The Pentecost Paradigm: Ten Strategies for Becoming a Multiracial Congregation

by Jacqueline J. Lewis, John Janka

How do churches build immunity from racial and ethnic tensions that threaten to divide rather than unite congregations? Jacqui Lewis and John Janka believe that the answer lies in the development of multiracial, multicultural communities of faith.

Born of the authors' work with The Middle Project, an institute that prepares ethical leaders for a more just society, Paradigm is a collection of wisdom and best practices. Here you will find lessons, questions for conversation, and spaces for journaling. Use the workbook with your planning team, board members, lay leaders, and staff.

Ten essential strategies are presented to help build communities that celebrate racial/ethnic and cultural diversity:
- Embracing Call and Commitment
- Casting the Vision
- Managing Change and Resistance
- Creating Congregational Identity
- Building Capacity
- Cultivating Community
- Celebrating in Worship
- Understanding Congregational Conflict
- Communicating and Organizing
- Collaborating in the Public Square

In welcoming communities of faith where everyone is accepted just as they are, we can lead the way toward racial reconciliation and dismantle the prejudices that segregate our houses of worship.

102 pages, Paperback

Published March 22, 2018

Reviews

[Steve Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really helpful guide to a church that wants to become more equitable in its diversity in general and has vision to be a multiracial community that is also publicly engaged for justice. There are helpful activities and vision for churches in many stages, including for our church that has always been multiracial but has more equity work to do and much more work to be the force for healing and justice and gospel witness we're called to be!

[Leonilde Colon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Speaks to Ministry well, but does not really face the actuality of racism.

This book is exciting to read. It does deal with issues regarding how we are to do ministry in this 21st-century. Unfortunately, it is my contention that the book does not honestly deal with the actuality of racism. Yes racism exists. But we need to have the courage to call it out when we see it. And to call those out who do participate in recess.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly written for congregational and religious leader study, this book shares the challenges and the process of congregations becoming more multiracial/multicultural. Solid workbook format, would lend itself to preaching and teaching series easily.

[Melissa Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant, inspiring, and challenging. If you are a community leader you need to read this book.