Diversifying the Body of Christ
God understands diversity as a necessary component. If He is to make each human, animal, and resource differently, we are to emulate our Creator in the worship ministry (Genesis 1:24–29). Like the scripture 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, the human body is one, yet given to many parts to fulfill its sustaining purpose. The body of Christ is an inclusive body for all ethnicities, and this post will describe how one can implement diversity into worship ministry.
Ethnically
The Body of Christ should be the most welcoming group of people, engulfed by the spirit of friendliness permeating throughout each sanctuary. No longer does God only answer to Israelites. He responds to those who put their faith in Jesus as Lord. We recognize the tension between Jews and non-Jews, referencing Matthew 15:21–28 and John 4:4–9. These scriptures describe Jesus interacting with a Gentile and Canaanite, both unlawful during the time, but we witness Jesus breaking the ethnic barriers through healing and spiritual fulfillment. As we see, Jesus is our ultimate example for how we should embark those in our ministry, no matter how different they are from us. We should be willingly engaging with people so they may feel welcomed and cared for, just like God does. A tangible way to increase ethnic diversity is to scope who is surrounding your ministry neighborhood and search for ways to relate with them through honest conversations and testimonials, sincerely. I believe these days, people need a group of real individuals that won’t hold back on the uncomfortable subjects that other ministries may sweep under the rug.
Socio-Economically
Socio-Economical diversity is a biblical desire for the body of Christ. Christ came that we may live well, operating under the same umbrella of social, spiritual, and financial blessings (John 10:10, Malachi 3:10). Unfortunately, our churches’ neighborhood gives a fair assessment of where our communities rank in the social-economic class. Everyone in your ministry may not have the drive, knowledge, or faith to climb the ladder of economic wealth; therefore, it is vital to create an avenue for them to attain this information. Church ministries can supply clinics for homeownership, financial literacy, and educational opportunities to advance the natural and spiritual body. Once faith, righteous living, and wise counsel/stewardship encapsulate our economic decisions, we can all increase in the social-economic class. This method can increase the diversity of every group and encourage others to aim high in their private lives. How awesome would it be for a congregation to unite and thrive in their social-economic differences? The church should be the most encouraging and supportive group of people toward others in their economic pursuits.
Multi-Generational
Worship ministries must endorse generational advancement in churches. Of course, there are positive and negative representations of generations, but we are striving for those that will last until Jesus returns. God is willing to bless and diversify the generations after us, and as we see in God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:3, “…And in you all the families (nations) of the earth will be blessed.” (Amplified Version). This scripture also validates why God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply so there may be a God-fearing group of individuals to carry the preceding generation and move it forward (Genesis 1:28). We must also actively create opportunities for young people in worship ministry to be involved in our weekly pursuits if they’re interested. The story of Elijah and Elisha proves a worthy testimony of multi-generational success, as the young people seek after those who are experienced in ministry so they may bless future congregants when their time arrives (2 Kings 2).
These three components of diversity serve as a life-long pursuit in worship ministry. No task is easy or done overnight but can become impactful when done correctly. Perfect diversity will come to fulfillment at Heaven’s door, but we can aim for an earthly preview of our future expectations.
