Every Tribe, Nation and Language: Growing Multi-ethnic Churches 

A day conference for church leaders of all Christian traditions who are seeking to integrate people from different ethnic backgrounds into the life and mission of their church has been organised

The conference takes place at the Queen's Foundation in Birmingham on 2 July, where keynote speakers will offer British and African perspectives about the challenge of growing multi-ethnic churches in the context of contemporary British society.

These include Steve Hollinghurst, who will explore the impact on Christian mission of secularism, individualism and consumerism, and Harvey Kwiyani, who will share insights as an African missionary and theologian who has lived in the West for many years. There will be opportunity to reflect in groups on the questions they raise. Are ethnically diverse congregations counter-cultural?
 
After lunch Tani Omideyi will share his experience of growing a multi-ethnic church in the Anfield area of Liverpool, and Gale Richards will help delegates respond together in a conversation with keynote speakers about questions raised during group discussion.
 
This collaboration between Birmingham Churches Together, the Queen's Foundation and the Centre for Missionaries from the Majority World (CMMW) is set to attract delegates from across the Christian traditions of Pentecostal, Anglican, Free Church and Catholic Churches.
 
Baptist minister Israel Olofinjana, a CMMW founder, is one the conference organisers. He said, 'We are excited by the prospect of a diverse group of Christian leaders gathering from across the midlands (and beyond) to explore together the challenge of growing multi-ethnic fellowships and sharing the Christian Gospel across ethnic and cultural boundaries.

'We hope the day will bring about new relationships between churches as partners in God's mission.'

Photo: Baptist World Alliance

The conference takes place on 2 July at the Queen's Foundation in Birmingham.