Perhaps you might not be able to change the world but you can “make a difference” in somebody’s life.  Today my challenge to you is this: Make a difference in an ethnic church.

The word ethnic comes from the Greek word ethnos which we find in Jesus’ Great Commission, in the book of Matthew. Most of the Bible versions translate the word ethnos into nation.  What is an ethnic group? An ethnic group is a group of people that share a distinctive culture identity. Logically, when a church is started in an ethnic group we could say that it is an ethnic church.

The Bible says, “From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.  God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us” (Acts 18:26-27, NIV). Even when we have hundreds of ethnic groups around the world, and we recognize there are many cultural differences, we must remember that “from one man he made every nation of men”.

Arkansas Baptists worship our Lord in several languages which represent several ethnic groups and, you know what, your church can make a difference in an ethnic church in several ways!  Let me suggest some:

1. Do not let cultural barriers interfere. For instance, sometimes we think we cannot help an ethnic church because of the language barrier. However, this barrier could be overcome by seeking an interpreter, sometimes he/she can be found at the same ethnic church. Another option is helping in ministries that don’t require too much communication in a foreign language.
   
   In the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman found in the Gospel of John, he said to her “Will you give me a drink? ...The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman.  How can you ask me for a drink? (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)” (John 4:7-9, NIV).  Pay attention to Jesus’ answer, “…If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water” (v. 10). He did not focus on the barrier but on the person’s need.  Therefore, when you find a barrier do not give into it; instead seek appropriate ways to overcome it.
   
   
2. Help but avoid paternalism.  If you start a partnership with an ethnic church, work closely with the pastor and church members but do not make them feel like your church is going to solve all of their problems or like they are being controlled.
   
   
3. As pastor, consider talking to your congregation about the possibilities of sharing the church building with an ethnic group.  If you do that, put everything in writing, especially indicating the length of the building use and the conditions.  This is going to be beneficial for both your congregation and the ethnic church or mission.
   
   
4. Ask! There are several ethnic groups and each one is different.  Make contact with the specific group you want to work with and ask how your church can help.

Francisco Gómez has served as Hispanic Ministries Consultant on the Missions Ministries Team, Arkansas Baptist State Convention since January 2008.  He and his wife have three children. To contact Francisco, call (501) 376-4791 ext. 5149 or also e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .