How Do We Embrace Diversity in Missionary Teams?

In our day, we frequently hear the words inclusion, diversity, and equality. Should missionary teams also be like that? Were Jesus and Paul ahead of their times in developing diverse, multi-ethnic, teams made up of both genders?

Much of what we see in the world seems to be tokenism. I was asked to be in a leadership team, not because I was the best fit for the role, but the rest of the team were all men. They needed a woman to balance things out.

Is this what God wants in our teams? Token appointments, so we look good?

If we are doing things for appearance, on the surface we may have a diverse team make-up.  But if our hearts are not embracing one another, we will just have factions in one body. There should be a genuine desire to represent Jesus in His embrace of others. Jesus was often misunderstood when he accepted foreigners, prostitutes, tax collectors, beggars, and people of color into his group. 

Diversity & Unity

So how can we have such diversity and still work and live together as one?

It is only the love of Christ that makes it possible. If you see this diversity as a problem then you will work alone, or only with people who are like you. I don’t know if it is possible to have a loving, diverse team without the love of Jesus flowing through us.

“Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

John 13:1 NIV.

This was written the night He was betrayed.

How did he show his love? He got up from the table, took off His outer clothing, wrapped a towel around His waist, filled a bucket with water, and washed His disciple’s feet. He took on the lowest job, but it was also what His team needed. He met the needs of His team in serving them. He was not looking for the position or praise of others. His love moved him to service. He then says to his team,

““You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

John 13:13-15 NIV.

An Attitude of Embrace

Paul’s instructions to his team are: “Greet one another with a holy kiss…. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” Romans 16:16, 20 NIV

The word greet is actually embrace.

When you embrace someone, your arms are open. You are not protective, with your arms crossed in front of you. Nor are you passive with your arms hanging limp at your sides. As we develop this attitude of embrace, backed up by actions, we will be a unified team. 

Holy Relationships

Our relationship interactions should be holy. This means completely good. Completely honest and true. Free of selfishness and pride. Holiness is what is pleasing to the Lord. It is not the absence of evil, but active goodness.

And it should be a greeting kiss. This is a sign of belonging and intimacy, given one by one. It is not enough to get on with most people in our team but reserve enmity for some.

We are meant to be able to be affectionately trusting with everyone in our team. Culturally, it may not be appropriate to physically kiss the members of your team, but the meaning is essential. We should have this bond of affection and love between all of us.

• What can you do to serve your team members?
• Is there anyone in your team that you have been cold or distant toward? Who do you need to embrace?
• Are there any unholy actions, words, or thoughts towards any of your team members?

Confess those to God, repent, ask forgiveness as needed, and turn from that behavior.

• Is there anyone you need to build a stronger bond with in your team? How could you do that?

Diverse teams are definitely biblical. We see the example of both Jesus and Paul in the kinds of teams they built. It doesn’t happen without intentional effort.

Take one step this week to improve your team relationships.

*This is a guest blog written by R.M.