Church Models

Homogeneous (Uniform)

Homogeneous churches are racially uniform. In some cases, this uniformity is representative of the racial composition of the community. In others, it is an intentional decision to minister to a particular ethnic group, often first-generation immigrants with unique needs. Challenges for the homogeneous church include:

• a narrowly defined target audience that may hamper growth.
• perceptions, both real and imagined, of exclusivity.
• diminished capacity to evangelize effectively outside the target audience.
• loss of relevance as the community evolves through generational changes and shifting immigration patterns.

Heterogeneous (Diverse)

The heterogeneous model allows established churches or new church plants to move toward a fully integrated paradigm. It represents the middle ground on the pathway toward a synergistic model.

In its most rudimentary form, the heterogeneous church may involve an ethnic group renting facilities from another church and have little ministry collaboration with that church. Some pastors see this as a first step toward eventual integration. Churches are increasingly moving beyond rental agreements and blending formerly diverse congregations into a single body of believers. This may occur in a variety of fashions. In some cases, separate worship services are held concurrently in different languages with opportunities for joint ministry and fellowship in home settings or discipleship groups. Challenges for heterogeneous congregations include:

• overcoming language barriers, deep-seated prejudice, and cultural expectations.
• developing a culture of intentionality toward evangelism and discipleship of minority newcomers.
• attracting and retaining newcomers from other cultures.
• modifying the way we “do church” to create a truly inclusive worship experience.
• providing a broad range of assistance to first-generation newcomers.

Synergistic (Inclusive)

Synergism implies an intentionally diverse and spiritually dynamic congregation. It represents the highest ideal among integration models. Synergism represents the biblical ideal as depicted in the Book of Acts. Churches utilizing this model demonstrate intentionality at every level, including mission, ministry, leadership, membership, and worship styles.

These churches provide opportunity for conversion, discipleship, and integration of minority groups. Churches that adopt this model notice significant changes in their worship services, including a renewed hunger for God and for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, an atmosphere of excitement, an interest in prayer, and a renewed expectation of the miraculous. Challenges with this model include:

• exegeting the cultures you seek to reach.
• dealing with problems that develop promptly and prayerfully; correction is context-sensitive.
• helping all disciples adopt the culture of Christianity.
• providing a broad range of assistance to minority newcomers.
• helping the American Christian church adopt a more global view to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for minority newcomers.

Hybrid

This model is an adaptation or a combination of the other three models. It usually represents a church in transition, moving intentionally away from a homogeneous model, but not fully functioning at the level of synergy.

Mario H. Guerreiro, Springfield, Missouri