Following are my notes for the talk, “Identity: A Multi-ethnic Ministry.” I pray that they may be helpful to you and have a part in your growth in Jesus. Enjoy.
Identity: A Multi-ethnic Ministry
MCA Church is interacting with the world around us. 1 Chronicles 12:32
The world around us has shifted. How we navigate these changes is vital for the Gospel’s sake.
• A transition from a Christian to post-Christian society
• A transition from a modern to post-modern society
• A transition from a monoethnic to a multiethnic society
2009-2010 Anchorage School District Languages
• 87.6 percent of students speak English at home
• The remaining 12 percent speak 91 languages
o 2.96% of all ASD students speak Spanish
o 2.40 % of all ASD students speak Hmong
2009-2010 Anchorage School District Race/ethnicity
• 48.08% White
• 12.62% Multi-ethnic
• 10.21% Asian
• 9.85% Hispanic
• 9.03% Alaska Native/American Indian
• 6.25% Black
• 3.95% Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander
1. We are leading into our Jerusalem. Acts 1:8
2. We are leading into our mission. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
3. We are leading into our bright future. Revelation 5:9-12
MCA LIFE Groups
Getting to Know You
1. What was something you did this past summer that was fun and enjoyable?
2. Have you traveled to a foreign country? If so, what did you enjoy about the culture there?
Digging Deeper into the Weekend Talk
1. Without a doubt the world is changing and Christian ministry is in transition.
a. How comfortable are you with transition?
b. Do you enjoy learning about the world’s changes around you?
c. What does it mean, in our world of today, to be like the “sons of Issachar?” 2 Chronicles 12:32
2. What strategies can you implement in order to be effective in your multiethnic Jerusalem? Acts 1:8
3. How could you become more effective in reconciling people to God? 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
4. What are common barriers to your reconciliation ministry?
a. Prejudice?
b. Lack of understanding?
c. Fear?
THE PURPOSE OF LIFE GROUPS
LIFE Groups exist to promote spiritual maturity and personal growth through meaningful Christian relationships and the study of God’s Word. (Romans 8:29 & Hebrews 10:24-25). Here’s how it will happen:
SHARE
Each week we’ll take time to share what is happening in our lives. At first this sharing will include planned “sharing questions.” But after the first few weeks, it will become more informal and personal as we feel more comfortable.
STUDY
Each week we’ll study a section from God’s Word that relates to the previous weekend’s sermon or an appropriate personal growth topic. Our goal is to learn how to live out our Christianity in everyday life.
SUPPORT
Each week we’ll learn how to take care of one another as Christ commanded (John 15:9-13). This care can take many forms, such as prayer, encouragement, listening, challenging one another and meeting real needs.
SERVE
Spiritual growth is fostered not only by what we gain through the support and input of others, but also through service to others. The role each of us fills is important to the health of the church and for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the community in which we live (Ephesians 4:11-16). Throughout the quarter, it is our hope that you can find and/or be affirmed in the ways God has designed you to serve and make a difference in God’s Kingdom.