Introduction to Missiology

Ch. 35 – Strategies for Ethnic Ministries

Introduction

Though the North American culture represents a composite of many peoples, many North Americans retain much of what is considered “ethnic” in terms of language, culture, traditions, behavior, and heritage.

- Joe Hernandez, NAMB

Overview of Session

Biblical Basis for ethnic ministry Understanding ethnic America The cultures of ethnic America Missiological Issues Strategies for ethnic ministries

Theological/Biblical Basis for Reaching Ethnic America

Every ethnic group is included in the mandate to disciple the nations

All cultures are tainted by sin The gospel is effective to save in any culture The presence of God is found in all cultures

Understanding Ethnic America

Ethnic ministry often plays off of the heart language of the group

Assimilation– Absorbs the ethnic in stages– Introduces ethnic elements into the

dominant culture– There is great diversity of language and

behavior within an ethnic group Accurate demographics is crucial

Demographic Sources

U.S.Census School

Boards/Districts Public Utilities University sociology

departments Lending Institutions Marketing reports Newspapers

Chamber of Commerce statistics

Magazine Marketing and Research Departments

Secular Media Internet – Accessing

libraries, universities, etc. for databases

Ethnic Associations and media

Look at Demographics for

Current population by ethnicity

Population growth projections

Sociocultural composition and location of sociocultural groups

Traffic patterns Housing patterns Immigration patterns Internal migration

patterns Community profile/

needs assessment

Focus Your Demographic Study

Age distribution Language, usage and

proficiencies Birth rates Country of birth Concentration in tracts Socioeconomic levels

and distribution

Education Employment Income Urban/rural

realities Religious heritage Family size

The Cultures of Ethnic America

Recognize the uniqueness of each– Approach without judgment, appreciating the

uniqueness of the whole

Study the culture for core values and behaviors– Group or individual oriented (China – US)– Public or private oriented (Italy – Japan)

Accuracy of cultural understanding is crucial to effective evangelism

Missiological Issues in Reaching Ethnic America Homogeneous unit principle

– Tension: appreciate uniqueness, but want to retain the freedom to move beyond their culture

Multiculturalism– NA culture is a blend of many cultures which retain

some of their distinctives Indigenous issue – leadership from the group Contextualization – permission giving by

outside agent is key Sponsorship/partnership – several factors to

consider

Signs of Multiculturalism

Leadership reflecting several ethnicities Worship/Preaching/Music that blends several

cultural elements into a varied but seamless whole

Leadership style and governance that reflects and accommodates several cultural understandings

Primarily implemented at a denominational level

Keys to Effective Ethnic Planting

Avoid paternalism, rather partnership Address cultural differences between planter and

mentor Obtain facilities based on fit and location, not solely

on convenience and economics Financing a plant require dealing with the tension

between full funding and total self-support Communications become problematic when crossing

cultural boundaries Form/style issues are exacerbated by different

cultural understandings

Strategies for Ethnic Ministries

Follow a formal planting guideline – carry out the project with as much excellence as if it were a same-culture plant

Address the special issues that come up in a cross-cultural plant

Issues in Cross-cultural Planting

Avoiding extended dependence on the sponsoring church

Developing indigenous leaders from the new church

Encouraging connectedness with the denomination and the particular network of churches addressing that ethnic group

Developing stewardship for the world community, and especially of that ethnicity