Seven principles characterize successful multiracial congregations, according to studies conducted by sociologist and author George Yancey.
• Inclusive worship. Racially distinctive elements of worship transcend music to include preaching style, the way the worship service is organized and interior décor of church buildings.
• Diverse leadership. These churches have “clergy and/or laity leadership that reflect the makeup or desired makeup of the congregation,” he said.
• An overarching goal. This is “a nonracial goal, which is easier to meet if the congregation becomes multiracial,” Yancey explained. Potential goals include desired results in evangelism, community service and translating the gospel into meeting societal needs.
• Intentionality. Churches communicate their willingness to go out of their way to become multiracial, think about what will be necessary to achieve that goal and find the motivation to reach out to various races.
• Personal skills. These include sensitivity to different needs of different races, patience to deal with transitions, willingness to empower people of other races, and the ability to relate well to people of different races.
• Location. “The vast majority of multiracial churches are located in the inner city or in racially diverse areas,” he said. “Suburban churches [often] are seen as rejection of minorities” since many suburbs developed because of “white flight.”
• Adaptability. Successful multiracial churches can “anticipate new challenges and/or adapt to unanticipated issues as they come up,” he said. These include difficulties in assimilating people who speak different languages; dealing with “interracial romance,” especially among the church's teenagers; and processing secular political and social issues without splintering the congregation.
Associated Baptist Press