The following will appear on www.baptistbulletin.org and in the Baptist Bulletin magazine, with pictures.
Multiethnic Ministries Roundtable Discussion
Clarks Summit, Pa.—Sixteen church leaders have met on the campus of Baptist Bible Seminary for a discussion forum on multi-ethnic, multicultural and intercultural church ministries.
The group discussed three aspects of multicultural ministry: the scriptural commands and examples for Christians to give the Gospel to the “ethnos” (people groups) at home and overseas; the adjustments we need to make to think and reach out cross-culturally; and the potential results of reaching the world by allowing God to direct the ethnic people who live in America to spread the Gospel to the unsaved in their homelands (where Americans are restricted.)
The event was attended by representatives from six ethnic backgrounds and various levels of multi-ethnic ministries. Some had years of experience but all demonstrated a hunger to learn.
Ken Davis, director of Project Jerusalem for Baptist Bible Seminary, reported that the United States will become 50% ethnic and 50% Anglo by the year 2042, a projection that has recently been moved up from the previous date of 2056.
“The nations have come to us,” said Eldon Brock, founder and director of Ethnic to Ethnic Ministries, Inc. and organizer of the conference. “God is giving us the opportunity to give the Gospel to the World without leaving home.”
Formerly a GARBC pastor and director of Lake Ann Baptist Camp, Eldon Brock has spent his retirement years motivating churches toward international ministry. “I have realized that I am like the dog that chased the train but it was too big for him,” Brock said of his God given vision which has motivated him to alert churches to the needed changes in missions through this conference. “I see my role as helping to get something started and then watch others develop it. Pray with me for wisdom to know when and how to release this to others who have abilities I don’t have.”
As existing churches age and gentrify, Brock is interested in challenging them to welcome the diverse community next door. “Maybe the church should not move away,” Brock said. “They can be revived as they welcome other cultures into one fellowship.
Read more about Eldon Brock and Ethnic to Ethnic Ministries, Inc. at www.EthnictoEthnic.org and http://EthnictoEthnic.blogspot.com. Contact Eldon Brock at eldon26@gmail.com
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