Some congregations spend years trying to discern the Lords will –
but leaders of Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Bedford, Texas, say God simply
laid it in their hands.
Some congregations spend years trying to discern the Lords will –
but leaders of Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Bedford, Texas, say God simply
laid it in their hands.
In July 2000, a Brazilian church started a trend when it asked to share the
facilities of Woodland Heights Baptist Church.
Soon, a Korean church did the same.
Later, a 50-member Chinese church would come to use the buildings, too.
Now, Sudanese people are coming to services and may start a church on the premises
soon as well.
“This has not been in our plan,” Woodland Heights pastor Doug Riggs
says. “Its not something we set out to do necessarily. But its
something God laid in our hands.”
Riggs acknowledges he was not used to working in a multicultural setting. Yet,
he says he has been willing to learn.
One thing he has learned is that a host church must be willing to treat the
other congregations as equals. While the leaders interact and encourage each
other, the congregations essentially function independently.
“It is working out perfectly,” says Jair Campos, pastor of Igreja
Batista Brasiliera Central. “Woodland Heights respects the mission churches.”
The host church needs to emphasize reaching people, not just growing the church,
Riggs adds. If more people can become Christians through these churches, Riggs
says he wants to help. “I think the only thing it requires from an English
congregation is a mindset that this is not our castle that we need to protect
with a moat,” he explains.
There were initial concerns about sharing the space with other churches, but
Riggs notes they quickly disappeared as the new congregations reached people
without altering the host churchs activities.
The congregations even have come together for a multicultural worship service.
Worshippers sang in Chinese, English, Korean and Portuguese – and each
pastor performed the Lords Supper in his native tongue. The service was
followed by a fellowship dinner featuring ethnic food.
Campos describes the service as “like heaven,” saying the missions
and host church functioned as one large congregation.
Christopher Sham echoes those thoughts.
“It was a great experience to see how people do things differently,”
said Campos, who serves as pastor of the Bedford Chinese Baptist Church. “Even
though people have different cultures, they can come together to worship and
feel the spirit.”
Riggs says the experience has made a real difference in outlook. “Theres
a bigger mentality that is growing that is – Its not about
me. Its about the kingdom,” he says. “The multicultural
thing is such a blessing. You just have to try it.” (ABP)