Today, especially considering America’s increasingly diverse and pluralistic society, the most successful churches are those that embrace the fundamental Christian ethos of universal inclusion.
Grace Church in Plano, Texas, has always espoused this philosophy, which makes perfect sense, considering the multi-cultural nature of our community. We are a proudly multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and
multi-generational church.
Some of the critical characteristics of Grace Plano’s leadership and congregation, which makes us typical of diversity-oriented churches, are:
- A leadership with a strategic vision that empowers teams and individuals and promotes higher than normal levels of organizational commitment towards multiculturalism.
- The make-up of our top leadership reflects the demographics of the community.
- We have an organizational strategy that supports decisive action when inequalities and conflicts arise within the congregation.
- A focus on organizational change and diversity management.
- Policies and procedures for conflict resolution and reconciliation at all levels of the organization.
Four reasons a diverse church is a great option for everyone
What makes a diverse church so crucial for Christians today? There are four main reasons why diversity is a vital part of life in any congregation:
The beauty of unity in diversity
“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods.” This passage from the 96th Psalm indicates that the kind of praise our Lord requires and deserves should incorporate all the nations of the Earth. There is no room for exclusivity. The beauty and power of praise that comes from the diversity of nations, united in their love and worship for him, are far greater than those that would come from an exclusive, homogeneous group.
Diversity is Biblical
The oft-quoted passage in Galatians still sums it up best: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Paul spelled out what had already been implicit in Jesus’ teaching: the act of joining Christ’s church breaks down all barriers that might otherwise hold us apart. Unlike previous religious traditions, Jesus’ message is a genuinely universal one intended to unite people across all barriers of culture, language and gender. A diverse church is, therefore, one that is founded on sound, biblical principles.
Diversity is intentional
In a world where division is often the norm, it is part of the mission of all Christians and the congregations to which they belong to act as a shining example of unity in diversity. Diversity is, therefore, a conscious part of a church’s philosophy and organizational structure. It is an active principle that is as much a part of Christian’s daily life as prayer, devotion, love and charity.
Diversity is beneficial
We learn little about ourselves or others, or the world at large if we stay within our own cultural bubbles. By sharing our faith and other experiences with people of different backgrounds, we can all learn more about ourselves and others, enhancing our understanding and appreciation for the people around us. Diversity makes us more well-rounded human beings and better Christians.
Declare the diversity of the kingdom
It is the responsibility of Christians, knowing that our Lord’s plan for the world includes every single human being, living and dead, to preach the diversity of God’s kingdom. We must act as a beacon of unity in diversity, even if the world seems inclined to degenerate into division and factionalism. Diversity is a vital aspect of Christianity itself, and churches have an obligation to demonstrate this unmistakably to their own congregants, the communities they serve, and the world at large.
If you are a resident of Plano or the surrounding areas, and you are looking for a
diversity-oriented church that will welcome your family into the broader Christian community, look no further than Grace Church.
Contact us for more information, or come and visit us at 3301 Preston Road, Plano.
