Phil: The incarnation is the model. Christ coming to earth is the main example of us being multi-cultural, multi-color, multi-class.

Soong-Chan: God’s intention begins with Genesis 3, the image of God. We were created with the intention of reflecting unity in the midst of diversity. Then we see the tower of Babel in Genesis 11. What is the curse in the Babel story? It’s not the creation of different cultures but how sin drives us away from unity into division. In Micah 4, we have the promise of restoration and the hope of all different nations, tribes and people gathering before the mountain of the Lord to worship together. This is a future image we have not yet seen fulfilled. It is the image of reversing the curse of the tower of Babel.

In Acts 2, we catch a glimpse of God’s restoration and reversing the curse, even to the point of unifying the language. The Epistles present the importance of relationships and the tearing down of the walls of hostility and give us guidelines on how to live out the multi-ethnic vision of Micah and Acts. Then Revelation 7 presents us with the future hope. We live between the inauguration of the multi-ethnic community in Acts 2 and the promise of the fulfillment and consummation of that community in Revelation 7.

YWJ: What are the benefits of a multi-cultural youth ministry?

Mark: The presentation of a credible gospel witness. It also provides an environment through which students can develop authentic relationships of transparency and trust among those with varying backgrounds. This leads to genuine understanding of the needs and issues of others unlike ourselves and ultimately to students challenging the status quo (systemic racism) in the name of Christ and for His glory.

Ryan: It teaches students to engage in the world and be aware of how huge the world is. It teaches them there are beautiful things in every culture and people group.

Soong-Chan: By encountering and building relationships with “the other” we learn about the multi-faceted character of God.

YWJ: What are the biggest obstacles to multi-cultural ministry, and how can we overcome them?

Mark: One of the biggest obstacles will be getting beyond what some might otherwise like or want to the wholehearted pursuit of what Christ desires for the look, feel and purpose of the ministry. The challenge is to develop a ministry that becomes authentically concerned for the needs of others beyond one’s own personality, preferences and experience. To overcome these obstacles, you’ll have to lay down your life, redefine success and be willing to labor in obscurity.