Ethnic Blends: Mixing Diversity into Your Local Church", Mark DeyMaz sets for the idea that it is not so much racial blending that we seek when... Read more
Published on March 18, 2011 by Pedro J. Windsor-Garcia
5.0 out of 5 stars
Incredibly Insightful and Practical
The authors provide practical advice based on experience. The need to lay the theological foundation for the shift to a multi-ethnic approach has helped me tremendously.
Published on December 13, 2010 by James V. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Encouragement for the multiethnic journey
The multi-ethnic church, like a good cup of coffee, produces an aroma that is refreshingly attractive - especially to those without Christ in an increasingly diverse and cynical... Read more
Published on November 18, 2010 by John Gibbs
4.0 out of 5 stars
Read this and be challenged
Mark Deymaz and Harry Li are pastors of a church called Mosaic in Central Arkansas. In their diverse setting they have committed to building a community of diversity and have seen... Read more
Published on November 6, 2010 by N. Lindroth
4.0 out of 5 stars
Helpful Blueprint for Reaching Outside of Your Ethnic Group
I currently attend a church that is not very ethnically diverse (although we do a lot of outreach). I am drawn to books that explain how to reach out to people of other... Read more
Published on November 5, 2010 by Andrea Schultz
4.0 out of 5 stars
Review: Ethnic Blends
This was another one of those books that when I saw the invitation to join the blog tour, I knew I had to sign up. The biggest reason for signing up for this blog tour? Read more
Published on November 4, 2010 by Craig Falvo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Call to Diversity!
Ethnic Blends sounds more like a Starbucks cup of coffee rather than a book about diversity in the local church. Read more
Published on November 1, 2010 by Joshua Simpson
4.0 out of 5 stars
Ethnic Diversity for Your Church Explained
This book is a great, and very current, overview and "coaching manual" for steering your church in a more multi-cultural directions. Read more
Published on September 24, 2010 by P. Hamm
3.0 out of 5 stars
A book that wouldn't be needed....
This book would be unnecessary - is unnecessary. It should be replaced with a book that explains that an oligarchy is unscriptural. Read more
Published on June 24, 2010 by Bill Ross
