In recent years, many have called for a greater emphasis on diversity and multiculturalism while others have remained indifferent or adversarial to the prospect. The role of the church in leading this charge is uncertain, although pastors and church leaders have increasingly acknowledged the role evangelicalism has played in marginalizing communities of color and perpetuating a gospel of Whiteness.
In this book, three authors with youth ministry, family ministry, and community development expertise challenge the ways we often conceptualize conversations around diversity and inclusion in church-based settings. They show how complex racial identity issues rooted in American society manifest themselves in church ministries and provide practitioners with the tools needed to encourage spiritual formation in a diverse world. They offer a vision for Christian formation and discipleship that is attuned to the realities of race, ethnicity, culture, and class to help church leaders minister more effectively across cultures.