When you first read the title of this post, you may wonder how they go together. Actually they go together quite naturally and quite efficiently!
Multi-ethnic ministry exists because of people coming from different countries to one common country. They bring their language, culture, interests, music, dress and many other things from their home country. They bring them with them solely because they are a large part of their home life and way of living. We all understand our home countries since it's where we came from. We are each much better suited than anyone else to reach our home country for Jesus Christ.
When people come to the USA from different countries and learn of Jesus Christ while here, it is quite natural for them to have a burden for others who do not know Him or know of Him. Their home country and their home towns are regularly on their minds. It has been a large part of their lives. Now they have a new thought and a new burden for those back home who do not know Jesus Christ. Who is more naturally suited to reach these lost souls than those who understand their language, culture, interests, music and dress? We are all much more effective in reaching those from our own countries since we can more effectively reach people to whom we can better relate.
I know of an intentional multi-ethnic church that has a goal of sending 40% of its members back to their home lands for both short term and long term periods with the direct intent of evangelism and church planting. When you think about it, multi-ethnic churches can be the most effective world missions tool that we have ever had in church history. After all, wasn't it always the Apostle Paul's desire to reach his own people for Jesus Christ? It will naturally be ours as well!
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