Kristopher Smith, a delegate at this year's convention, shares his thoughts on race, diversity in our congregations, and ways to reach out with the gospel across cultures.

As an African American, Kristopher Smith says he felt completely accepted at the synod's recent convention. "I attribute it to Christians practicing their faith. They're not looking at me as a black man. They're looking at me as a Christian, as a fellow Lutheran. They don't care what color you are."

Still, Smith couldn't help but notice that the ethnic makeup of the delegates didn't reflect the increasing diversity of American society as a whole, or even the increasing diversity in WELS congregations. (Note, 35 percent of the WELS Home Missions budget now supports cross-cultural ministry.)

Recent studies indicate that in nine out of ten congregations across all denominations in the United States, a single racial group makes up more than 80 percent of the membership. Why don't more WELS congregations reflect the nation's growing ethnic diversity? "That's the wrong question," says Smith. "The real question is how do we incorporate your experience into our experience and share the gospel with one another."

Smith, 52, a single father and a public high school social studies teacher, is a member of Crown of Life in New Orleans. He was introduced to the congregation more than 20 years ago when the sister of a friend insisted he bring up his daughter in the church. He accepted the invitation to attend Crown of Life and says, "We've been there ever since." At Crown of Life, Smith says he's never given his race much thought. "The operative word in our congregation, because we're a multicultural church, is acceptance," he says. "We have to learn to accept who we are, with our differences—and still preach the gospel. That's our common denominator, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Smith encourages all congregations and their members to look for outreach opportunities across all cultures. "Go embrace someone who is not like yourself," he says.

Of course, in African-American communities, it's not simply a matter of going door to door and inviting people to church. "If you come to my community, black folk, people are going to look at you sideways and listen to you for a minute, and then it might not work because you're not like me." Smith suggests building trust by finding a go-between. "Now if I'm there and I'm the mediator, " he says, "I can vouch for you and say we need to listen and work together side by side—you have to build that. That's something you have to earn."

He adds, "Don't measure people to your standards; listen to their experience."