Preaching without Borders

Book excerpt: Though the United States has been a relatively diverse nation, Americans have historically lived close to those who are ethnically and culturally like them. The unfortunate effects of slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, housing discrimination, prejudice, and bigotry have been key reasons for demographic divisions. While divisions remain, communities that were once monoethnic are experiencing changes that are enriching. The challenge for these communities is to work to break down barriers that prevent lasting authentic relationships resulting in spiritual growth. Churches in these communities are at a crossroads and face a choice: do they keep doing what is comfortable despite the changes in their neighborhoods, or do they work to resemble their neighbors? Preaching Without Borders addresses the challenges preachers face when they attempt to be faithful to the text while contextualizing it so that people of every nation, tribe, and tongue can be transformed by Jesus.