The Courage to Bring Our Full Selves

by Wayne Nitzsche

“Father God, you are the author of every language and painter of every skin tone. The Composer of every song sung in every land… May we be free to bring our full selves… may our differences never be walls of separation but windows through which we see more of your truth.”

This opening prayer from Intercultural Team member Jaye Lindo set the tone for Mosaic Conference’s webinar, “When We Belong: Bringing Our Full Selves.”

Danilo Sanchez, Leadership Minister for Intercultural Transformation, moderated the meeting. Panelists were Samantha Lioi, Interim Pastor at Perkasie (PA) Mennonite; Hendy Matahelemual, Pastor of Indonesian Light (Philadelphia, PA); and Sergio Nava, leader in Resplandece Mennonite (Pembroke Pines, FL and hybrid).

Lindo’s prayer beautifully grounded the session in the team’s goal: to name and address barriers to belonging within our broken and beautiful world and within our conference. Building trust and exploring what it means to live into Mosaic’s vision of a “centered- set” conference—where commitment to the way of Jesus is at the center—were key themes. While much has changed in recent years within Mosaic, leaders acknowledged that many still struggle to feel they truly belong and can bring their full selves.

Sanchez introduced two visual frameworks to guide the discussion. The “cage of oppression” names forms of marginalization such as racism, ableism, sexism, and heterosexism. The “wheel of power and privilege” illustrates how power is concentrated and how people experience varying access to it. Together, these tools help us reflect on where we, and others, are situated within systems of power and limitation.

Panelists spoke candidly about their experiences. Matahelemual and Nava highlighted the daily realities immigrants face in navigating language and cultural barriers. The panelists affirmed the progress Mosaic has made in strengthening intercultural competence and prioritizing it across the conference.

Lioi, speaking as a queer pastor, shared that the lack of clarity around where queer people stand in Mosaic has been harmful. “I feel like my best bet is to be invisible—that it’s the best I can hope for.” she said.

Nava expressed appreciation for Mosaic’s efforts to bring people together and live into its name. He emphasized the importance of staying rooted in Christ: “We want to build a church that is strong because we share a common surrender to Christ.”

Sanchez reflected on both progress and possibility: “We have come a long way and worked hard, but there is still room to grow. If Jesus is at the center, how might we embrace differences around queer inclusion as we have around racial and cultural differences?”

Lioi invited us to examine both visible and hidden forms of power. Understanding where we hold power, and where we are vulnerable, creates opportunities to share power and build trust. Honesty and openness, she noted, help us better understand one another and love each other more fully.

In closing, panelists offered words of encouragement and challenge. Matahelemual said, “Breathe. Tell your story. Take care of your people.” Nava reminded participants, “Because of Christ’s redemptive work, we are beloved, no matter our past. In Christ, we are limitless.”

Lioi shared, “My dream for Mosaic is that we would really truly celebrate each other in the fullness of who we are… so we can embrace the fullness of each person’s humanity, and that we wouldn’t have to leave anything at the door for that to happen.”

I urge you to watch the webinar. I was encouraged by the honesty, vulnerability, and gentle caring spirit of each of the panelists. Thank you, Intercultural Team, for leading us in this countercultural and Spirit-filled work with courage and faith in God’s redemptive work among us.