Visiting

If you have the desire to see first-hand what a multi-ethnic church is like, why not come Encounter one for yourself? Mosaix offers Encounter visits as an opportunity for you and your team to experience multicultural worship, interact with congregational members from different cultural backgrounds, and talk with leaders serving today in a healthy multi-ethnic church.

Various multi-ethnic churches around the USA have agreed to host visiting teams. Normally, the Encounter begins on a Saturday morning and ends on Sunday afternoon.

One benefit of an Encounter visit is the opportunity to learn the rationale, advantages and disadvantages of the ministry model used in that specific church. You also learn the historical path the church took to get where it is today, all of which will help you determine next steps in your own journey as a community of faith pursuing greater diversity within your congregation.

What happens at the Encounter?

Each Encounter church is free to design the experience in a way that they feel will give the best exposure to their church. Typically this would include:

1. Saturday morning, afternoon and/or evening meetings with staff members.
2. Possible drive through the neighborhoods to gain understanding of demographics.
3. Participate in main worship service with a view toward insights to be gained.
4. Time for debriefing with one or more staff members after the service.

What kinds of churches might you visit?

Multi-ethnic churches around the country host encounters in partnership with Mosaix. These churches are of varying affiliation and use differing approaches in ministry. However, they all share these common characteristics:

1. Comfortable working with other Christian pastors and congregations that may have doctrinal views different than its own.
2. Diverse leadership and an average attendance large enough to provide a profitable learning experience for other congregational leaders.
3. Willing to make staff members available in such a manner that it provides a profitable learning experience for other congregational leaders.
4. Able to describe its own ministry regarding its vision, values, developmental strategies, and more.
5. Willing to share mistakes transparently.

What is expected of those who visit?

1. The Senior Pastor or main church planter will be involved with you on the Encounter.
2. A minimum of 3 people should form the visiting team.
3. Complete any reading or other preparation requested by the Encounter church before the visit.

What does an Encounter cost?

For member churches there is no charge for an Encounter. The suggested donation for non-member churches is $250 The total amount is to be paid to Mosaix at least seven days prior to the scheduled Encounter.

In addition, visiting churches are expected to cover their own costs. This includes paying for transportation, housing, and food costs (unless otherwise stipulated by the Encounter church). In addition, you will cover the food costs for any of the staff or ministry leaders you meet with over a meal at the church you visit, i.e., their lunch or dinner.

How do I schedule an Encounter visit?

Simply fill out this form.

What happens after your visit?

After returning, the visiting team should discuss the follow-up questions, and share their insights with the entire staff and leadership team. In addition, you may want to schedule anotherEncounter at a different church in order to observe another approach to multi-ethnic ministry. Contact us for further referrals.

It is advised that you engage the services of a qualified intercultural coach who can help you think through possible next steps. Get further information about coaching from Mosaix and its possible benefits here.