Envisioning The Multi-Ethnic Church: A Biblical Mandate From The Book Of Ephesians

Increasingly, the next generation of church planters and reformers throughout America are envisioning local churches where men and women of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds can, indeed, worship God together as one. Yet for dreams to become reality, it is essential that growing interest in the multi-ethnic church be informed by sound theological, ecclesiological and soteriological reflection. The purpose of this article is to provide biblical justification and personal motivation for the growing number of innovators devoted to the establishment of multi-ethnic local churches throughout America and beyond. In addition, a fresh look at Paul’s letter to the Ephesians may challenge common notions regarding church growth and, specifically, the future effectiveness of the homogeneous unit principle in an increasingly diverse society