Let’s talk about the diversity of Mosaic!

by Marta Castillo

As I return from a trip to visit Mosaic-aligned churches in Colombia who spent time together learning from the Mosaic Priorities Guides and experiencing the diversity within their own group, I am amazed at who we are—and who we are becoming together. For Mosaic Conference, those questions are never simple. We are a gathering of congregations shaped by different histories, cultures, convictions, and practices, yet held together by a shared commitment to follow Jesus at the center of our life together.

Diversity is not new to Mosaic, but it is something we must continually name, tend, and learn how to hold. When we come together as a conference—whether in worship, equipping spaces, or shared decision-making—we are reminded that unity does not mean sameness. It means choosing to remain in relationship even when our assumptions, comfort zones, and convictions differ.

“Just as a tile mosaic is comprised of many pieces that are different shapes, colors, and textures, so Mosaic Conference includes people from a variety of races, ethnicities, cultures, identities, language-groups, educational and economic backgrounds, geographies, political perspectives, faith journeys, and life experiences. We acknowledge the presence of these differences and the discomfort we often feel when we look around and see unfamiliar faces, perceptions, and experiences looking back at us.”

A Mosaic Identity: Clarifying our Center

These differences are not merely theoretical. They show up in everyday congregational life—in the choices we make, the practices we hold dear, and the convictions we carry. Often, they surface in small, ordinary moments that reveal just how wide the mosaic truly is.

For example, even something as familiar as community engagement can look very different from one congregation to another. What one church understands as a missional opportunity, another may approach with caution or concern.

Differences emerge around dancing. Some of us in Mosaic are comfortable dancing at weddings, for exercise, or as an expression of worship. Others of us believe dancing is inappropriate because it could lead to sexual sins.

Then there’s drinking alcohol. Some believe that all alcohol consumption is wrong, while others enjoy a beer or a glass of wine with dinner or at social gatherings.

Baptism also presents differences. Should it be through sprinkling, pouring, or immersion? Do candidates need a preparation class, and if so, what should it include?

And communion. Is the table for members only? For all who follow Jesus as Lord? For anyone seeking Christ? Should children receive grapes and crackers? Should communion be solemn with confession or joyful in anticipation of Christ’s return?

Membership raises questions, too. Can only members lead worship or anyone who is committed and involved? Do we keep a meticulous membership list? Can regular attenders consider themselves members? What about those who seldom attend but claim belonging?

Worship styles vary widely. Do we worship in more than one language? What instruments do we use? Do we value jubilation or meditation in song? Are musicians live or recorded? Is worship charismatic, with tongues and altar calls, or quiet and contemplative? Some of our congregations regularly anoint for healing. Others never include an altar call because it may feel like pressure.

We also differ in how we talk about creation care, peace, and justice. How do we address Israel and Gaza? Do we preach about the last days and Christ’s return? Is politics openly discussed or intentionally avoided?

Evangelism also takes different forms. Some give out tracts or hold outdoor services. Others focus on small groups, deep friendships, and long-term presence. Some distribute food or care for the unsheltered as an expression of witness. In the Colombian indigenous community, Mosaic leaders are prohibited from openly sharing the gospel in a community that has no words in their language for love.

Pastoral roles vary, too. Are pastors fully supported or bi-vocational? Does authority lie with the pastor, elders, or church council? Do pastors drive nice cars or junkers? How strongly do we embrace the priesthood of all believers?

We differ, too, in our views on gender and giftedness. Do we affirm the gifts of all genders or primarily men? How do we express love and welcome? Through inclusivity and affirmation, through clear and kind limits, or through calling people to holy living?

Our approaches to children also vary. Do we have strict child protection policies or a more relaxed system? Are children embraced in worship or do they leave for children’s church? Are we attentive to sensory needs and food allergies, or is that a non-issue?

There are many more differences across Mosaic congregations. Many of us might not choose to attend a church that practices differently than our own. And yet, the question before us is not whether we are comfortable with all these differences, but whether we are willing to remain connected through them.

What holds us together is not uniformity, but a shared center, Jesus. When we gather across languages, cultures, and convictions, we are practicing the difficult and holy work of staying at the table with one another. As we move into a new year, may we continue to trust that Christ is present at the center of our mosaic, shaping us not into identical pieces, but into a faithful and beautiful whole.

“We believe that discerning God’s presence in our differences will lead to mutual transformation, forming us together into the image of Jesus. This vibrant Mosaic is God-breathed, a witness to the reconciling love of Jesus in our broken and beautiful world.” 

A Mosaic Identity: Clarifying our Center