The new map : A study of how Free Churches navigate in a society characterized by religious and cultural diversity

The purpose of this study is, in the light of ”The New Map” faced by three Free Churches in Sweden and how these denominations at the national level reflect on and deal with challenges and the opportunities which arise in a society characterized by religious and cultural diversity.The study focuses mainly on the self-awareness that emerges, based on an ecclesiological perspective. The work on this study began by asking one person from each denomination for participation in a semi-structured interview. The informants' names were found on therespective website where it was obvious that they in their employment duties came into contact with questions regarding multicultural congregations. The study's empirical basis has 3 been created and collected during six individual interviews on two occasions with each informant and texts formulated by each denomination based on the study's theme.The study shows that issues of both unity and at the same time preserved originality are inseparable in these multicultural congregations and that their contribution to society in abroad sense is striking. In these congregations, amidst the diversity, there is a common central point – Jesus – that needs to be experienced again and again. At the same time, it must be said that there are many challenges, some of which may require the congregations to just have to learn to live with. Taking this stance is not about giving up, but a kind of compromise, even if the aspiration never ends, to function as well as possible in amulticultural congregation. Indeed, the local congregations need various types of relevant support from the related national denominations