Description of this book from the publisher’s website:

An in-depth look at a multiethnic congregation’s response to social change.

"… Engagingly and accessibly written, this excellent book deserves wide readership among everyone interested in US religion, ethnicity, organizations and urban culture." —Choice

"’A Mosaic of Believers’ ought to be of methodological value to students of new religious movements. It is no secret that not a few of them have provided ‘havens’ for persons in much the same situation as Mosaicists: urbanized, alienated, highly creative young seekers eager to be offered identity and spiritual intimacy on their own terms as well as that of an old-line institution . . . Marti’s insightful reflections on these issues at Mosaic will help observers of other groups as well." —Nova Religio

"Mosaic" in Southern California is one of the largest multiethnic congregations in America, and also one of the most innovative. This book takes us inside this unusual church. It shows how the church has achieved multiethnicity, not by targeting ethnic groups, but by providing multiple havens of inclusion and commonality that render ethnic differences moot. These havens are arenas for multiethnic companionship, cooperation, and camaraderie that arise out of a union of creative volunteer resources and the ambitious global mission of the church. A Mosaic of Believers examines the structure of the church and the innovative aspects of its mission. It reveals a congregation aiming to reconstruct evangelical theology, personal identity, member involvement, and church governance in an attempt to create an institution with greater relevance to the social reality of a new generation. Based on interviews and participation with the congregation and grounded in contemporary sociological theory, the book presents a rich portrait of an emerging religious community.

Gerardo Marti is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Davidson College. A trained sociologist and ordained pastor, Marti researches issues in the multiethnic and multiracial churches and congregational responses to social change

 

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