1 + 1 = 1

The population of the United States is changing. By 2042, U.S. census figures indicate that the majority racial population will no longer be white. In addition, churches are dying as congregants age and fail to add younger members to sustain their ministry. These shifting demographics represent a significant challenge and opportunity for the church. Derek Chinn proposes an overlooked solution: join congregations together to create a multiracial church. For this unique concept, Chinn offers a biblically grounded and practical perspective on what it takes to make this ministry approach viable. The heart of this ministry approach is redemption--of tired or shrinking ministries, of assets that God has given His people to advance the local church, and of brokenness due to racial and ethnic differences. This book is for church leaders, church planters, cross-cultural ministry leaders, and those involved with urban missions. ""Chinn shines much-needed light on a road less traveled: the generation of new multiracial churches through the blessed union of existing congregations. While opportunities to birth these new creations abound, materials to assist those serving them do not. As a pastor of just such a church, I found this work extremely relevant, honest, and insightful, and I believe others following Christ on this road of reconciliation and rebirth will find it a beneficial navigation aid."" --Thame Fuller, pastor of One Church ""You don't need to be a math wizard to understand 1 + 1 = 1 by Chinn . . . Based on biblical wisdom and practical advice gleaned from years of experience in leading a multiracial congregation, this timely and strategic book helps lead the way in resolving church growth and racial problems and puzzles for the sake of church transformation through the gospel of reconciliation."" --Paul Louis Metzger, author of Consuming Jesus: Beyond Race and Class Divisions in a Consumer Church ""Chinn's work is a gigantic step forward, filling a gaping hole in our understanding . . . This is a fascinating book, highly original, vitally important."" --From the Foreword by Michael O. Emerson Derek Chinn is Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Distance Education, and Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry at Multnomah Biblical Seminary. He also serves as a teaching elder in his home church.