The Multicultural Mission Seminar on
Saturday October 29th was a time for reflection, fellowship,
questioning and the work of the Spirit. Living within an increasingly
apparent context of diversity and interdependence, the church
is called to approach the needs of each community in ways that
are often outside a 'traditional' Western European context.
The Seminar offered a way for people to look at how the church
carries out its mission within this context, in an attempt to
meet people where they are. The conference was modeled in a
way that led us to look at the experiential realities of multicultural
ministry instead of merely reviewing unpracticed theory.
The three keynote speakers set the tone for
the day. Speaker Rev. Gladys Moore reminded us that what makes
multi-cultural ministry "is not how we worship but who
we worship. In our Baptism we celebrate the fact that water
is thicker than blood." While Rev. Gus Vinjeras pointed
more to the inherent diversity in multicultural realities. In
reference to his context in a Hispanic/Latino church community
he commented that, "What on the outside looks like a homogeneous
culture is extremely diverse and divided." He pointed to
the power of listening to bridge gaps and to stretch our assumptions.
And finally Rev. Peggy Wuertele brought into focus the difficulty
in dealing with the individual and the self within a multicultural
context. She stated that the challenge is, "How do we say
and live our truth without slamming close the door?" And
in the attempt to keep open that door, "multicultural ministry
is a learning opportunity and a time not to be offended."
We were able to further explore these ideas
in group discussions, sharing wisdom gained through both success
and folly and exploring the difficult questions. When we came
back, Rev. Judith Spindt led us in a simulation activity. The
activity allowed those in the room to have an identifying experience
with those individuals who are minorities living within a dominant
culture-especially those people who come completely from outside
our cultural context-like refugees and immigrants. Afterwards
we were once again all brought together to discuss further some
of the themes that arose during the conference.
Article by Danielle Miller, LTSP student body
president
You may order a videotape or DVD copy of
the Multicultural Mission Seminar. Email Communications@ltsp.edu
to request a copy.
