ELMinar: Out of the comfort zone
Challenges for communities in South Africa and Germany to deal with different forms of diversity and to embrace them and make them fruitful.
The third part of the ELM seminar series on relevant and future-proof visions of congregations and churches internationally showcased two examples from Durban (South Africa) and Hanover (Germany) to show how Christians from the international ecumenical movement are actively seeking for creative and hopeful solutions to live diversity in their church communities.
"We celebrate our diversity, united at the foot of the cross, as a caring and growing congregation in our locality."
Martin Büttner (pictured on the right) serves as the pastor of a congregation with around 400 members in New Germany near Durban, which belongs to the North Eastern Lutheran Church in South Africa. On Sundays, 60 to 80 attend the church service, along with 20 or more children. Founded by German settlers 175 years ago, the congregation has since opened up both linguistically and culturally. Individuals from very diverse backgrounds regarding language, culture, economic wealth come together and through celebrating their christian faith transcend these boundaries and are a witness to the churches prophetic role in society. The location of the church benefits the community - beeing within walking distance of the surrounding townships allows people who couldn´t afford a taxi fare to participate. Different political stances make for interesting conversations at the church coffee.
Initially finding common ground in language, punctuality, music preferences, etc. was a challenge, but now the congregation actively embraces and celebrates its diversity.
At the same time, it is important to preserve the fragile coexistence between different Lutheran churches and, despite all the diversity, to set boundaries and not poach members from other congregations. The relationship with charismatic churches is very relaxed because the sense of community in this lutheran congregation in New Germany creates little need to look for a new congregation somewhere else. Praise & Worship elements from charismatic churches are included in the Lutheran Sunday service - for instance at the beginning of the service.
"It only works through love"
Pastor Michel Youssif (pictured on the left) serves both in a regional church community and in the Arab-German community in Hanover (Germany). The two congregations now come together for a shared worship service once a month. Beginning with a communal meal because, as the saying goes, the way to a person's heart is through their stomach. The preparation involves collaboration in both the culinary and spiritual aspects. This joint effort allows individuals from both congregations to connect, understanding each other's needs, gifts, and limitations. Twice a year, they visit each other at home. Diversity is slowly developing - also in the church services, where elements of each other are incorporated. In practical terms, Arab youth often assists older members of the local church community with gardening, shopping trips, or medical appointments. In return, they receive help from the elderly with translations or visits to the authorities. Some Arab children proudly say to older members of the regional church community: "You're my grandma!". The key to mutual assistance and understanding lies in love!
The church is called to remain dynamic.
These insights led to a vibrant exchange among participants, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing the diversity of the community in which the congregation resides and addressing the diverse needs within the congregation. This requires a commitment to the church´s calling - staying on the move and lovingly changing in such a way that people in all their diversity feel invited and recognised.
