
Meyu Changkiri
Imagine a church where prayers are whispered in myriad tongues, each reflecting the heart of its speaker, yet united in worship. Language, as a cornerstone of human connection, shapes relationships, fosters community, and creates bonds between individuals. In the church, language holds a unique and powerful role, becoming the vehicle through which worship, teaching, and fellowship are conducted. As society becomes more multicultural and multilingual, the role of language in the church cannot be overstated. How does the church manage the complexities of language diversity? Does the church embrace language as a tool of inclusivity, or does it unintentionally alienate members by prioritizing linguistic uniformity? These are pressing questions, especially in today’s world, where communities are increasingly diverse in their languages and cultural backgrounds.
Language as a Medium for the Gospel
The church’s mission is rooted in the proclamation of the Gospel, the truth of God revealed through Christ. It is not a tribal or national church, but Christ’s church, called to reach people of every language, culture, and ethnic background. This inclusivity is woven into the very fabric of the Gospel. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus gives His disciples a clear commission: “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” This command is not simply geographical but linguistic as well. The church is tasked with going to all nations and peoples, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers to proclaim the message of salvation.
The early church provides a profound example of how language can be used for the Gospel’s expansion. In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, enabling them to speak in various tongues. This miraculous event allowed people from a wide array of linguistic and cultural backgrounds to hear the Gospel in their own native languages. The event emphasizes the importance of language as a divine tool for communication and shows God’s heart for the world’s linguistic diversity. The church’s mission is to ensure that the Gospel message reaches all people, regardless of language or culture. In this way, language is not merely a human construct but a gift from God that facilitates the spread of His truth.
Challenges of Linguistic Uniformity
Despite the biblical precedent for linguistic inclusivity, churches today often face significant challenges regarding language, particularly in multicultural settings. Language is not simply a means of communication; it is an integral part of a person’s identity and cultural heritage. When a church chooses to prioritize one language over others—whether for practical reasons, convenience, or tradition—it risks alienating members who do not speak that language or feel marginalized by it.
This issue is particularly evident in urban areas where multicultural communities are increasingly prevalent. Cities tend to have a diverse population with people from various linguistic backgrounds. A church that insists on using only one language in its services or communications may unintentionally marginalize those who do not speak it. For example, a member of the congregation who speaks only one of the many languages in the community may feel disconnected from the service, leading to feelings of exclusion and disintegration.
Even in rural churches, which may have a more homogenous linguistic composition, globalization, migration, and urbanization are shifting the demographic landscape. People who once identified with a single linguistic and cultural group are now interacting with individuals from a range of backgrounds. Rural churches, therefore, face the challenge of becoming more inclusive and accommodating linguistic diversity, even in settings that were once more uniform.
When linguistic uniformity is prioritized over inclusivity, it can undermine the very mission of the church. The church is meant to be a place of unity, not division. If one language is exalted over others, this may inadvertently cause division, particularly in communities that are linguistically diverse. Such an approach can hinder the growth of the church, leading to the departure of members who feel that their language and culture are not valued.
Language and the Church’s Mission
The church must balance the unity of the body with respect for diversity. The temptation to prioritize linguistic uniformity often arises from practical considerations, such as ease of communication, administrative efficiency, and tradition. While these concerns are important, they cannot take precedence over the core mission of the church, which is to make disciples of all nations, including people from every linguistic group.
The church must reflect God’s Kingdom, where every tribe, tongue, and nation is represented (Revelation 7:9). As the body of Christ, the church is a diverse and multi-ethnic community, and language is a vital tool in achieving this unity in diversity. The Apostle Paul offers a powerful framework for unity and humility in diversity in Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This approach challenges churches to prioritize the interests and needs of their members, even if it requires a sacrifice of personal preferences or convenience.
The church’s mission is to proclaim the Gospel to all, without linguistic or cultural barriers. The temptation to prioritize ease or comfort in language use must give way to the call for inclusivity and respect for diversity. Through embracing linguistic diversity, the church can more faithfully reflect the heavenly vision of a diverse and unified body, made up of people from every language and culture.
Biblical Insights on Language and Unity
The Holy Bible offers numerous examples of how language is used to unite rather than divide. The story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 illustrates the danger of human pride and disobedience, as people attempt to build a tower to the heavens. In response, God confused their languages, causing division and scattering the people across the earth. This story highlights the potential for language to divide, especially when humans use it to elevate themselves above God.
In contrast, the event of Pentecost in Acts 2 serves as a redemptive counterpart to Babel. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different languages, allowing people from all nations and backgrounds to hear the Gospel in their native tongues. This miraculous event underscores the unifying power of language when used for God’s purposes. It is a reminder that language, when used to communicate the truth of the Gospel, has the power to unite rather than divide.
Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 also emphasize the importance of unity in diversity. He compares the church to a body, where every part, though distinct, works together for the common good. “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body… Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many.” This metaphor can also be applied to the linguistic diversity in the church. Just as every part of the body is indispensable, every language and culture within the church contributes to its overall health and mission.
Finding Balance in Multicultural Churches
In multicultural settings, churches face the challenge of balancing linguistic diversity with the need for effective communication and unity. Below are some practical strategies, grounded in biblical principles, for managing this challenge:
1. Using Multiple Languages: Incorporating multiple languages into worship and teaching ensures that all members feel included. Scripture readings, prayers, and songs can be offered in different languages to reflect the congregation’s diversity. Providing translations or bilingual services allows everyone to engage meaningfully in the worship experience.
2. Emphasizing Universal Elements: Music, visual arts, and symbolic rituals can help transcend language barriers. Universal elements such as hymns, the cross, and sacraments like baptism and communion are potent symbols that unite believers despite linguistic differences. These practices connect the congregation to the shared traditions and truths of the faith, providing a common ground for worship.
3. Encouraging Participation: Giving members the opportunity to pray, read Scripture, or share testimonies in their native language fosters inclusivity. When individuals express themselves in their heart language, it enriches the worship experience for the entire congregation, affirming the value of their cultural identity. The church should create an environment where people feel empowered to worship and share in a way that feels authentic and natural to them.
4. Promoting Love and Mutual Respect: Ephesians 4:2-3 urges, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” The church must foster a spirit of humility and respect, where each person’s linguistic and cultural background is cherished. This creates an environment where differences are celebrated, and unity is preserved.
Conclusion
Language plays a critical role in shaping the church’s ability to communicate the Gospel and foster relationships within the body of Christ. The church must embrace linguistic diversity with humility, recognizing the inherent value in each language and culture. By doing so, the church can reflect the inclusive nature of the Gospel and advance the mission of God’s Kingdom. This requires intentionality and selflessness in worship, teaching, and fellowship.
Churches should resist the temptation to prioritize linguistic uniformity at the expense of inclusivity. Rather, they must focus on creating an environment where all members, regardless of language, feel welcomed, valued, and able to contribute. When language is used wisely—both to communicate the message of salvation and to honor each person’s identity—it unites people and glorifies God. By prioritizing the Gospel and embracing linguistic diversity, the church fulfills its calling to be a light to the world, proclaiming the hope and love of Christ to all people, regardless of language or culture.