MULTICULTURAL WORSHIP

Multicultural Worship

Abstract

As I reflect on life with the Urbana 2000 Worship Team, the term multi-ethnicity inevitably comes to mind. So much occurred after January 15, 2000, when we sat as a team for the first time in Matt and Sundee's [Frazier - Urbana 2000 worship leaders] living room. We were introduced to the "approaching differences diagram" (a chart structured to help teams of people engaging in cultures different than one's own) - and what a good idea it was, for little did we know how much we would need its advice, again, and again and again. My desire is that all of you worship leaders who have a longing to develop a multi-ethnic worship team or be a part of one will gain some insight from these thoughts of mine.

Multicultural Worship

Introduction

My desire is not so much to make this a PC or academic paper with multiple definitions of controversial terms (i.e., ethnic, racial - these terms I will use rather loosely and interchangeably as to not get sidetracked from my purpose). Nor is it even a "how-to" concerning racial reconciliation on a worship team. Rather, I would like to share at this time how being on this team has influenced and shaped my thoughts where "multi-ethnic worship" is concerned.

Worship with Freshness and Familiarity

On a typical Sunday morning the congregation gathers during the fifteen to twenty minutes before the service begins at eleven, some coming in from the street, but most coming from various Sunday school classes and visiting with each other along the way. The crowd is mostly young, a few babies with parents, plus children and young adults through age thirty, with a scattering of older folks. Latin and Afro skin colors (all shades) are interspersed with Asian and Caucasian faces. (Willimon 2002)

Band members of all races take their places, adjust their instruments (piano, keyboard, a few guitars, and lots of percussion). By the time they are all assembled, more than 200 people are crowded into the church (about 70 came to the early service, a total of far more than the church's 168 official members). The place is abuzz with energy, exchanged greetings, and anticipation for the presence of God.

As the service begins, the worship band plays softly and Pastor Ortiz quiets the crowd. A hush descends. People are silently praying, some kneeling up front, some standing with raised hands, others seated with heads bowed. This is a time of focusing on God and preparing. After a while, the band segues into “You Are Holy” from the Black church tradition. The pastor picks up his flute and the people begin to sing, their voices at first subdued but later rising in intensity. Andres Fajardo, Andy Kim, and Gregory Archer read Matthew 24,36-39 in Spanish, Korean, and English, leading into more singing. (White 2004)

“Surrender” is sung while the deacons take the offering. After that, there is time for announcements. When the children are released to the nursery or for children's church, elder Randy Baker prays with them ...