Additional information
by Mario Melendez (Author)
"It is appalling that the most segregated hour of Christian America is eleven o'clock on Sunday morning." Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1960. This quote remains true and begs the question "How do we heal the church divide?"
Mario Melendez presents an engaging introduction to the experiences of multi-ethnic believers and a path by which church leaders increase engagement and service to these diverse communities. Finding a model in Saint Timothy, Melendez reveals that multi-ethnic believers have always played a crucial role in Christian fellowship. Having experienced the mixing of their parents' heritage during their upbringing, third cultures kids are invaluable cultural and religious ambassadors. Embracing the unique gifts of third culture congregants and leaders, churches can embody the kaleidescope of their communities and bring about healing amongst the people of God.Church clergy and lay leaders, as well as members of multi-ethnic households and those looking to increase the engagement of diverse groups within their congregation will find Third Culture Faithful an inspiring call to action.
Author Biography
Mario Manuel Catalino Melendez is Filipino and Cajun French and grew up around the deaf community. He is the Augie Henry Chair of Old Testament and assistant professor of Old Testament and Biblical Studies at Oklahoma Baptist University. He has also served as a minority ministry strategist, Hispanic youth intern, and bible study writer for a refugee church, as well as lecturing on the topic of multi-ethnic ministry. He is a participant in the Hispanic Theological Educators section of the Evangelical Bible Society. He has served as a multi-ethnic ministry consultant in English, Asian, and Hispanic churches in Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
