Earlier this year, Rev. Dr. Tom Johnson took on the role of Ethnic Ministries Development for the LCMS Northern Illinois District. We sat down with Pastor Johnson to discuss ethnic ministry. The conversation was wide-ranging. The topics below (in bold) help provide a sense of its direction. Pastor Johnson’s words are direct quotes.
Why did you choose the word “ethnic” to describe this kind of ministry?
“The reason I chose the word ‘ethnic’ is because it’s a biblical word. It’s how the Hebrew is translated in Genesis 12 to translate Abraham as a nation. He says, “Through you all families of the earth will be blessed.” In Matthew, in the Great Commission, you have the command to “make disciples of all nations.” When John has his vision, it’s the same word. He saw people ‘from all nations, tribes, tongues and peoples.’ It’s a problematic word… [but] I kind of like the word because it means all of us! There’s also precedent in the District to say ethnic.”
What is the story of ethnic ministry in the NID?
“Ethnic Ministry is the story of how we, as a district, started off being intentional about reaching people of German ancestry and Lutherans and how wildly successful we were at that, and how, pretty much since the baby boom generation, we [no longer] have the same sort of neighborhood loyalty, loyalty toward the denomination that we were capitalizing on. Now we need to continue to learn how to reach out to our communities that are in transition.”
What makes ethnic ministry different from other kinds of ministry, and why is it worth investing in?
“John’s vision of the church in Revelation is there to open our eyes to the incredible diversity and grandeur of Christ’s bride, the Church. I think there are certain people who have experience… whose eyes have been opened and see the field ripe for harvest. I think there’s something about a global mindset and a multiethnic mindset that makes being a Christian even more meaningful and joyful. I think that if we go to a church and we see people of all different backgrounds, languages, [and] skin-tones, all together worshipping Christ, it ought to inspire you….”
What are the obstacles to ethnic ministry that we need to overcome?
“We need to let go of the lie that we are just here to maintain and survive, and that’s our best option. That’s not Christ’s command, not His vision of the church. We should all try to find ways and be praying for ways to communicate across the many perceived barriers that there are in our culture and in our world.
I think a lot of congregations are concerned about, how can we keep this building? How can we have enough money to hire a full-time pastor? Or what can we do to keep the school open? And these are important questions, but there are larger questions. What has God called us to do for His kingdom? Seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. Sometimes the best thing for the kingdom may not be the best thing for your physical building.”
How does the Holy Spirit equip us to cross perceived divides?
“I think the way the Holy Spirit does that is going to be different for every context, and I think it’s up to the person who is walking with Christ and serving him in the community in the church— the pastor, the lay leaders—for them to have their eyes opened to see how they can do that. And sometimes it’s a Macedonian call, sometimes someone from the outside coming in, sometimes it’s just taking risks and trying to be creative. But I don’t think there’s one formula at all.”
How does ethnic ministry have a role in addressing societal tension and conflict?
“That’s what the Gospel does. It is a ministry of reconciliation. People have been separated by sin. Martin Luther King Jr. is famous for saying that the most segregated hour of the week is eleven o’clock on Sunday morning. He was lamenting the fact that our churches are some of the most segregated institutions in our society. And it hasn’t changed that much… and I think it should be lamented, if this is a ministry of reconciliation.
What can people do to combat a disposition of antipathy toward others?
Remember that once you were in their position. Remember that you, NID, were once immigrants from Germany! Remember how someone met you off the boat. Remember how you were treated when you went to kindergarten, and you all didn’t know each other. Remember what it felt like when you went to college and you didn’t know anybody. Rather than seeing other people as sinners, we should see ourselves as sinners, and see what God has done with us. I think empathy is something that is gained when we get outside ourselves. And sometimes the way we get outside of ourselves is to reflect on ourselves from kind of a third person way, and that’s what stories do.
What is it like to have the opportunity for ethnic ministry in this time?
I think it’s an exciting time! What is more like first-century Mediterranean region than twenty-first-century US right now? We have all these nations at our doorstep, and all these people, and I think this should be an exciting time! Is it risky? Of course. Are we going to be discouraged? Of course, and that’s why I want us to get together so that we’re less discouraged.
On November 9, 2019, Pastor Johnson will be leading an Ethnic Ministry Gathering From 8:30 a.m. to12:00 p.m., lunch following, at the District office, 2301 S. Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois 60161. We will gather pastors, commissioned church workers, and lay leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities of ethnic and intercultural ministry. This gathering will be a good opportunity to share stories, ideas, prayers, and support as we partner together in advancing His Kingdom. He will facilitate this discussion with the assistance of Rev. Alex Merlo and Rev. Hicham Chehab.
These are exciting times as God brings people from all nations, tribes, tongues, and people to Northern Illinois. We have the privilege and joy of participating in Christ’s commission to make disciples of all nations. We have a lot to learn from each other and to gain from our prayerful partnership in the Gospel. You can find more information at www.nidlcms.org.
President and Mrs. Buss are committed to ethnic ministry both in prayer and financially. We invite you to join them and bless ethnic ministry in the LCMS Northern Illinois District with your prayers and financial resources. Please join us in boldly supporting our vision as we carry out our mission in advancing His Kingdom. You may use the envelope insert available in Our Magazine to show your support for ethnic ministry in our District.
What is ethnic ministry in the NID?
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands…”—Revelation 7:9 (ESV)
Ethnic ministry means the privilege of our participating in what Jesus is already doing to usher in his Kingdom. Christ’s commission is to “make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19). The word nation here is where we get the word ethnic. In Revelation (5:9; 7:9) we see an intercultural assembly of believers which includes all the diversity of humankind for whom Christ died and rose again. This worldwide movement was first promised to Abraham whose descendants (as the people of God) would bless all the families of the earth (Gen 12:3). This multiethnic Gospel movement should be worked toward, nurtured, and celebrated in the communities we serve because of Christ’s command and vision. Certainly, to participate in Gospel ministry is ethnic ministry because we are all part of that diverse multitude whom the Holy Spirit gathers. But many of us find ourselves in rapidly changing communities and know that we need to grow in our ability to communicate the unchanging Gospel inter-culturally and in various languages. We need each other’s prayerful encouragement, support, creativity, risk and wisdom. Ethnic ministry is about intentionally working toward the realization of God’s desire that “all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4).
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