By Tonya Swindell

New Life Church of Virginia Beach recently hosted a series of discussions about the benefits and purpose of a multi-ethnic church. I attended sessions, along with diverse members and non-members to learn how the multi-ethnic church is “a sign and wonder of the glorious gospel to a fractured world.”

The series was titled “Interwoven” to reflect how the church is a colorful blend of various people groups and cultures woven together like a divinely inspired tapestry. The importance of extending grace and love to others was the overriding theme of the event.

The unique cultures and relationships demonstrated by leaders and families attending New Life attracted me to the ministry. Pastors of the multi-site church include men and women of various hues, colors and ethnicities, which I believe offers a glimpse of heaven.

While learning about the core values, statement of faith, missions program and history of the church, I was awed and amused by the church’s co-founders, Pastors Dan Backens and Kevin Turpin. Pastor Dan is a white man from Spearfish, S.D. Pastor Kevin is a black man from Long Island.

Their story is a definite “sign and wonder,” proving people can enjoy diversity, even on a Sunday morning, which some people call “the most segregated time of the week.”

New Life considers “transethnicity” to be a core value. The church’s website includes the following statement: “We treasure beauty in diversity and express the creativity of God as a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-gifted blend of God’s people whose focus is not on social, economic, ethnic, or gender distinctions.”

Other core values include: authentic community; wholehearted worship; continual prayer; and intentional evangelism.

The sound teaching, grace, mercy and love I receive at New Life helps deepen my walk with Christ and improve my relationships with others. As a result, I value friends from other cultures, Christian denominations and the LGBT community. I’m also grateful for friendships I have with people of different religious backgrounds, including Muslims, Jews and Catholics.

In order to demonstrate interest in the culture and experiences of others, I often ask people how to say “Hello” in their native language. As a result I’ve learned to say “Hello” in multiple languages, including Urdu, Polish, Turkish, Arabic, Japanese, Burmese, Korean, Russian and Benin (an African dialect). I’ve also learned to say, “I love you” or “Je t’aime” (in French); “Te quiero mucho” (in Spanish); and “Ya tebya lyublu” (in Russian).

People are usually eager to teach me, because they recognize my genuine interest and desire to understand their cultural experiences.

Jesus told His disciples to expect signs and wonders indicating He will return for people who love and accept Him. The multi-ethnic church is a sign and wonder — a uniquely formed tapestry, interwoven by varied cultures that are great in number and diverse in color. And I’m glad my family is part of it.

Tonya Swindell writes a blog for www.inspirenewlife.org and a teacher for Kingdom Building Equipping School (KBES.com). She can be reached at 1brightot@gmail.com.