The End of the Homogeneous Church

My first assignment out of college was to be director of youth ministry at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.  Cape Girardeau is located just south of Perry County where the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod traces its roots.  To say that Lutheran tradition ran deep in that area would be an understatement.  It was only months prior to our arrival that Trinity had discontinued having at least one service every Sunday in German.  Rumor has that one older member had questioned the wisdom of the decision by asking in German, “How will God understand us if we are not speaking German?” Like most mainline denominations the LCMS has ethnic roots in addition to the theological ones. 

The reality in today’s world is homogeneous worship communities like the ones we probably grew up with are out of step with our diverse culture.  To expect the people who walk in the door to be like us and share our ethnic and denominational heritage is not realistic.  Thom Rainer, President of Lifeway Resources, recently noted, “Gen Z will not have a majority racial or ethnic group. Those born from 2001 to today are growing up in a generation that has no majority group. For the first time in American history, whites will be a minority. That is the real world. Our churches need to reflect that real world.”

The reality is the traditional church where everyone shares a similar ethnic, as well as religious background, will soon be a thing of the past.  Homogeneous worship communities are out of step in our diverse and changing world.  As a result it can be a challenging time for those of us who grew up enjoying the fellowship and traditions of those who are like us.  What is the long-term future of your church is membership and worship attendance continues to decline?

Jesus” great commission to “Make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19-20) calls us to share the Good News of Jesus with people of all cultures and ethnicity.  In the past that required us to travel to other continents.  In today's the world they have come to us.  We are surrounded by individuals who represent different cultures and ethnic groups.  We are called to be Jesus to those people, and to welcome them into our worship communities.