Frequently Asked Questions

What is MCM?

MCM is a nonprofit ministry that is committed to helping a local church transition from a monocultural to a multicultural, multilingual church.

How does MCM help with the transition?

In three ways: First, by creating a spirit of unity among the leadership and members of the church through education. Second, by assisting the church in the development of a covenant for the coexistence of two or more congregations on one campus. Third, by walking the church through the entire process. We are available for consultation throughout and after the process.

What kind of education does MCM provide?

We offer several sessions that deal with topics such as: racism, ethnocentrism, the cost of ethnic ministry, seven fatal errors in the multicultural local church ministry, and development of a covenant.

What exactly is a covenant?

A covenant is a written agreement that defines the expectations and commitments the host and ethnic church make to one another.

What kind of issues are covered in the covenant?

There are basically four: (1) Organizational Structure, (2) Leadership Structure, (3) Finances, (4) Facility Use, and (6) Time.

Why is a covenant so important?

It defines everyone's expectations. Most conflicts that arise between a host church and an ethnic church are the result of unfulfilled expectations.

Who are the participants that draw up the covenant?

Initially the pastor of the host church and the ethnic pastor. Then it goes to their respective leaders for review. If there is no ethnic pastor or congregation, then I serve as a representative for the future ethnic church.

Can changes be made to the covenant at a later time?

Yes. Circumstances and growth may require some changes. We encourage these changes -otherwise, someone will be frustrated over an unfulfilled expectation.

If a local church doesn't want a separate ethnic church but wishes to make the ethnic ministry a part of the local church, won't a covenant be divisive?

No. All ministries of a local church need some basic guidelines for operation and accountability, such as a Sunday School or a youth ministry. A covenant defines those guidelines for an ethnic ministry. If the term covenant is too suggestive of separate church bodies, when you want to establish only one body, then call it by another name. Call it Operational Guidelines for an Ethnic Ministry. Whatever you call it, your church will benefit.

What does MCM charge for its services?

MCM requests a $500.00 retainer fee. We asked to be placed on a church's missionary budget for a period of five years at the average support level.

At what point does a church contract with MCM?

The church contracts with MCM when the leadership and the Pastor agree to sign the contractual agreement and the retainer is paid.

Is there a limit to the number of visits MCM will make with the Pastor and leadership of the church?

No. Our desire is to develop a spirit of unity. That takes more than one session. Leadership needs time to digest the information and consider other questions before feeling confident in the ministry of MCM.

Are there any financial commitments for the church to MCM during this time of leadership orientation?

Yes, we ask for travel, meals, and lodging expenses. There is no required honorarium, however one is appreciated.

What does MCM consider to be an appropriate honorarium?

Whatever the Lord enables the church to give.

Does MCM provide any ethnic church pastors?

No. We recommend that church contact their local denominational or fellowship representative for an ethnic pastor.

Does MCM oversee the ethnic church?

No. That is the responsibility of the denomination or fellowships church extension agency.

Does MCM have any Doctrinal requirements of churches with whom it will work?

Yes. MCM will only offer its services to church who are solidly evangelical. Churches who teach that man is a sinner (Rom. 3:10,23), destined to an eternity in hell as a consequence of his sins (Rom. 6:23a, Rev. 20:14,15), totally incapable of earning his way into heaven (Eph. 2:8,9; Titus 3:5, James 2:10). Further, that God out of love for His creation provided His Son as a sacrifice for the sins of man (John 3:16; Heb. 10:10), and that this sacrifice is a gift (Rom. 6:23b) which has been made available to all mankind (I John 2:2); Rom. 10:13), and it can only be appropriated by faith alone (John 3:16-18; Eph. 1:13; I John 5:11-13).