One New People: Models for Developing a Multiethnic Church [Paperback]

Manuel Ortiz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 19, 1996

God created us with diverse cultural and individual backgrounds. He intended those differences for our corporate delight and blessing. But too often we let differences separate us from each other. In One New People Manuel Ortiz persuades us of the benefits in fellowship and outreach that we can experience by crossing racial, ethnic and cultural lines. He urges us not just to put aside our differences but to celebrate them and to embrace them--to use them in a way that draws us closer to each other and closer to God. To that end, he offers a variety of models for creating and sustaining a multiethnic church. You'll explore new possibilities by reading stories of those who have already reaped the benefits of multiethnic approaches to community and ministry. And you'll sort out which options are best for your situation by working through the questions for thought and discussion that are included throughout the book. Finally, you'll find here ideas and principles to guide you through the process of change and growth: improving communication, managing conflict, encouraging and training new leaders, and much more. Here is inspiration, guidance and time-tested models for broadening the ministry of your church to reflect the power of God not only to overcome our differences, but also to transform them into a source of strength and joy.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Ortiz (D.Min., Westminster) is professor of ministry and urban mission and director of the urban program at Westminster Theological Seminary. For fourteen years he ministered to Hispanics in Chicago, founding four churches, two elementary schools and an extension school for theological education. He has continued in community ministry by planting a multiethnic church in Philadelphia and by promoting urban and multiethnic ministry around the nation through his speaking and consulting efforts.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (August 19, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830818820
• ISBN-13: 978-0830818822
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #698,608 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Making E Pluribus Unum a reality among God's people, May 23, 2005

By 

Kevin Montgomery (Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: One New People: Models for Developing a Multiethnic Church (Paperback)

Ortiz has written a useful little book in helping to develop multi-ethnic churches. Through a chapter about demographics he shows the necessity of multi-cultural churches today. Then he takes the reader through two main models for multi-ethnic/cultural churches. He first describes the "multi-congregational" model, which is, in essence, when two or more groups meet under the same roof but have limited interaction. The "multiethnic" church, his second model, allows for greater cooperation (and struggles) between the different groups. In the following chapters he develops how best to transition from a mono-cultural to a multi-cultural church with very practical advice and several examples from actual multi-cultural churches. He ends with a theological study on becoming a "new humanity" that gives his theological basis for encouraging the multi-cultural/ethnic church.

Pros
In chapter one he gives an overview of the chapters with certain questions one should ask while reading them. These are very helpful and practical.
Gives good practical advice throughout


Cons
Does not discuss the possibilities of multi-lingual worship services.
Unfortunately because this book was written over 10 years ago, the demographics are a bit out of date.

Although anyone living in a multi-ethnic setting could benefit from this book, his primary target seems to be church leaders. Anyone looking to work in an urban area would be well served by reading Ortiz's work.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Trans-Cultural Principles for Multicultural Ministry, July 31, 2007

By 

Robert W. Kellemen "Doc. K." (Crown Point, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: One New People: Models for Developing a Multiethnic Church (Paperback)

Manuel Ortiz has written a very practical "why and how to" book on developing multicultural congregations. He provides transcultural and time-tested models for moving a church (change management) culture from monolithic to multicultural. Though dated (and thus the demographics tend to be outdated), the principles and practices are timeless.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Soul Physicians, and Spiritual Friends.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The way that God wants us to be, June 2, 2005

By 

Carlos Preciado (Miami, Fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: One New People: Models for Developing a Multiethnic Church (Paperback)

Living in a changing world, in the United States, becoming increasingly more diverse culturally, and ethnically, we need to be prepared as the church body to be on the frontlines of this phenomenon.

In One New People Ortiz reminds us of the diversity that existed in the church of the first century, and Jesus Christ's' purpose to reconcile us in Him. "The Community has a kingdom testimony of people from diverse backgrounds being loved and being accepted and then sharing their possessions for the purpose of advancing God's Kingdom. This testimony is uncommon in a society where racial strife is more evident than brotherly love. While it often leads to evangelism and growth in the church, it also provides for healing in the community" (Ortiz 1996:93)

Ortiz presents in a very practical way throughout the text, examples of various congregations that have taken the steps to change from a homogeneous church to what he describes to be a multicongregational church or a multiethnical church.
A multicongregational church is a church that houses various ethnic groups from the community in one building with different meeting times during the week. A Multiethnic church is a church that includes culturally diverse people who meet together as one congregation, utilizing one language, usually English." He presents the case of the International Bible Church, located in Los Angeles and is composed of "Anglos, American Indians, Asian Indians, Blacks, Chinese, Guatemalans, Filipinos, Koreans, Mexicans, Salvadorians, Russians, Taiwanese, Thais, and Ukrainians." The purpose of this church is to glorify God (Eph 1:5-6, 12,14). The key of this ministry is to focus on Jesus Christ who makes us one and not in our differences.

Ortiz encourages us to take serious the plan of God of reconciling people. "This new pattern can be summarized in terms of process, change, evaluation and the body of Christ." (Ortiz 1996:140). He uses as a model 1 Corinthians 2:1-12 and mentions some principles that will help us in the cross cultural process of change: Humility, Centrality of Christ, Honesty, Dependence on God, Confidence in God.

"I believe that we limit the greatness of our Lord when we know God only as a local God who speaks our language and understands our condition alone. The multiethnic church provides us with a more comprehensive understanding of the Scriptures. It takes away our haughtiness-our belief that we are more important and more knowledgeable than anyone else. It teaches us to learn the world in more depth because the insight of others helps us to see things that our blinders shut out before. It tells us that we need each other (1 Cor 12:12-27) and another part cannot tell another, I have no need of you." (Ortiz 1996:12)

We can learn about some steps and models from a Biblical perspective towards a reconciled Church the way Christ intended it to be.