The Rev. John D. Emmart, M.Div., BCC, CEAP, SAP on seeing the sameness in each other

Desiring Diversity

What is ‘diversity’ anyway? What does it mean to have a diverse house of worship or workforce? Chances are that if you were to take a survey, you would find the answers to these two questions as ‘diverse’ as the people you survey. The Oxford Dictionary defines diversity as “the state of being varied or a range of different things.” This definition conjures up images of color, choices, options, or selections. Diversity defined this way brings to mind a Sunday brunch at a nice restaurant where you have a ‘diverse’ array of foods of various richness, texture, taste and color. You find diversity in a library as you encounter a ‘diverse’ selection of books varying in size, color, texture, age and style of writing.

Thinking of diversity in this way leaves us with positive images of which we see the benefits. But, do we view our house of worship or workplace diversity as a positive benefit? The fact is that most workplaces are becoming increasingly diverse, while our houses of worship remain fairly homogenous. People from different genders, races, ethnic origins, ages, cultures, family structures, and lifestyles find themselves working together, while we worship with people of the same likeness as us. Desiring diversity is not about being “politically correct” or “doing the right thing.” It’s about valuing and appreciating individual differences. Yet, when you value diversity an interesting things happens: you see more clearly the sameness in each other. Desiring diversity has a way of bringing about greater respect because of the uniqueness and commonality we share together. For the believer our commonality is two-dimensional. First as with all humanity we are made in the image of God, but secondly, for Christians, we share our commonality as Christians, in Christ. The Apostle Paul reminds us “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28-NIV).

Desiring diversity in the workplace and in our house of worship leads to increased creativity. Some of the greatest accomplishments in civilization emerged when people of diverse backgrounds worked together and exchanged ideas. The Renaissance came out of the East meeting the West during the Crusades. America is known for its inventiveness and advancements due in large part to the diversity brought about being a nation of immigrants.

Desiring diversity means that we are willing to:

1.  Come to terms with our attitudes, beliefs, and expectations about others while gaining comfort with difference;
2.  Believe that diversity is big enough to include everyone – young and old, immigrant and native, black or white – and goes beyond race and gender;
3.  Recognize that past inequities are in the past and our focus should be in the present to reduce stereotypes and discrimination;
4.  Acknowledge that we human beings resist change and find comfort in and trust people most similar to ourselves.

Who wants to eat the same food everyday or read the same book? Desiring diversity works! Desiring diversity benefits you and works for all of us in our religious communities and in our workplaces.

The Rev. John D. Emmart’s experience includes working in the healthcare field for 20 years in the areas of employee assistance, pastoral care and social services. As the EAP Coordinator for Mercy Health System he provides direct EAP services including assessments, consultation, training and brief counseling to management and employees. His experience also includes working with management and employees in higher education, public school systems and manufacturing. He is particularly interested in grief and loss, conflict resolution, workplace diversity and stress management. John holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology, a master’s degree in Divinity, and a certificate in EAP services from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Additionally, he has advanced training in Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and Management (CISD), and is a Substance Abuse Profession (SAP). His denominational affiliation is Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Currently, he is completing a doctorate degree in counseling.

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