Different on Purpose

By Pastor Artie Lindsay

“I heard about Tabernacle Community Church,” she said.

It was just a casual conversation at a party. One of our elders was chatting with an older woman, and when our church came up, her tone shifted. She leaned in, lowered her voice, and said something I’ll never forget:

“But I just don’t think we should be mixing the races in worship.”

This was more than 20 years ago. She wasn’t angry or argumentative. It was simply a belief she had carried for years, as if that thinking had any place in the Kingdom of God.

The Elder didn’t argue. He didn’t raise his voice. He calmly replied, “Then you’re really going to have a hard time in heaven.” That wasn’t sarcasm. It was Scripture. Heaven isn’t segregated, and neither should the Church be.

From the very beginning, we see God’s love for diversity. Genesis 1:27 tells us that every person, regardless of ethnicity, language or background, is made in the image of God. And Revelation 7:9 gives us a glimpse of eternity. “A great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

Heaven will not be colorblind. Heaven will be colorful. And if that’s what forever looks like, it should shape how we live and worship today.

The world is full of division. People are split racially, culturally, politically and by class. Sadly, the American church has often mirrored these divides instead of offering a Kingdom alternative. But the gospel brings clarity. Jesus came to tear down walls. Ephesians 2:14 declares, “He himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”

Jesus didn’t just reconcile us to God; He reconciled us to one another. To follow Him means refusing to be content with churches that are divided by human constructs. God is forming a new humanity and it’s a beautiful mosaic of every nation, tribe and tongue.

Pastoring a multi-ethnic congregation for more than 20 years has taught me this: diversity doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intentionality, love, and humility. I’ve come to see diversity as a spiritual discipline, like prayer or fasting. Left on our own, we gravitate toward sameness -just like at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). But when we pursue diversity, our hearts are stretched, our assumptions are challenged, our empathy grows, and we become more like Jesus.

A diverse church is not just a social statement. It’s discipleship. It’s a living witness to the world that the gospel has the power to overcome all that divides us.

So maybe you’re a student navigating the cliques in school. Maybe you’ve noticed the dividing lines in the lunchroom, the locker rooms or even youth group. Here’s the invitation. Don’t retreat into what’s familiar. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see and move toward those who are different.

God is building a Church that reflects His creativity and glory. And I believe your generation is being raised up to help lead the way. The world is watching. Let’s show them the power of the gospel to unite.

Reflection Questions

1. What do you feel when you hear the story about the woman’s comment at the party?
2. Why do you think some people are uncomfortable with diversity in the church?
3. What’s one way you can intentionally build a friendship with someone different from you this month?
4. How does embracing diversity help us reflect the heart of Jesus?