The first Sunday in July is traditionally our International Sunday. (This year our International Meal is next Saturday on 7 July). But what is an International Sunday and why have one?
Immanuel Baptist Fellowship is a very diverse and multi-cultural church. Each International Sunday we recognise and acknowledge each country where those who attend originate from. Last year there were over 50 nationalities represented across our four centres, from North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. What I want to know is where are those from Antarctica? If you're from Antarctica and you're reading this blog then if you're ever in London you'd be more than welcome at one of our centres - please make yourself known to us - you may be the first from your continent to visit us. [Visit http://www.ibfchurch.org.uk/ for details of where to find us].
Each of us is shaped by the culture(s) in which we grew up. For many people it is not until they leave 'their culture' (maybe to live in another country, or leave home to go to university etc) that they realise that there are lots of other people who think differently about things, and do things differently. This makes life in a multi-cultural church both exciting and challenging - for there is plenty of scope for misunderstanding (and therefore potential for upsetting and offending people without even realising it). This begins as soon as you walk into the church. Some cultures are more reserved than others and therefore a firm handshake is all that is needed by way of a greeting. Others need a hug and a kiss on each cheek. As you can see the potential for upset is already there, and we have only just got through the door of the church. One person feels offended because they were only given a handshake - "don't they like me or something?" Someone else is made to feel totally uncomfortable as their 'personal space' is infringed.
But what are we to make of culture as Christians? There is a sense in which Christianity is always 'counter cultural' - there are things in every culture that are not in line with God's will. But I believe that there are also things in every culture that do demonstrate something of the truth of God. Therefore all of us need to allow 'our culture' to be transformed by the teaching of Jesus. That doesn't mean that we will end up with all Christians only having one culture. It means that the 'good' in our cultures will be celebrated whilst the 'bad' will be confessed and changed.
Our International Sunday reminds us that we have an incredibly creative God. He made us all different. He gave us different personalities. And He wants us to rejoice and celebrate that. And so on our International Sunday we celebrate our differences and look to learn from one another - this is part of what it means to worship a God who is creative and diverse. And at the same time we wonder that through Jesus it is possible to become one family - and yet not to lose those qualities that make us different.
Some questions for reflection (and comment):
What in your culture needs to be celebrated by the church?
What in your culture needs to be challenged by the teachings of Jesus?
