Multi-Ethnic Church Track

This track is designed for church planters, pastors seeking to revitalize churches in decline and pastors seeking to transition healthy but otherwise homogeneous churches via the multi-ethnic vision. The interactive sessions will provide the historical and cultural context, as well as a biblically sound theology upon which to build a healthy multi-ethnic church. In addition, those attending will discover the seven core commitments of a multi-ethnic church, discuss practical points of application for a wide variety of settings and the unique challenges facing those in pursuit of the dream. The track will be led by practitioners, authors and educators who have planted multi-ethnic churches or who are currently laboring in the field.

Session Speakers:

  • George Yancey
  • Mark DeYmaz
  • Ines McBryde
  • Mont Mitchell
  • Phil Kitchen
  • Linnea Carnes
  • Jim Spoonts

Session Descriptions:

Session 1 - Divided By Faith (George Yancey)
This session will define the historical and cultural context of the racial divide in the United States and why local churches tend to be racially homogeneous.

Session 2 - The Biblical Mandate for the Multi-ethnic Church (Mark DeYmaz)
This session will make the exegetical case for the multi-ethnic local church and equip you not only to understand it theologically, but to articulate it for others.

Session 3 - Core Commitments of a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church (I)  (Mark DeYmaz & George Yancey)
This session will focus on the first four of seven core commitments required to build a healthy multi-ethnic church.

Session 4 - Core Commitments of a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church (II) (Mark DeYmaz & George Yancey)
This session will focus on the final three of seven core commitments required to establish a healthy multi-ethnic church.

Session 5 - Unique Challenges in Pursuit of the Dream (Mont Mitchell)
This session will focus on the obstacles of multi-ethnic church planting/ development, as well as on ways in which these can be overcome.

Session 6 - Breakout Sessions (Mont Mitchell, Mark DeYmaz, Phil Kitchen & Linnea Carnes)
This final session will identify key indicators within the growing movement toward multi-ethnic churches and allow conference participants to dialogue with others in a similar context. Experienced leaders will facilitate interaction through one of the following three discussion groups;
     A. Church Planting
     B. Church Revitalization
     C. Church Transformation

Session 7: The Future of Multi-ethnic Churches (Jim Spoonts)
How will multi-ethnic churches become more numerous and influential in the United States? The future is discussed in this final session.