UNIVERSAL CULTURES OF WORSHIP BY
VAU G H N
T H O M P S O N
“M
ulticulturalism has failed.” In reading articles about cultural efforts in European countries over the past decade, there seems to be a consensus that a multicultural political philosophy for societies has caused more division than unity. “Multiculturalism is ultimately doomed to failure. In championing difference over cohesion, it fails to provide a central moral and cultural standard,” says Rakib Ehsan, a Spiked [Internet magazine] columnist in Britain. What can we, the Church, learn from this? If it doesn't work for them, how can it work for the Church? In multicultural worship discussions I have been involved in for almost 20 years, there seems to be a lot of good intentions lacking in fruit. It’s not uncommon to hear Revelation references that speak of that Day to come when we will all worship together. I love the image. I, too, long for that Day. But what in the world do we do until then with so much tension and division? Our world is experiencing a lot of friction in the area of race relations. It's not only affecting our cities but also the Church. I agree we need to listen and learn from one another. But I also believe that the Church needs to lead the public discourse on unity. This is our story. This is the Gospel: for God so loved the world. I believe it's important for the Church to celebrate diversity, but in this day and age, I believe it's more important to focus on unity. Let the multiculturalism projects in Europe be an example that you can fail when you “champion difference over cohesion.” So what is the Church's "central moral 22 W O R S H I P L E A D E R | W O R S H I P L E A D E R .C O M | VO L . 29, N O. 4
and cultural standard?" Well, we have one thing going for us that they didn’t—the X-factor. Jesus. I want to suggest three cultures to consider using when creating sacred spaces for multicultural worship.
CULTURE OF SERVANTHOOD Remember when the disciples were arguing about who was going to be the greatest in the kingdom? Jesus spoke a phrase that probably dropped their jaws and sent chills up their spines at the same time. "The greatest among you will be your servant” (Mt 23:11). When we assume the position of servant, this crossculturally communicates value to those you are serving. This is a language. Think about that. Servanthood is a universal language. "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Phil 2:3). Leadership is not about how many follow you, but about how many you are willing to serve. You want to facilitate multicultural worship? Learn this culture!
CULTURE OF SACRIFICE Mary and Martha have been talked about a lot in worship circles. We often refer to the powerful image of Mary at the feet of Jesus and the contrast of Martha in the kitchen— worshiping God in contrast to working for God. We've heard
