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and some already equipped through 3-D67 and Readership training. However, these things take time and much encouragement. Balance between Unity and Diversity The black youth worker in his interview68 emphasised the important balance between unity and diversity. He explained that there was a Principle of both/and rather than either/or. For example, the Asian fellowship has its own language specific fellowship, yet for the rest of the week was involved in the whole life of the church. In this small group fellowship, leadership skills are being nurtured. A mission vision has grown from this Punjabi fellowship to plant a church in the Punjab, a vision supported by the whole church. Special services have significant participation from the Youth or Punjabi fellowship and this gives them affirmation. Celebration of diversity is welcomed, without insisting that others have to do it the same way. It has been important for the whole church to understand the culture of young people and the Punjabi fellowship. For example, young people may present an MC and rap song during one of these special celebrations, and afterwards they will read out the lyrics so that the whole church understands what is going on! It is the same with the songs in Punjabi. So there is an important role for interpreters in a multi-cultural community church! Bridge people are always needed The Gospel does break down barriers between cultures in a church made up of people from different language and cultural groups. However, some people are needed who can be cross-cultural interpreters and this role often falls to the leaders, or must at least be endorsed and encouraged by them. Smaller ethnic and youth cultures are affirmed and interpreted and but also made accountable at the same time to the whole body of Christ. Discernment is still needed to assess whether their contribution is biblical, helpful or a hindrance.
St. James Church, Aston.69 The main difference between this church and Aston Parish Church is that St.James is a purpose-built Church Centre, built 25 years ago to replace an inappropriate 67
Diocesan Developing Disciples course over 30 weeks, developed by the Diocese of Birmingham Dept of Ministry, 175 Harborne Park Road, Harborne, BIRMINGHAM B17 OBH 68 Taped Interview Aston No.5 Ivor Lewis 18.3.2002 69 Notes taken from a Taped Interview with Revd. Edward Furness. & Mrs. Sue Berker August 2001 and also Cephas and Maureen France March 2003