One New People: Models for Developing a Multiethnic Church (Paperback)

by Manuel Ortiz (Author) "FIND A SANCTUARY ON A SUNDAY MORNING WHERE PEOPLE OF DIFferent ethnic backgrounds and nationalities are worshiping together, and you will enjoy a wonderful and..." (more)
Key Phrases: One New People, Los Angeles, New York (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
In One New People manual Ortiz persuades us of the benefits in fellowship and outreach that we can experience by crossing racial, ethnic and cultural lines. He urges readers not just to put aside their differneces but to celebrate them and to embrace them--to use them in a way that draws them closer to each other and closer to God.

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press (August 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: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #325,234 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Place to Start, August 27, 2007

By	Gordon W. Marchant (McLean, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If the demographics of your church do not look anything like the ethnic diversity of your neighborhood, Manuel Ortiz's book is a great place to start your educational research. I found this book especially helpful in describing different church models of approaching multi-ethnic outreach.

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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.