Redemption Boulevard A Multicultural Worship Ministry

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how Jesus fought religiousness/rules, which we continue to fight today.  I’ve thought about how Jesus really took the time to build relationships with unlikely people and people who were looked down upon.  He really taught us about being intentional in that way, didn’t He?

Sometimes I find myself thinking something like,  “I wouldn’t be friends with these people under normal circumstances.”

When would I have run into Andrew Thomas who serves as the Worship & Creative Arts Pastor at Living Water Community Church?  Originally from Manchester, United Kingdom I’m not sure I would’ve found as great of an encourager as I have in him.

How about Jelani Greenidge?  He’s the Founder of Motif Worship.  We originally met in New Orleans for a conference and ended up as roommates.  He’s my opposite in every way when it comes to our personality, yet we enjoy one another’s company a great deal.

And then there’s Mariah Hughes from North Carolina.  She’s a missionary kid, who’s found a calling in multicultural worship and is constantly active in the mission field.  She’s wonderfully intentional about relationships and has a growing gift in music.  Not sure where I would’ve ran into her if it wasn’t for the Body of Christ.

And our worship team?  I think about the long road I’ve journey on with Rita Salone who’s come from some very tough circumstances.  We’ve had our ups and downs, but have found our common ground in the appreciation in the history of people’s personal history, culture, and music.

Finally, there’s my neighbor.  He’s Somalian and we have some very different views on the Bible.  However, we’ve managed to live in peace with one another, our kids play together, helped each other shovel snow from our driveways, and eaten together.  Not sure I would’ve reached out first, but I have no doubt that God orchestrated that relationship for His glory.

The BIG question I’m left with is…

How can I be more intentionally, like Christ, in inviting people into the family of Christ while developing relationships with those who are different from me in obvious ways, but are passionate about the Lord?

© 2012, Peter Park. All rights reserved.