Inter-Ethnic Church Learning Community 3
The morning light had barely settled over Harehills Lane Baptist Church when participants began arriving for the third Inter Ethnic Learning Community on Saturday, 15 November 2025. People travelled from thirteen churches, each carrying stories, questions and a shared longing to understand one another more deeply. The warmth and fantastic hospitality of the host church created a space where people settled quickly, conversations opened easily and engagement began even before the formal sessions started. By the time the sessions began, more than sixty voices were gathered in a room filled with warmth, expectation and a genuine commitment to growth.
The day opened with worship that brought the room into a place of unity and attentiveness before moving into Rev Dr Israel Olofinjana’s first major session on intercultural hermeneutics and preaching. He explored how cultural lenses shape the way scripture is read and emphasised the biblical themes of nations, migration and reconciliation that run through the whole story of God. Participants appreciated the positive focus on migration as part of God’s redemptive movement, noting how this reframed familiar passages in fresh ways. Dr Olofinjana encouraged preachers to widen their sources, include diverse illustrations and prepare sermons that help churches move from multicultural to fully intercultural communities. Many described this teaching as both stretching and grounding, with one participant saying it helped ideas flow for how their congregation could better reflect the experiences of international members.
After lunch the learning community moved into the second major input where Dr Olofinjana addressed the challenges often faced by Majority World Christian leaders in the British church context. He named historical barriers, public perceptions around migration and the pressures placed on leaders from minoritised backgrounds to assimilate rather than lead from their God given identity. These insights were described as validating and hopeful, especially by those who resonated deeply with the experiences shared. The session also highlighted the importance of shared leadership and the need for churches to be intentional in developing intercultural leadership teams. One participant commented that they left feeling energised to keep going, encouraged by the clarity this teaching brought.
Alongside the main sessions, the programme offered generous space for practical reflection, group discussions and action planning. Participants reviewed their action plans made earlier in the year, worked through scenarios together and shared stories of what has been fruitful in their local contexts. These discussions helped people consider how to promote inter ethnic relationships more intentionally and how to encourage testimonies that give voice to varied experiences within congregations. The atmosphere was repeatedly described as encouraging, honest and spacious, with several participants expressing gratitude for a setting where learning could take place without pressure.
As the day drew to a close the community gathered again for prayer, offering a sense of shared hope for the journey ahead. Many left with renewed courage, strengthened purpose and a clearer sense of how their churches might continue to grow into communities that honour the diversity God has entrusted to them. The gathering demonstrated how meaningful change is nurtured over time through humility, attentive listening and the willingness to take steady steps forward.
Save the Date
The final gathering of this learning community is scheduled for Saturday 9 May 2026 at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Leeds. Churches that have already been part of this journey, together with those who may wish to join for the first time, are warmly encouraged to save the date as the learning community draws together its insights and looks toward what God may unfold next.