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Right Color, Wrong Culture: The Type of Leader Your Organization Needs to Become Multiethnic
Increasingly, leaders recognize the benefit of multi-ethnic organizations and are compelled to hire diverse individuals who will help them reflect a new America.
In his address at a Global Leadership Summit, Bryan Loritts challenged leaders to have a vision that is about more than the stuff that perishes—to have a vision for making sacrifices that make a difference and help to bring about transformation in the lives of others.
He brings a similar challenge to leaders in this fable of self-discovery and change, as he explores the central, critical problem leaders often encounter when transitioning their church, business, or organization to reflect a multi-ethnic finding a leader who is willing to immerse themselves in the environments and lives of people who are different from them.
In Right Color, Wrong Culture you enter into a conversation between individuals who are grappling with changing neighborhoods while struggling to remain relevant within communities growing in diversity. You journey with Gary and Peter as they challenge those around them to reach beyond what is comfortable and restructure their leadership team.
Known for his passion to build diversity in organizations, Bryan Loritts equips you to identify the right person needed in order for your organizations to become multi-ethnic.
In his address at a Global Leadership Summit, Bryan Loritts challenged leaders to have a vision that is about more than the stuff that perishes—to have a vision for making sacrifices that make a difference and help to bring about transformation in the lives of others.
He brings a similar challenge to leaders in this fable of self-discovery and change, as he explores the central, critical problem leaders often encounter when transitioning their church, business, or organization to reflect a multi-ethnic finding a leader who is willing to immerse themselves in the environments and lives of people who are different from them.
In Right Color, Wrong Culture you enter into a conversation between individuals who are grappling with changing neighborhoods while struggling to remain relevant within communities growing in diversity. You journey with Gary and Peter as they challenge those around them to reach beyond what is comfortable and restructure their leadership team.
Known for his passion to build diversity in organizations, Bryan Loritts equips you to identify the right person needed in order for your organizations to become multi-ethnic.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2014
44 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
March 17, 2017
My heart is overwhelmed after reading this book. The gospel of Jesus Christ leaves no room for segregation. Diverse sanctuaries should be the norm, but unfortunately they are an anomaly. I hate that only 2.5% of churches in America are considered multiethnic. Please, read this. Learn from this book. And for the glory of God, pursue diversity.
March 9, 2025
4.5 stars. So solid. So important. Such good quick read. If you are in church leadership or any leadership position at all, I would highly recommend this book about multiethnic organizations. Thank you, Bryan Loritts,for taking the time to write this out in such a comprehensive way. I’m encouraged that we will see the 2.5% grow.
January 26, 2019
This is a very solid look at what it takes to hire a leader who has the best shot at transforming a monocultural church into a multiethnic one. I heard a lecture by Bryan Loritts where he delivered much of the content in this book, but this helped flesh that outline out with helpful details and examples.
June 20, 2023
This book is a quick read but I love it so much I think everyone should read it!! It dives deep into uncomfortable conversations some people don’t want to have but it is important and good for growth!! The way he ties religion into the situations is also seamless.
One of my favorite quotes from the book is this: “See, the Gospel is not homogenous, it’s eclectic and diverse. The gospel is not just for whites. The Gospel is not just for blacks. Jesus died, the Bible tells us, for the world.”
One of my favorite quotes from the book is this: “See, the Gospel is not homogenous, it’s eclectic and diverse. The gospel is not just for whites. The Gospel is not just for blacks. Jesus died, the Bible tells us, for the world.”
February 2, 2022
Loritts provides insight into the pursuit of the multiethnic church through a creative way in telling a fable. This writing style makes the read feel natural/easy and makes the contents of the book more relatable as I was able to see myself (questions I would have, etc.) in the characters of the fable. This was an eye opening book, definitely was helpful for me!
July 17, 2023
Inspiring! Told as a great story! wonderful history and perspective recaps when it comes to multicultural growth
December 26, 2018
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Moody Publishers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
Somewhere inside this short book there was a worthwhile subject for a book, but in reading this volume I'm not sure the author went about it the right way. Truth be told, I have always found the fable form of attempting to encourage cultural change in Christian behavior to be more than a little bit contrived [1], and that puts this book in a bit of a difficult spot for me personally as a reader. It is unclear why this book was not tackled in one of two ways, either as a memoir which looks at the author's experience in moving beyond his racial prejudices in hiring for the ministry or as a book that straightforwardly discusses the sort of leader that would best handle a multiethnic church. As it is, this book is both infuriating in its content (its attempt to justify affirmative action is particularly egregious in its political correctness) and phony in its staged conversations. And yet despite this there is something worthwhile that is in the book, and if this is the wrong book, it at least talks about the right sort of subject, namely the importance of having culturally sensitive leaders in an age like ours.
The contents of this book are fairly straightforward. The author begins with a setup where a congregation with an associated church is in an ethnically changing neighborhood and the leadership of the currently white church feels it necessary to hire the right kind of black minister in order to appeal to the increasingly black neighbors, some of whom want to keep the school going because it offers better education than the public school system. The author lays the white guilt on heavily by painting the reader as being a clueless accidental racist like the main character and shows the church engaging in a hiring process that seeks to distinguish between three types of leaders that the book labels C1 (assimilated to another culture), C2 (able to be flexible in appealing to multiple cultures), and C3 (firmly and stubbornly rooted in one's own culture), arguing that in order to lead a multiethnic church, one that reflects the complexity and egalitarianism of biblical Christianity, it is necessary to have a C2 approach, before showing the consultant being hired for the job because of his ability to work well with the church board.
There is no doubt that the author views himself as one of those "Denzel" blacks that demonstrates a great deal of flexibility in appealing both to black and white audiences in Memphis a city that like many has a great deal of racial division. However, the political tone of this book is more like Ice Cube, and the author is not quite as able to move beyond identity politics as he thinks he is. Even so, there is something worthwhile here. A Christian leader does need to be able to move beyond his (or her) own ethnic and cultural background. God's plan has always been about creating a godly culture out of people from all kinds of varied backgrounds, united in faith however distinct in origins, and it has always been necessary to bridge the gap between God's own culture and that of any other culture that God's people are living and working in. Nor is European or European-American culture itself a representative of God's culture, but is itself a culture that needs to be transformed through the presence of and working of God's Spirit. Truth be told, the church in Memphis didn't need to hire a Denzel. They needed to hire someone, anyone, regardless of background, that was able to bridge the cultural gap they were facing, and to encourage leadership that was diverse enough for everyone to realize the color blind nature of a godly church, one that puts identity politics aside by demonstrating that it is concerned with the gifts God has generously given to all.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
Somewhere inside this short book there was a worthwhile subject for a book, but in reading this volume I'm not sure the author went about it the right way. Truth be told, I have always found the fable form of attempting to encourage cultural change in Christian behavior to be more than a little bit contrived [1], and that puts this book in a bit of a difficult spot for me personally as a reader. It is unclear why this book was not tackled in one of two ways, either as a memoir which looks at the author's experience in moving beyond his racial prejudices in hiring for the ministry or as a book that straightforwardly discusses the sort of leader that would best handle a multiethnic church. As it is, this book is both infuriating in its content (its attempt to justify affirmative action is particularly egregious in its political correctness) and phony in its staged conversations. And yet despite this there is something worthwhile that is in the book, and if this is the wrong book, it at least talks about the right sort of subject, namely the importance of having culturally sensitive leaders in an age like ours.
The contents of this book are fairly straightforward. The author begins with a setup where a congregation with an associated church is in an ethnically changing neighborhood and the leadership of the currently white church feels it necessary to hire the right kind of black minister in order to appeal to the increasingly black neighbors, some of whom want to keep the school going because it offers better education than the public school system. The author lays the white guilt on heavily by painting the reader as being a clueless accidental racist like the main character and shows the church engaging in a hiring process that seeks to distinguish between three types of leaders that the book labels C1 (assimilated to another culture), C2 (able to be flexible in appealing to multiple cultures), and C3 (firmly and stubbornly rooted in one's own culture), arguing that in order to lead a multiethnic church, one that reflects the complexity and egalitarianism of biblical Christianity, it is necessary to have a C2 approach, before showing the consultant being hired for the job because of his ability to work well with the church board.
There is no doubt that the author views himself as one of those "Denzel" blacks that demonstrates a great deal of flexibility in appealing both to black and white audiences in Memphis a city that like many has a great deal of racial division. However, the political tone of this book is more like Ice Cube, and the author is not quite as able to move beyond identity politics as he thinks he is. Even so, there is something worthwhile here. A Christian leader does need to be able to move beyond his (or her) own ethnic and cultural background. God's plan has always been about creating a godly culture out of people from all kinds of varied backgrounds, united in faith however distinct in origins, and it has always been necessary to bridge the gap between God's own culture and that of any other culture that God's people are living and working in. Nor is European or European-American culture itself a representative of God's culture, but is itself a culture that needs to be transformed through the presence of and working of God's Spirit. Truth be told, the church in Memphis didn't need to hire a Denzel. They needed to hire someone, anyone, regardless of background, that was able to bridge the cultural gap they were facing, and to encourage leadership that was diverse enough for everyone to realize the color blind nature of a godly church, one that puts identity politics aside by demonstrating that it is concerned with the gifts God has generously given to all.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
December 26, 2018
Writing in the style of a leadership fable, Bryan Loritts introduces readers to the leadership team of a large, established church and the man tasked with helping them realize both the value and the way forward in pursuing a multiethnic reality for their congregation. Drawing on his years of experience planting and leading in this context, Loritts tackles an often tricky and complicated subject in a compelling, easy to understand way.
Through his protagonist, Loritts gently, yet passionately makes a biblical and sociological case for intentionally pursuing the multiethnic church. What makes this book so uniquely helpful, however, is its practical content. Loritts strives to help churches grasp not just WHY, but HOW to takes steps towards a vision of unity in diversity. He explains that ethnicity and culture are not merely synonyms, but that every ethnicity includes a range of cultural expressions: C1 (fully assimilated into another culture), C2 ("culturally flexible and adaptable without becoming ethnically ambiguous or hostile"), and C3 ("culturally inflexible"). In truly becoming multiethnic, Loritts contends, the right leadership is crucial. Thus, churches must learn what it means to be C2 and proactively seek to find such leaders. Furthermore, current church leaders must seek to BECOME C2 leaders by cultivating meaningful friendships and experiences with people whose cultures differ from their own.
In this book, Loritts does not set out to offer a dissertation on multiethnic ministry or to comprehensively cover all of the questions and obstacles that could arise in such a pursuit. Instead, he narrows his focus to helping churches and other organizations identify the right kind of leaders with which to begin that journey. This specific focus is a strength of the book, as it allows Loritts to make his concepts and application points clear and compelling. I would recommend this read not only to those who already value and strive for diversity in their churches, but also to those who still feel conflicted or confused about why this topic is "such a big deal" for others. Through his illustrations and explanations, Loritts skillfully shows that the intentional pursuit of a multiethnic identity does not signify captivity to a current secular moment or a deemphasis of the gospel, but is deeply biblical, Christ-exalting, and a matter of both loving our neighbors and proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. Then, beyond that, he shows us how to start taking the first steps, both personally and organizationally, to make our lives and our churches even more of "a taste of heaven."
Memorable Quotes:
"If ethnic ignorance is bred in isolation, then growth happens through community."
"You don't want to stop with can they DO the job, but you want to ask, can they BE what this job needs?"
"A C2 has a wide range of relationships and can navigate various ethnicities and cultures while maintaining his unique identity all at once. C2s are typically classified by high levels of cultural intelligence and sensitivity. They not only are committed to nudging the organization forward in matters of ethnicity, but they also know the rate in which they need to push without alienating their constituency."
"There's no room for me to lead out of bitterness. I think that's why when Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock, God said his time was up. His outburst of anger revealed a wounded heart that had infected his attitude."
Through his protagonist, Loritts gently, yet passionately makes a biblical and sociological case for intentionally pursuing the multiethnic church. What makes this book so uniquely helpful, however, is its practical content. Loritts strives to help churches grasp not just WHY, but HOW to takes steps towards a vision of unity in diversity. He explains that ethnicity and culture are not merely synonyms, but that every ethnicity includes a range of cultural expressions: C1 (fully assimilated into another culture), C2 ("culturally flexible and adaptable without becoming ethnically ambiguous or hostile"), and C3 ("culturally inflexible"). In truly becoming multiethnic, Loritts contends, the right leadership is crucial. Thus, churches must learn what it means to be C2 and proactively seek to find such leaders. Furthermore, current church leaders must seek to BECOME C2 leaders by cultivating meaningful friendships and experiences with people whose cultures differ from their own.
In this book, Loritts does not set out to offer a dissertation on multiethnic ministry or to comprehensively cover all of the questions and obstacles that could arise in such a pursuit. Instead, he narrows his focus to helping churches and other organizations identify the right kind of leaders with which to begin that journey. This specific focus is a strength of the book, as it allows Loritts to make his concepts and application points clear and compelling. I would recommend this read not only to those who already value and strive for diversity in their churches, but also to those who still feel conflicted or confused about why this topic is "such a big deal" for others. Through his illustrations and explanations, Loritts skillfully shows that the intentional pursuit of a multiethnic identity does not signify captivity to a current secular moment or a deemphasis of the gospel, but is deeply biblical, Christ-exalting, and a matter of both loving our neighbors and proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. Then, beyond that, he shows us how to start taking the first steps, both personally and organizationally, to make our lives and our churches even more of "a taste of heaven."
Memorable Quotes:
"If ethnic ignorance is bred in isolation, then growth happens through community."
"You don't want to stop with can they DO the job, but you want to ask, can they BE what this job needs?"
"A C2 has a wide range of relationships and can navigate various ethnicities and cultures while maintaining his unique identity all at once. C2s are typically classified by high levels of cultural intelligence and sensitivity. They not only are committed to nudging the organization forward in matters of ethnicity, but they also know the rate in which they need to push without alienating their constituency."
"There's no room for me to lead out of bitterness. I think that's why when Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to the rock, God said his time was up. His outburst of anger revealed a wounded heart that had infected his attitude."
July 14, 2020
Loritts creates a fictional story of a church facing the challenges of either embracing multiculturalism or continuing in its monolithic historical trend. Honestly, I grew to like the book increasingly as I read it but that's in part because the first number of short chapters felt a bit more cheesy and shallow. We needed to get to meet the characters and set some context, but it just felt forced like...well, we needed to meet the characters and set some context.
It was as we really got into the story that it picked up a bit. The characters were, for the most part, believable and relatable. And the story was believable and relatable as well. I also enjoyed the insights that Loritts gives by way of narrative for how a church can spot the leadership that is necessary if they're going to become more multicultural.
That being said, I wish the content would have expanded a bit past just the right leader aspect. Loritts argues in the afterword that leadership is a crucial element to a church becoming more diversified, and I completely agree. However, I would've loved to at least gained some insights into what that right leader then begins to do practically to foster a multicultural environment.
But, all in all, this was a quick and worthwhile read.
It was as we really got into the story that it picked up a bit. The characters were, for the most part, believable and relatable. And the story was believable and relatable as well. I also enjoyed the insights that Loritts gives by way of narrative for how a church can spot the leadership that is necessary if they're going to become more multicultural.
That being said, I wish the content would have expanded a bit past just the right leader aspect. Loritts argues in the afterword that leadership is a crucial element to a church becoming more diversified, and I completely agree. However, I would've loved to at least gained some insights into what that right leader then begins to do practically to foster a multicultural environment.
But, all in all, this was a quick and worthwhile read.
July 29, 2017
This book was a quick read for me because of the nature in which it was written (Narrative format). The book was recommended to me by a friend who is just as interested in race related issues in the church as I am and I could honestly say that for the most part, the book did not disapoint. I say for the most part because I thought the last section/ chapter of the book ended abruptly and I would have enjoyed more commentary and application on the content of the story. Overall the book is worth the read if you are desiring to learn about the difference between culture and ethnicity between whites and blacks. I loved the writers C1.C2,C3 explanation. If my review confuses you - Read the Book ;-)
March 3, 2021
Right Color, Wrong Culture by Bryan Loritts. I was given this book to read this summer to use as a tool for Younglife in leadership. I just finished it. I think it's a great example of how culture works in society. I enjoyed the story and often I caught my self say "did he really just day/do that?" The C1 (Carlton) C2 (Ice Cube) and C3 (Denzel Washington) descriptors were great and very helpful in understanding how culture works. I definitely recommend this book for leaders, teachers, and organizations that are looking to be more multiethnic. This is a faith based book that is rooted in the teaching of Jesus Christ. 📖📖📖📖
February 9, 2025
Upon re reading this book for a Sunday school class, I realize how important Loritt’s categories for culture are for the conversation surrounding multi-ethnicity in the life of the church. “Someone can be in the same ethnicity without being in the same culture” is the central thesis, and Loritts unpacks this with great categories of C1, C2, C3 for any given culture. Great analysis of Acts 6. That being said, the fable framework for the story got old. The portrayals of his associates at Poplar Bible seemed too hyperbolic to be real, as this is supposed to be based on Loritt’s real life experience.
June 2, 2018
Whether you are skeptical or serious about leading your church to become multiethnic, any church leader living and serving in the midst of a multiethnic community needs to read this book. Church leaders who may not live and serve in such a context can still benefit from the book and will be better equipped to engage with the culture, but this book is a must-read for church leaders who are striving to become multiethnic and finding the type of leader to move forward with that vision.
See Full Review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/06...
See Full Review at: http://www.entrustedbygod.org/2018/06...
June 19, 2020
Great book, especially as a softer introduction to the “other side” of the racial reconciliation and multi-ethnic discussion.
I would give it 4.5 stars because I didn’t think it went far enough, but maybe that was the point. The afterword was totally needed and very helpful.
I haven’t read a lot of fable-style books but I think this worked well because it models how people can go from a C3 to a C2 as the book puts it. Facts alone don’t do it but the Holy Spirit expands scripture in our hearts which is encouraged by patient loving Bridge-builders.
I would give it 4.5 stars because I didn’t think it went far enough, but maybe that was the point. The afterword was totally needed and very helpful.
I haven’t read a lot of fable-style books but I think this worked well because it models how people can go from a C3 to a C2 as the book puts it. Facts alone don’t do it but the Holy Spirit expands scripture in our hearts which is encouraged by patient loving Bridge-builders.
March 25, 2022
This was good yo. I was a bit skeptical in the beginning due to the relatively simplistic storytelling style, but it turned out to be a great medium for conveying information in a quick, easy read. Really hit deep, and has caused me to reevaluate my ministry goals, and personal/relational goals. Very insightful and honestly relieving to hear plainly how to relate to people from other ethnicities and cultures (yes, they're two different things!); I'll definitely be returning to this book for its nuggets of helpful wisdom in the years to come!
February 10, 2025
First of all, love the style of how this book is written. Instead of outlining principles and practical rules for life, it is told as a fable. Having characters with distinct personalities made it easy to follow. It was through their conversations that so much was taught.
I really enjoyed how this challenged my worldview and allowed me to take my guard down and read without becoming defensive. It was very insightful and I appreciated the different analogies/illustrations through which the main character explained things.
Overall great book!
I really enjoyed how this challenged my worldview and allowed me to take my guard down and read without becoming defensive. It was very insightful and I appreciated the different analogies/illustrations through which the main character explained things.
Overall great book!
February 26, 2017
This little book isn't comprehensive on the subject of ethnic diversity in the church, but it accomplishes its purpose: to help leaders who are interested in pursuing a multi-ethnic vision find the right people to lead the charge. In the process, Loritts makes a concise case for diversity and raises some of the big questions with which leaders must wrestle as they take this path.
February 12, 2018
Very helpful for anyone even thinking about pursuing multiethnic ministry.
Simple, highly readable format, much more compelling than other "fable" type stories that I have read. Practical, but sneakily theological at the same time. I was challenged and will return to this book.
Loritts' C1, C2, C3 categories are money - invaluable.
Simple, highly readable format, much more compelling than other "fable" type stories that I have read. Practical, but sneakily theological at the same time. I was challenged and will return to this book.
Loritts' C1, C2, C3 categories are money - invaluable.
March 20, 2020
This book is super helpful for thinking about the way leadership impacts pursuing the goal of multiethnic communities. Although it is a bit idealistic in its presentation (and a little cheesy at points), the storyline is interesting and Loritts effectively communicates principles through narrative.
July 23, 2020
“When it comes to building diverse teams, ethnicity is never enough. You can hire the right ethnicity, but the wrong culture”
Bryan Loritts is becoming one of my favorite voices around diversity and the kingdom of God. Highly recommend this. I had a lot of my framework and assumptions challenged in the best way.
Bryan Loritts is becoming one of my favorite voices around diversity and the kingdom of God. Highly recommend this. I had a lot of my framework and assumptions challenged in the best way.
November 29, 2023
Great book to help leaders think well about the future of finding the right shepherd for the local church's next leader. This is a simple read with a detailed story to help one step into the mindset of the world of choosing a church's next pastor and how to think of it properly. A must-read for all contexts.
June 22, 2025
Great book that has a lot of weight to it. It is a quick read but very impactful. Pastor Bryan has shown me the difference between culture and ethnicity. The three cultural expressions (C1, C2, C3) that he uses are very helpful. I think this is an important read for all Christians in America, especially those of us who are white.
May 22, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was very helpful and encouraging in terms of working towards a multiethnic church. And with only 2.5 of american churches being multiethnic, this was a glimmer of hope.
June 17, 2020
Great and very needed read
This was a great read I couldn’t put it down. A lot of things that make you think....I’m white but I don’t get up in the morning and I’m white... but I also don’t have 1 leg in a 2 legged society.... want to know what I mean read this book
This was a great read I couldn’t put it down. A lot of things that make you think....I’m white but I don’t get up in the morning and I’m white... but I also don’t have 1 leg in a 2 legged society.... want to know what I mean read this book
July 25, 2020
Wow, this book spoke a lot about the power of softening the heart. The author Bryan L. makes a good case for why it is possible for multi-ethnic church and how it can be shaped and done. Hopefully the church is a whole grab something when it comes to diversity and the struggles that come with it.
August 28, 2020
Helpful story to articulate the challenges of pursuing ethnic and cultural diversity within the Church and a good challenge for people in how to approach it through the lens of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
October 17, 2020
Perfect book for this time as many people, churches and organizations try to figure out how to get people of color involved in leadership. A novel but a great and easy read. Bryan Loritts has knocked it out of the park with this one.
December 25, 2020
Bryan does an incredible job of taking a narrative to teach the value of multi-ethnic churches and what it means to be a C2, someone who can enter into multiple cultural settings. It’s insightful and informative, while also having the easy read of a narrative format.
August 13, 2023
Super interesting read told in a parable format about a predominately white church in the south deciding to try and become multi-cultural and learning the difference between color and culture when trying to find a new staff member to help them achieve their goal.
January 28, 2024
I thoroughly appreciate Pastor Loritts and this book is a great introduction to the heart behind the multiethnic church. It also helped me differentiate between race and culture as the two are far from equal.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews