Unity in Diversity
Diversity matters.
One of our core values as a church is unity in diversity. The idea is this: that diversity is not a problem to be solved or a threat—our generational, cultural, and racial diversity are part of God’s creative work and things to be celebrated.
The question may be asked “why should this be a core value of our church? Of all the things we can talk about, why single out diversity as something worth discussing, praying about, and moving toward?
I think it boils down to three primary reasons:
Dunn is a diverse place. If we are called to the peace and prosperity of this place, then it means we are called to the peace and prosperity of all of Dunn, not just people that share the same background as us.
The Kingdom of God is a diverse reality. In other words, diversity is God’s idea, not ours. It’s something that Jesus cares about so much he died to create ‘a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language." (Revelation 7.9)
The churches in Dunn, ours included, largely do not reflect the diversity of our community or the diversity of the Kingdom of God
So the question is this: how do we as a young, predominately white middle-class church, move toward more accurately reflecting the diversity of both our community and the kingdom of God?
We know we aren’t the first to ask these type of questions. And we know that answering a question like this isn’t a one-time thing. That pursuing unity-in-diversity is a process that can sometimes be uncomfortable and difficult.
A process that includes listening, owning the past and present, and repentance. That it requires opening our hearts, our homes, and our lives in ways we maybe wouldn’t have otherwise.
But we also know that because it’s something that matters to Jesus, it’s something that he blesses. That it’s something that leads to thriving and flourishing. That it brings with it so much joy and delight.
I’d like to invite you to join us. Not just for this discussion, but in taking steps to nurture this type of local church, and the type of relationships between diverse local churches that lead to mutual flourishing and the glory of God.
It’s not an easy thing, but it is worth it. Because Jesus is worth it. Because Dunn—all of Dunn—is worth it.