222. Building a Multi-Inclusive Church, with Efrem Smith and Dan Kreiss, authors of Church for Everyone

Efrem Smith and Dan Kreiss, the authors of Church For Everyone: Building a Multi-Inclusive Community, explore the importance of multi-inclusivity in church leadership, the need to empower young people in decision-making, and the steps required to break down socio-economic and cultural barriers within our faith communities.THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:Creating spaces and processes for the emerging generation to have voice and participate in decision-making within multi-inclusive churches is crucial.In the Evangelical Covenant Church, the 6-fold test for multi-ethnic ministry includes population, participation, and power as key aspects to consider.Efforts to create spaces for feedback and participation are a key step in promoting inclusion and diversity in churches.Efrem Smith emphasizes the need to intentionally hire diverse staff and involve the emerging generation in shaping the church's narrative.Dan Kreiss points out that long-standing churches with deep traditions face greater challenges and need intentional discomfort and leadership formation to create a multi-inclusive community.According to Efrem Smith and Dan Kreiss, the diverse and multi-ethnic nature of the younger generation is not reflected in many church contexts on Sunday mornings.Dan Kreiss points out that building relationships with those outside his predominantly Caucasian church is essential to foster inclusion and understanding.Efrem Smith underscores the need to eliminate excuses for young people to dismiss the church and to create a multi-inclusive community that reflects the diversity found in other aspects of their lives.God can use individuals of different generations to advance his kingdom, as demonstrated by the biblical stories of David, Esther, Abraham, and Josiah.The letters of Paul emphasize the importance of a multi-inclusive, Christ-centered community, reflecting the multicultural and intergenerational nature of the church.According to Dan Kreiss, starting the journey towards a multi-inclusive church involves intentional efforts to build relationships with diverse communities.Dan Kreiss encourages pastors to surround themselves with others in the community for support and accountability.Efrem Smith says the move from stigmatizing the younger generation to becoming friends and missionaries to them is essential.Navigating the tensions between different generations is part of maintaining an intergenerational and diverse church environment.RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Efrem Smith:Mid-town ChurchInfluential Global MinistriesInstagram - @efrem.smithDan Kreiss:Roswell Presbyterian ChurchInstagram - @dan_kreissBooks mentioned:Church for Everyone, by Efrem Smith and Dan KreissRelated episodes:Called to Each Other, with Claude AlexanderMinistry Leadership in a Racialized Society, with David SwansonIdentity, Belonging, and Purpose, with Kara PowellSend me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.