Three Ways to Increase Your Group's Diversity - Part 2 - by Belkis Lehmann

The second way to increase diversity in your group is talking. In the same way that you get what you pray for, you also get what you talk about. So talk about diversity with your staff team, your student leaders, your students- just talk to everyone. Talk about why God cares about it. Talk about who’s missing in your group. Talk about what need to change so you can how to attract, integrate and serve a wide variety of people.

Talk in your large group meeting. Share the vision for Kingdom diversity through times of teaching and challenge. Celebrate small victories. We value what we celebrate. While you celebrate be honest about where you are. It’s ok to tell the truth and recognize the long road ahead. This will actually increase your credibility.

Be open about your diversity dreams and your current stage. It’s okay to say “I know our music tonight may not be what you’re used to. It is our desire to have a more multi-cultural worship experience because we value every culture and know our Father is revealing himself to every nation, tribe, people and language. We need the fullness of God’s people to be an accurate representation of God to this campus. Thanks for hanging in there with us while we journey forward. This also means we need you and your help to truly be a family.”

Your talking should include:

1. Your vision and dreams (where you want to end up). You really can’t talk about this too much. You may have a long way to go, but if you are committed to the vision you’ll be surprised how many will join you in the journey.
2. Good teaching and Biblical foundations for diversity. We are not jumping on the diversity bandwagon. We are leading it. God invented diversity and it is being hijacked by the enemy to promote things run contrary to humanity’s sacred creation. So very important you teach truth.
3. Acknowledgement of where things are at and what you are lacking. You are on a journey to be God’s people. Look like God’s people and act like God’s people. It’s ok to admit what’s missing.
4. Gratitude for those who join you on the journey despite the cost to them personally. The underrepresented are paying a cost to be a part of your group, they know it and it’s nice for them to know that you know it too.
5. Call to invest. We know we can’t diversify our group without those who will sacrificially invest, join when it’s not a great experience for them. They are there to build something for Jesus and those coming behind them. People can’t respond to a call they have not heard. If you need people to join you, ask them. You’ll be surprised what happens when you do.
6. A personal commitment to learn. Yes you don’t know everything. You may not even know what you don’t know, that’s ok if you are committed to listening and learning. This commitment will mean a lot to those you are calling to sacrificially invest.
7. Restatement of God’s vision. You can’t talk vision too much, but make sure it is God’s vision you are sharing. We are representatives of HIS kingdom!

Since you get what you talk about, you need to talk about diversity a LOT if that’s what you  want. Need help? We have resources. Reach out. We are here to help.

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