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New Book Encourages Multiculturalism in the Church

Columbia, MD - In a nation where questionable radio content, a surge in the immigrant population and segregated churches are dividing many Americans, Dr. David A. Anderson, Pastor of Bridgeway Community Church in Columbia, MD, is sharing his message of faith and racial reconciliation through multicultural ministry.

In his book, "Multicultural Ministry: Finding Your Church's Unique Rhythm," (Zondervan 2004) Dr. Anderson challenges people from all ethnic backgrounds to move beyond traditional comfort zones, interact more frequently and become spiritually empowered through multicultural fellowship.

Dr. Anderson's multicultural message is more relevant today than ever before: As the nation inevitably becomes a country of color, Dr. Anderson talks directly to the millions of Americans who are struggling with the ever-changing social landscape.

"Multiculturalism isn't a trend; it's a reality," said Dr. Anderson. "Evidence of this country's rich racial mix is all around us in our schools, our stores, our neighborhoods, our recreational facilities - everywhere except our churches."

"Heaven may include every culture, tongue, and tribe, but in the United States, Sunday morning remains one of the last bastions of ethnic separatism. It's time to stop merely talking about multicultural worship and start living it," he said.

In this groundbreaking book, Dr. David Anderson invites us all -- African American, Asian, Caucasian, Latino, and Native American-- to celebrate our diversity and build a foundation for cultural understanding.

As Dr. Anderson demonstrates, multicultural ministry is becoming more successful in many churches across America. He shares the stories and insights of how he's built a community of African-American, Asian, Caucasian, and Latinos in an east coast city rooted in a common commitment to Christ. Uniquely, this book isn't a dream about what might happen, it tells what is already happening flowing out of an understanding of the Bible's teachings on racial reconciliation.

"Like drinking from segregated water fountains, Christians receive their spiritual sustenance from segregated watering holes called Church," said Dr. Anderson.

"Millions of Christians wake up on Sunday mornings, get themselves and their children dressed and loaded in their vehicles only to drive to their white churches, Black churches, Latino and Asian churches to worship the Almighty God of unity and peace," he said.

"I wrote Multicultural Ministry: Finding Your Church's Unique Rhythm to give vision and voice to the need for racial reconciliation within the body of Christ," Dr. Anderson said. "In addition, I offer inspiring stories and practical examples of how churches can tear down the dividing walls of racial division and learn the art of dancing with others on the floor of multicultural ministry."

Dr. Anderson is the Pastor of Bridgeway Community Church in Columbia, Maryland, where he has served for 12 years. He offers diversity training for several large corporations and is also the host of Reconciliation Live, a radio talk show on WAVA (105.1 FM) and 1230AM -- the largest Christian radio station in the Washington, D.C. area. The program airs every Sunday night, 9-11pm, or log and listen live at www.ReconciliationLive.com

Nearly 2,000 adults attend Bridgeway's three Sunday services and two video cafe's, including about 300 children who attend the church's diverse children's ministry each week. Bridgeway is one of the fastest-growing multicultural churches in the Washington, D.C.-Baltimore area.

Dr. Anderson is available to discuss his new book, "Multicultural Ministry: Finding Your Church's Unique Rhythm," and share his thoughts about why Bridgeway Community Church continues to attract people from diverse backgrounds every Sunday morning.

 


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