What is it like being a non-Indian at an Indian-led Church?

As I considered this question, I felt the need to come up with something very profound. I love my church family and am grateful for so many specific things that relate to the leadership, community, mission, etc. I especially appreciate that it is culturally diverse and filled with many first, second, and third generation immigrants from such places as India, Africa, the Islands, and Latin America. However, I honestly do not think very often about our church being Indian-led other than when I am asked where I go to church or if it is brought up in my community (like when I am asked to write a blog post), or if we’re having a gathering to discuss race and ethnicity, or when homemade Indian cuisine is eaten at homes or in meetings (which I LOVE). Instead of having a profound answer to the question “What is it like being a non-Indian at an Indian-led Church” I found myself pondering a different question: Why is it that I don’t think about it that often, and what does that mean?  As I thought through this new question, I came up with additional questions and hypotheses to help me process this.

1. Am I lacking consideration of impact because I am white and a part of the dominant culture in our society?  The more I study culture, the history of our society, and current issues in our society that relate to race and ethnicity, the more aware I become of my lack of racialized awareness. Writing this blog is yet another reminder that I must continue in my efforts to become more racially and ethnically aware, including my own cultural beliefs and values, and how I unknowingly impact those around me.

2. Am I lacking consideration of impact because the Gospel is consistently and clearly preached each week with an ever-penetrating force and effect? The clarity of the Gospel is something I constantly think of when I think of being a part of my church community. I always know that each week I will be fed with the ever-needed Good News of our Messiah Jesus Christ, and challenged to fall on Him again and again. Every week I hear and see my brothers-in-Christ, who happen to be ethnically Indian, preaching this Good News.

3. Am I lacking consideration of impact because our church has a very liturgical component to the service and I also was raised in a somewhat liturgical church? The theological beliefs, doctrine and style of worship are also very similar to what I was raised with. When I come to my church, I feel as though I am at home.

4. Am I lacking consideration of impact because I feel loved and supported by my Pastors and faith community without question? My experience of my church community has been one filled with great love and care both in word and deed. This sense of a biblical loving community is amplified for me by the leadership’s willingness to acknowledge their fallenness, and their steps taken to grow spiritually, relationally, etc. So, I find myself cared for by leaders who do not set themselves up as the model of perfection, or set themselves apart in a way that is untouchable. I have very real, appropriately vulnerable pastors who are willing to acknowledge their mistakes and sins, and who are willing to have hard conversations.

In conclusion, what has it been like being a non-Indian at an Indian-led Church? A blessing.