Since worship in some cross-cultural settings can be awkward, one worldwide church group urges all its members to accept cultural differences in the way people worship. And even as they connect with others in different settings, they should still stand against injustice, greed, and racism, and promote love, mercy, and humility before God. When diverse groups come together for fellowship, they should indeed connect with each other but focus on God. Here is how the Apostle Paul instructed believers in the Corinthian church to behave in their cross-cultural worship setting. He told them to show respect for one another. We read in 1 Corinthians 14, “When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given. But everything that is done must strengthen all of you.” He then added this: “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” In giving these instructions, the Apostle Paul was not quenching the Holy Spirit in their midst. He was aiming to bring order so worship would fulfill its purpose.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
