A BIBLICAL CASE FOR WORSHIPPING IN A MULTI-ETHNIC COMMUNITY
By Dr. M. Sai Ankem, Pastor of ICEFC
The International Community Evangelical Free Church, founded as an Indian fellowship in 1968, has evolved with a vision far beyond its origins. Today, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive, multi-ethnic community where people from all nations can gather to strengthen their faith in Jesus and grow spiritually. Our church is a place where diversity is celebrated, and unity in Christ is our bond. Worshipping together in a multi-ethnic community is not just something we do—it’s central to our identity and mission. Here is why we love to worship with people from all nations:
1. The Heart of the Great Commission: Embracing All Nations
The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20, is the cornerstone of the Christian mission. Jesus commands His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations.” The Greek term for “nations” is ethne, which refers to ethnic groups, not just political entities. This mandate explicitly calls the church to cross-cultural and ethnic barriers, embodying the inclusive nature of the gospel. Worshipping in a multi-ethnic community is a direct response to this command, reflecting the church’s commitment to reach and embrace all people.
2. Matthew’s Gospel: From a Mixed Genealogy to a Universal Mission
Matthew’s Gospel begins with a striking detail—the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17). Included in this lineage are Gentile women, such as Tamar was a Canaanite (Gen 38), Rahab was from Jericho (Jos 2:6), and Ruth was from Moab (Ruth 1:4), highlighting the inclusive nature of God’s redemptive plan from the very beginning. This genealogy is a precursor to the universal scope of the gospel. As Matthew concludes his account, he underscores that the Jewish Christians to whom he is writing must now embrace the Gentiles for the sake of the gospel. The Great Commission at the end of Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 28:19) ties together this narrative thread, urging believers to transcend ethnic boundaries, just as Jesus’ own lineage did.
3. The New Testament’s Call to Unity: No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile
Throughout the New Testament, the apostolic teachings consistently affirm that in Christ, ethnic distinctions are rendered irrelevant concerning salvation and community life. Galatians 3:28 declares, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Similarly, Romans 10:12 emphasizes that “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.” These passages underline the spiritual equality of all believers, calling the church to reflect this reality in its worship practices by embracing a multi-ethnic community.
4. The Wall of Hostility: Broken Down by Christ
Ephesians 2:14-16 speaks of the “dividing wall of hostility” between Jews and Gentiles, which Christ has abolished through His death. This metaphorical wall represents the deep-seated divisions that once separated different ethnic groups. However, in Christ, these barriers are demolished, creating one new humanity out of the two. This theological truth must translate into the practical life of the church, where diverse ethnic groups come together in worship, demonstrating the reconciling power of the gospel.
5. The Eschatological Vision: Every Nation, Tribe, and Language United in Worship
Finally, Revelation 7:9-10 provides a glimpse into the future of God’s kingdom—a vision of a great multitude “from every nation, tribe, people, and language” standing before the throne of God, worshipping Him together. This eschatological image is not just a distant hope but a model for the church today. It shows that God’s ultimate plan for His people is one of unity amidst diversity, where every ethnic group is represented in the worshipping community. By fostering multi-ethnic worship now, the church participates in fulfilling this divine vision.
In summary, worshipping in a multi-ethnic community is not merely a cultural preference but a biblical mandate. It reflects the inclusive nature of the gospel, the unity of believers in Christ, the tearing down of ethnic divisions, and the eschatological vision of a diverse yet unified people of God. By embracing this practice, the church not only obeys the Great Commission but also anticipates the worship of heaven, where every nation, tribe, and language will glorify God together.