Love Without Borders

Unleashing Faith's Power to Embrace All

Over the years, I have shared the gospel in many communities, from a beloved community in Westray Scotland, to Main Street churches in North Carolina. These unique experiences enriched my spiritual journey and expanded my understanding of worship across different cultures.

One of the most profound takeaways was the powerful impact of the circle leadership model of First Chin Baptist Church. This diverse refugee congregation in Eastern North Carolina emphasizes communal participation and mutual respect.

In our gatherings, every individual, regardless of their background, had a voice. All activities from business meetings, Bible studies, and prayer sessions were activities engaged by the whole. This approach allowed me to fully immerse myself even before I learned the language.

The congregation embraced my presence, valued my contributions, and supported me in learning new ways of expression through the church's cultural practices of prayer, recitation, preaching, and traditional song.

The beauty of our worship was that no single person or group dominated the gatherings. Instead, the divine presence was acknowledged in everyone present, young and old.

Inspired by this model, I continue to advocate for circle leadership everywhere I share God’s word. The approach fosters inclusivity, deepens communal bonds, and enriches the spiritual lives of all involved. Truly, circle leadership exemplifies love without borders.

I'm interested to hear from others on this transformative journey.

What are your biggest challenges in fostering inclusivity within your community and church? How do you navigate these challenges?

Please share your experiences and insights in the comments below—I look forward to learning from each of you.