Mosaic Churches in and around Toronto
In my dreams about our future local church community I continually return to the vision of a multi-cultural church. When in Grand Rapids a few weeks ago I was conversing with a local pastor, boasting about the wonders of living on the doorstep of a place like Toronto, where the world is present in a very real sense. While I expressed to him the incredible beauty inherent in such a rich tapestry I also had to confess the deep sadness I have for the place. I passionately love the diversity of Toronto and its surrounding communities, but my heart aches for the deep divisions between cultural communities. It isn’t so much a division of animosity or dislike – although I’m sure there does exist a certain mistrust and fear – but they are more-so divisions of convenience. Folks tend to stick to their own and remain disconnected and unconcerned with what goes on in the communities surrounding them. This apathy and tolerance breaks my heart.
Cultural tolerance is a huge step up from racial cleansing and war, but I am so tired of being content to trade an evil for a lesser one. I believe Jesus when he says that the Kingdom is here. Every day I long for a larger bit of the “not yet” to appear before us. In Toronto that bit of the “not yet” includes a truly Mosaic community.
So, to my friends that are engaged in this church-planting with me and to all that find themselves in these diverse yet self-segregating places, I pray we can grab hold of this dream together. It needs to be intentional. DJ Chuang said it well: “It doesn’t happen by accident. If it just “naturally” happens (i.e. without intentionality), we’d see a lot more diversified church, wouldn’t we.”
Finding Connections
Reading Tom Sine’s fantastic book, The New Conspirators, I was greatly encouraged by the pictures of Mosaic church communities around the US and elsewhere. I’m wondering if anyone knows of an example of such places in the Greater Toronto Area? I would love to connect, learn and dream with folks that are moving in a similar direction.
Tags: mosaic, multicultural, toronto, church, kingdom,
August 21st, 2008 at 11:51 am
We’ve entertained thoughts of moving to Canada (david is Canadian) and since David is an actor, Toronto has been on our list, maybe we’ll join you, we have a HUGE passion for this too. Keep us updated on your search.
August 21st, 2008 at 3:50 pm
that’s very cool. it would be really great to get a chance to talk with the two of you about your experiments/experiences in community. mosaic community will most assuredly be something I pursue in this space.
let me know if you guys do indeed end up moving in this direction. that would be awesome
August 21st, 2008 at 11:35 pm
great post, and great question, i’d love to hear oter people’s responses.
August 26th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hey!
I totally agree with you.
Although my church isn’t in Toronto, it is close and is multi-ethnic.
Check it out:
River’s Edge Community Church in Montreal
http://www.riversedgeonline.ca
September 1st, 2008 at 8:58 am
i wonder though if our desire to associate with ‘our own’ isn’t something so innate in us that it’s almost like telling someone to change their eye color to do something differently. obviously, we shouldn’t erect walls, but to believe the invisible walls between us are just natural and not intentional might eliminate a lot of finger-pointing and guilt. if they was a store where the music played overhead was jethro tull and a similar store with all the same merchandise - even at lower prices - but the music played was by somebody named rappy j or something, i’d go to the place where tull was playing.