by: Sandra Maria Van Opstal
What happens when a diverse church glorifies the global God? We live in a time of unprecedented intercultural exchange, where our communities welcome people from around the world. Music and media from every culture are easily accessible, and our worship is infused with a rich variety of musical and liturgical influences. But leading worship in multicultural contexts can be a cross-cultural experience for everybody. How do we help our congregations navigate the journey? Pioneering worship leader Sandra Maria Van Opstal is known for crafting worship that embodies the global, multi-ethnic body of Christ. Likening diverse worship to a sumptuous banquet, she shows how worship leaders can set the table and welcome worshipers from every tribe and tongue. Van Opstal provides biblical foundations for multi-ethnic worship, with practical tools and resources for planning services that reflect God's invitation for all peoples to praise him. When multi-ethnic worship is done well, the church models reconciliation and prophetic justice, heralding God's good news for the world. Enter into the praise of our king, and let the nations rejoice!