Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to welcome the stranger, love their neighbour, and live as one body with many members. These themes of diversity and hospitality are central to the gospel. Another word to encompass this kind of ministry is intercultural.
Yet, intercultural ministry isn’t just about including others: it’s about being changed ourselves. “Different cultures bring fresh perspectives on scripture, worship, community, and mission,” shared Rachel Vroege, Regional Ministry Developer for Diaconal Ministries in Western Canada. “When we engage interculturally, we experience a richer, fuller faith.” Rachel points out that younger Canadians often grow up in diverse schools and social settings yet many of the churches we attend can remain monocultural. “If the church remains this way, it risks feeling out of touch. Intercultural ministry models for the next generation what it looks like to follow Jesus in a diverse world.”
Rachel also reminds deacons that intercultural ministry is part of reconciliation work by helping to dismantle barriers, honour diverse identities, and reflect Christ’s vision of unity without uniformity.
The CRCNA in Canada has acknowledged that there is a growing interest amongst churches to become healthy intercultural communities as ethnic and racial diversity has grown in most areas of the country. (Find out more HERE.)
So if Diaconal Ministries is going to promote and model this important work, how do we, with a staff and volunteer base that predominantly writes and speaks in English, work to equip and empower non-English speaking deacons and churches?
Several CRC churches in British Columbia have Chinese or Korean-speaking pastors and members: Ladner CRC in Delta; Zion Chinese CRC in Abbotsford; Immanuel CRC in Richmond, My Beloved Church, Burnaby; Vancouver Dream Church, and the Good Shepherd CRC in Surrey. To date, Diaconal Ministries has had limited connection to these Mandarin or Korean CRC churches and ministries, likely due to cultural and language barriers.
According to Reginald Smith, Diversity Ministry Consultant with Thrive, the largest diaspora groups of Christian Reformed Churches are Korean and Latino, however, the fastest growing group right now are Southeastern Asian/Pacific Islander and Chinese churches and leaders. He recently shared that there are over thirteen countries represented in these groups and they are eager to plant churches in North America and their home countries!
This past spring, Rachel got introduced to Lucia as a potential Diaconal Coach for Vancouver and the surrounding area. After some discussion, Rachel realized Lucia would be a great fit due to her diverse experience in teaching, social enterprise, international development and local experience with refugees.
Apart from connecting with local churches, Rachel and Lucia agreed she could help with translating some of the key resources that Diaconal Ministries’ offers to deacons. They chose to start with the Deacon Mandate. “Language is one of the deepest markers of identity and having the deacons’ mandate in Mandarin communicates to Chinese-speaking members (and potential members) that they belong fully in the life of the church,” Rachel shared.
“Translating the [Deacon’s Mandate] embodies the vision of the church as a place where every tongue and nation are gathered, and where reconciliation in Christ is lived out through concrete acts of inclusion.” – Rachel Vroege
Rachel believes the deacons’ mandate is a spiritual vision of service, compassion, and justice and that translating it would help ensure that Chinese-speaking congregants could engage with it directly, rather than through summaries or secondhand explanations. “This will foster deeper understanding, ownership, and participation in ministry.” On top of that, she believes that this will help the church demonstrate respect for culture and heritage while inviting Chinese-speaking members to bring their unique perspectives and gifts into the community.
“Translating the mandate embodies the vision of the church as a place where every tongue and nation are gathered, and where reconciliation in Christ is lived out through concrete acts of inclusion,” Rachel said.
Lucia was pleased to be a part of this first step in reaching these new churches. “While these churches have no problem communicating in English, some of their congregants might prefer having a version in their native language. There could also be new immigrants who have problems with English. This is a way for our ministry to show we value them by providing a version in their language.”
For Rachel and Lucia, they hope that this resource can be used by diaconal leaders in Chinese-speaking CRC church settings – on both sides of the border. They envision this could be used to educate congregations about the role of the deacon and what deacon’s ministry could look like in their unique context.
A next step to help Diaconal Ministries continue to promote and embody intercultural ministry could be to explore if other translations (Korean, Spanish, French) exist and/or are needed. “We also hope to hear from Chinese ministries and churches to see if our other resources would be helpful to have in Mandarin,” shared Rachel.
Lucia is excited to connect and engage with the churches in Greater Vancouver and would love to hear their ideas!
Find Your Coach
Does your church or team of deacons need support? Reach out to your local Diaconal Coach or one of our Regional Ministry Developers today!
