Through a Different Lens
By Byron Washington, Contributing Writer
We constantly hear people talk about diversity. At the corporate level, companies want to have a viable “diversity pipeline.” In ministry, the term is often described as “multicultural.” Here is the bigger question, “Why?” One of my colleagues suggested that many corporations are “window dressing” to impact their image but are not really interested in true inclusion in the workplace.
We often point our finger at corporations. On the other hand, what about the church? Do we really want multiculturalism or do we just want a congregation with a mixture of individuals because it looks good but we do not make the effort to integrate those differences into our church structures?
To be clear, this article is not to cast judgment on the church or corporations. At the end of all the conversations, diversity is a great thing and is very helpful if utilized correctly. Scott Page, in his book The Diversity Bonus: How Great Teams Pay Off in the Knowledge Economy,says, “There exists too much information (TMI) and too much knowledge (TMK).” Page suggests that no one person possess all the information or knowledge to address some of the world’s most complex problems. It is through diversity and collaboration of different individuals that produces innovation, breakthroughs, and new ideas.
This is true in ministry and the church. Reaching people and impacting communities is a complex undertaking. No one person can do it all. We have to be open to collaborating with people from different ethnic groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, or careers. A lawyer, doctor, social worker, minister of music, and the pastor will all view a church problem differently and provide alternate solutions. That is a great thing.
As I continue to do ministry, especially overseas, I am utilizing teams, vision boards, and focus groups to better understand various ways to approach problems and solve them. The world around us is too vast for us to think that we know it all.
If we partner and connect with the right individuals, we all can go so much further in life. If our ministries are going to reach and change lives in this current era, it has to be a diverse collaborative effort. It cannot just be a roundtable of ministers or pastors. At some point, other vocations, views, and vantage points must enter the conversation. If not, we stagnate our own progress.
Consider Jesus and the 12 disciples. Jesus had fishermen, a physician, scribe, backstabber, and a tax collector. Our circles should also be diverse. We need diversity so that we can begin to address some of the conflicts and complex problems that the church is facing in this hour.
