Summer Institute
From Multi-Ethnic to Intercultural
Being Church in 21st Century Ireland
Christianity in Ireland is changing dramatically. Not only are we moving from Christendom to post-Christendom but that change is being accompanied by a level of religious diversity unparalleled in Irish history. Irish churches, both rural and urban, are being revitalised by the arrival of Christians from all over the globe. Most congregations now have believers from 10, 20, 30 or even 40 nationalities. There are also many ethnic churches worshipping in their own language and culture.
These changes raise new theological, ministry and mission related questions, especially in a context of growing anti-immigrant sentiment.
What does it look like to move from being a church which happens to be multi-ethnic to a church that is genuinely intercultural? (‘Intercultural’ here means churches that are “characterized by the genuine mutual exchanges of ideas and the development of deep relationships of mutual dependency”).
Irish Bible Institute is delighted to partner with Intercultural Ministries Ireland (IMI) to host a one-day ‘Summer Institute’ on this question: ‘From Multi-ethnic to Intercultural: Doing Church in 21st Century Ireland’.
The keynote speaker will be Nathaniel Jennings of IMI. Nathaniel is of Anglo/ American/ Caribbean heritage and was born in Bangladesh where he lived and worked for over 17 years. For the past 14 years he has been based in Ireland involved in intercultural ministries with OMF International. His role involves envisioning and equipping local churches to grow in becoming Christ-centred intercultural communities where people of all backgrounds are welcomed, serve and grow.
There will also be multi-cultural worship, a panel discussion and workshops on intercultural leadership, discipleship, worship and resources led by practitioners giving space for discussion and learning together.
This event is open to anyone interested in exploring how their local church community can grow and develop in embracing unity amidst rich cultural diversity and so be a foretaste of God’s kingdom where one day believers “from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages” will stand “before the throne and before the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9).
Date: Sat 07 June 2025
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Location: Maynooth Community Church Dublin Road, Maynooth, Co. Kildare. W23 P02A
COST: €20 (€15 IBI Students)
Discount for groups of 5+ booking together.