Enriched by diversity: The transformation of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA into a multiethnic organization

This research is an ethnographic study on the transformation of Wycliffe Bible Translators in the United States into a multiethnic organization. Its purpose is to discern critical organizational factors impacting the transformational process.;The major findings of this study include the following: First, the ethnic composition of Wycliffe USA is low compared to the ethnic composition of the United States. Second, the Bible is full of teachings about ethnic diversity. These teachings focus on God as the Creator of all people, all Christians as the body of Christ, all Christians in fellowship with one another, the redeemed living together with Christ throughout eternity, and Christians taking the gospel to all nations. Third, worldview transformation is critical and foundational for the transformation of Wycliffe USA into a multi-ethnic organization. Fourth, various organizational factors are critical to the transformation process. The most critical is the commitment of the leadership. Others include establishing relationships with diverse ethnic communities and ethnic churches, recruiting and hiring among minority communities, training members in biblical teachings, and appointing a person to a leadership level position to be in charge of ethnic diversity. Fifth, total reliance upon God is the foundation for the whole process. It must be undergirded with prayer and practiced through culturally inclusive worship.;The research also found that there are common reasons for failures in transforming into a multi-ethnic organization. These include: lack of vision by leadership, improper communication and engagement of stakeholders, poor project management, lack of employees' involvement, an absence of urgency, and a lack of on-going training.;The conclusion of this research is that Wycliffe USA's transformation into a multi-ethnic organization will be successful if the process is rooted in a proper understanding of and a complete subordination to biblical teachings on ethnic diversity with a solid commitment of the leadership to diversify partnership with all ethnic communities in the United States.