Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead To Lasting Connections Across Cultures

by Michelle Reyes, Thabiti Anyabwile (Foreword)

WINNER OF THE 2022 ECPA CHRISTIAN BOOK AWARD FOR NEW AUTHOR Healthy relationships across cultures are possible. Dr. Michelle Reyes takes a close look at the concept of cultural accommodation found in Scripture—and especially in the letter of 1 Corinthians—to redefine how Christians interact with cultural narratives that are different from their own. Christians—whose standard of living is oneness in Christ, whose gospel is radically nonexclusive —should be at the frontlines of justice and of cross-cultural unity. But many of us struggle to reach outside of our own cultural bubbles and form real relationships that move beyond stereotypes and lead to understanding, healing, and solidarity across cultural lines. Why is that? These are just some of the questions that Dr. Reyes explores as she faces the challenges surrounding cross-cultural relationships in America today and her thoughts on the way forward. Spoiler Alert! The way forward does require willingness to change. It requires embracing cultural discomfort. But by engaging with this book, you will be empowered to learn how to become all things to all people —that how to reflect Jesus' love in a multicultural, multiracial body of Christ and to share that love with a hurting world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Race, Theology, Christianity, Christian, Christian Living, Faith

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 27, 2021

Reviews

[Shiby George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The backdrop for this book is set on 1 Corinthians 9, and it's amazing to see how Dr. Reyes dissects those verses word by word to teach us the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to relate with a refugee, an undocumented immigrant, Native Americans, and BIPOC people.

I have had many moments of laughter and tears as I relate to a lot of what Michelle is sharing from her experience on cross-cultural relationships/interactions. In this book, Michelle prophetically and courageously challenges us to dig deep into the scriptures and reflect and reclaim our own ethnic identity to reach out to people across cultures. Through the course of reading this book, I was reminded of my own internal bias/racism towards fellow Indians/South Asians/POC groups.

One of my favorite sections is when Michelle confesses her experiences of code-switching. During the course of her book, she touches on colorism, systemic injustices & cultural/social disparities we see in America today through a lot of her own personal stories. As a Christian who has been influenced by Evangelical teachings, I was always taught to find the common ground to "Win People" to Christ, and in the book, I appreciate Michelle for challenging celebrate the cultural differences. I would highly recommend this book to folks who are in a space to listen, learn & unlearn some of the systemic doctrines we have been engrained with as Christians living in the West or influenced by the West. This is definitely one of those books that I need to be re-read for the sake of accountability & actual growth in this area of embracing other BIPOC communities & honoring their lives as image-bearers. I am grateful for Michelle's boldness and vulnerability, and for the time she has carved out in acknowledging the pain & beauty in growing & expanding in our own cultural awareness as people living in the States.

[Jantzen Loza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timely and Thoughtful Insights on How to Engage Cross-culturally

After binge listening to the Reclaim Podcast with AACC’s Raymond Chang and Michelle Reyes, picking up Dr. Reyes’ Becoming All Things was an easy decision. What is different about this book from others within this topic is her approachability as a “coach” as she walks you through various facets of engaging cross culturally from her unique perspective. Through her anecdotes, I found myself nodding along as Reyes provided a language that mirrored much of my own experience as a Filipino American. Her exposition of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (9:19-23) is reminiscent of Ray Bakke or Brenda Salter-McNeill, so relatable and yet thought provoking. This is a book that I will be returning to again and again and one that I’ll be recommending frequently!

[Hannah Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s wonderful to read something that reflects my own story in many ways! At the same time, I think this one of those books that will speak to readers of the majority and the minority at the same time. Highly recommend as an individual read or to go through with a group.

[Corrie Haffly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming All Things by Michelle Reyes is an incredibly timely book as our (American) culture grapples with increased polarization and as many more people in the evangelical church, myself included, are beginning to lean into God's call to racial reconciliation. Looking carefully at 1 Corinthians 9, Michelle gives concrete examples of how "becoming all things" is part of the Jesus-way to connect with people from other cultures - not just people of other ethnicities, but people from any way of life or thought or worldview or practice that is different than our own. This requires some self-understanding of our own culture, some Christ-like humility to give up our own ways of doing things and viewing things, and the creativity and openness to actually embrace the "other." This book is completely applicable to anyone who wants to grow in racial justice and seek cross-cultural relationships, but I also found lightbulb moments even in my everyday life of being a wife, coworker, or friend. Because ultimately, my own pride and belief in the rightness of my views and ways affect those relationships as well, whether it's how I think the dishwasher should be loaded or what kind of behavior I think is considered "respectable." I was especially challenged by her chapter about cultural appropriation as someone who enjoys different types of ethnic cuisine. "When we purchase, consume, or wear something from someone else's culture, will they feel honored or mocked, advantaged or disadvantaged? ... Consider what America might be like if people loved Mexicans as much as they loved tacos. How would our society be different if people loved the Black community as much as they loved their music (e.g. hip-hop, R&B, blues, etc.)?" Another lightbulb moment was when Michelle pointed out the distinction between the Mosaic law, which required strict conformity in culture and theology, vs. the new covenant, which "redeems all people and cultures" and in fact, encourages US to change ourselves to meet others where they are, just as Jesus did.

[Persis · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul spoke of becoming all things to all people. He attended synagogues to reach his fellow Jews. He debated pagan philosophers on Mars Hill in Athens. He did not expect people to come to him but went to those outside the commonwealth of Israel. And he went knowing about the varied cultures and beliefs beforehand to be a better witness. In "Becoming All Things," author Dr. Michelle Reyes exhorts the church today to do the same - to develop cross-cultural intelligence and cross-cultural friendships for the sake of the gospel. However, this requires hard work.

It requires us to see beyond ourselves, our cultures, and preferences. It requires the dismantling of stereotypes and seeing life through the eyes of others. It requires humility to not assume that our experience or culture is best or preferred and to be willing to learn from those outside our camp. This should be especially true for believers as becoming like Jesus does not entail assimilation to a particular human culture.

But cross-cultural intelligence also entails appreciating our own cultures, which encompasses far more than skin color, nation of origin, or language. It entails being honest about its shortcomings too. We are a mosaic of many, even multicultural influences that have shaped our lives under God's ordering. We are not not meant to be acultural. When we rightly assess and value this in ourselves, we can then honor this complexity in others. And the beauty of diversity is that we can be very much alike, very different, and still be one in Christ all at the same time.

Thanks to immigration and travel, the world is at our doorstep. We have a great opportunity as neighbors and members of local churches to appreciate the variety of humanity God has created and the beauty of the global body of Christ. But the question is, will we take this opportunity? The challenge is real, but so is the benefit - a foretaste of the throng around the throne from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

I pray that the church will rise to this challenge, which is why l gladly recommend "Becoming All Things." It is convicting, eye-opening, and hopeful. And I hope it opens your eyes to the beauty of the diverse body of Christ.

[Lora Kwan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle Reyes tackles the complexities and intricacies of cross-cultural connection - the hows and whats, but also the why framed in 1 Corinthians 9 through Paul. Bridging cultures and immersing yourself into others' worlds builds relationships that are enriching to you personally, but most importantly, they open opportunities for Christ to be known through you. It is especially timely in the current climate of our nation (the United States) to realize we must become all things to all people to win some. Today loving our neighbor might mean protecting their lives from unjust killing, from being attacked for who or what they are - we must remember that all are the imago Dei regardless how different their culture or worldview is from ours. Michelle does not say we should become all things to all people in this age of propaganda and agenda from both the left and right by forsaking the real truth of Christ to be social justice warriors, rather that the truth of Christ IS that He himself became all things to all people so that they might know the good news and be saved. In other words, people will not hear or see Christ in you unless you learn what things they care about in their daily lives. Instead of centering your own experience and beliefs, center those of another culture first to build a bridge to understanding and empathy. Truly if we are centering God in our lives, then naturally we would center others before centering ourselves. Center God, Center Others. Center Yourself. This is the path to cross-cultural understanding and how true unity can be achieved in the Church. This book is a fantastic tool as a BIPOC if you feel unseen or unheard and need validation for how you have felt disregarded in the past. This book is a fantastic tool for white folks who want to be allies in creating safe cross-cultural bridges and spaces. This book is a fantastic tool for all Christ followers for how we should be navigating our lives in this fallen world, and how we can be Christ to all people to win some for His glory.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book adds more gold to the conversation on race! One of the things that sets it apart from other anti-racism and racial reconciliation books is how Michelle Ami Reyes emphasizes the importance of all of our ethnic/cultural heritages. And I love how she does this in both a theologically robust and practical way! Oh, how I wish I could give this book to my younger self and say, "You don't need to erase who you are to fulfill your calling!"

The amount of passages I highlighted is ridiculous! Here are a few to give you a sneak peek:

“No matter your ethnicity, skin color, or cultural values, you have been made as a bearer of God’s image with dignity and worth equal to every other person. If you don’t value your cultural identity, you are not valuing a vital aspect of the image of God within you. If you don’t value the cultural identity of another person, you are not valuing the image of God within him or her.”

“This is a common, repeated experience for many ethnic minorities: when someone attempts to make a connection, they stereotype and filter my cultural identity through what they know...I am a unique individual. Rather than assuming I can be known or understood by assumptions made on the basis of my skin color or appearance, I want people to understand how my cultural identity informs the way I see the world.”

“The words of Scripture challenge us to step into other people’s histories and stories, to see through their eyes, to mourn for their pain, and to build better futures for one another. Justice is not a distraction from the gospel. It is a core message of the gospel. The life of Jesus declares this to be true, and if you want to prioritize the gospel in your life, then the pursuit of justice on behalf of others must be an essential component of your faith. Like Paul, become the weak. See the world through their eyes. Only then will people truly begin to see Christ in you.”

I HIGHLY recommend this book for every Christian because it spells out a path for healing and flourishing—both for those who are BIPOC and for those who are White.

[Linnea Boese · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who has lived my life crossing cultural boundaries to connect with people -- usually by choice, and sometimes out of necessity -- I felt like I was coming home while I read this book: Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead To Lasting Connections Across Cultures, by Michille Reyes. Michelle is right on about how it is essential that we live out our identity in Christ by living as he did. If we had lived with him and actually followed him around, we would not have stayed in our comfort zones; he did not. So when we take up our cross and follow him now, his love for all peoples will take us to places where we are not like everyone else. And to become like them, we need to be willing to change, to adapt. Yes, that is what overseas missionaries do (that has been my life). But it is also our calling when living in the United States, where diverse peoples live. The problem is that most of the time they live in different spaces. We are called to be different, to cross those lines and spend time building real relationships with people who are not like us. This is what I am learning to do in the phase of retirement: I am white, but living in a black community and learning to become truly a part of it. There are uncomfortable moments, but there is joy in building friendships, even when their is empathetic pain that comes from hearing their stories and entering their lives. Michelle gives great counsel on how to do this. She also supplies us with ways to encourage others to respond to the biblical principles that promote this, and practical ways to learn to empathize with and speak out for the oppressed and marginalized. Read the book and be challenged and affirmed!

[Morris Chang · Rating 5 out of 5]

tldr version:
It's a good book. Read it. You need it. I needed it.

long(er) version:
There's at least a million directions that you can go with a book like this. Tackling issues of race, culture, and church is tricky, and in many contexts, outright risky. But for those who are frustrated with the racial homogeneity of our churches and have an open heart to learn, this is an excellent, accessible guide that is firmly rooted in scriptures and presents a hopeful vision of what the church can (should!) be.

One of the strengths of Becoming All Things is how Dr. Reyes strikes just the right tone for each chapter through her personal experiences in order to frame the problems and situations to be addressed in that section. For the minority reader, the stories she recounts are all too familiar - uncomfortable (aka cringey) encounters with the majority culture. The clarifying explanations of why we inherently find these encounters to be awkward (hurtful, even), are invaluable, as oftentimes it is difficult and exhausting to articulate. Dr. Reyes offers helpful correctives balanced with the realism of personal discomfort and costs of pursuing meaningful cross-cultural relationships.

That information is all well and good (it really is), but where Becoming All Things stood out to me was its treatment of the WHY. Rooted in Paul's writings from 1 Corinthians, and drawing from other biblical themes concerning cultures and ethnicities, Dr. Reyes makes a compelling theological case that the credibility and witness of the church is at stake. Having had many discouraging conversations with other minority Christians about experiences in American churches, it is easy to see why. And, it is easy to despair.

Thankfully, while Becoming All Things is honest about frustration, anger, and hurt, the underlying message offers hope, and the reasons for that hope.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one might expect from a book entitled "Becoming All Things" Reyes writes a book that speaks to everyone about how we can take up the biblical challenge to make connections across cultures. She is challenging and winsome as she engages readers with scriptures and practical examples.

Generous and relevant examples from her own life draw the reader in while delivering poignant commentary on an unacceptable current reality of how we enteract cross culturally. Having read several books on similar topics, Reyes has a fresh and needed perspective for anyone wanting to live out the gospel.

I especially appreciated/will continue to wrestle with the chapters on cultural appropriation and redefining fluency. The call to much deeper engagement than the surface level and to challenge to embrace silence are both things that will sit with me for a long time. Also, I was refreshed and encouraged by the way the Reyes spoke to BIPOC readers and those of majority culture. There was enough to challenge everyone in this book!

[Cheryl Bostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many well-intentioned authors, whose writing may seem straight from the tongues of angels, lose readers, and credibility, by disregarding a principle from 1 Corinthians 13: “If I . . . have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol.”

Dr. Michelle Reyes, author of Becoming All Things, is not among them. This book, which addresses hot issues of racial inclusivity, cultural stereotyping, melting pot ideology, and more, is so couched in love and grace, and is so tenderly enfolding, that, rather than feeling accused, I felt like reading on, wanting to hear more, wanting to learn.

The author’s call is to everyone, of every skin color and every ideology, from the color-blind to activists for racial justice. And what is the call? To emulate the apostle Paul, who entered into the experience of those from a wide range of cultures, and who never saw two people as exactly the same. The call to seek to know individuals more deeply, in ways that include cultural heritage as a component, but not the entirety, of each person’s identity here on earth—as it will be in God’s coming kingdom. With authentic illustrations, fascinating background info, and relevant examples, Reyes offers beautiful ways to do just that.

Open the cover of this book and read. Consider its contents. You’ll emerge wiser—and better equipped to navigate today’s often incendiary encounters with love.

[Afton Rorvik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so appreciate the tone of this book! Reyes, a second-generation Indian American, doesn’t scream at readers and point fingers. Rather, she comes alongside us, talks about her own struggles, and gently and clearly challenges us to live differently as those who love Jesus and seek to live as His Word calls us to in this divisive world of ours.

And Michelle lives what she writes. She and her second-generation Mexican American husband Aaron planted and help lead Hope Community Church, a minority-led, multicultural church in East Austin, Texas.

I will return to this book again and again for wisdom in pursuing cross-cultural relationships.

[Chadd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great primer on cultural engagement and celebration for Christians. This is a very engaging accessible first text for any Christian who wants to think more deeply about their culture and engage with their neighbors of a different culture.

The only negative I have about this book is sometimes Reyes feels like she is reaching with Biblical support for her ideas. Make no mistake, Reyes never says anything that is not true, faithful, and honoring to God. But not all of her arguments need Biblical support to be true. Honestly, it feels more like a symptom of the fundamentalist strain in evangelicalism that Reyes has to respond to in order for her thoughts to be taken seriously.

Do yourself a favor and read this book. It's quick and it's great. All killer. No filler.

[Heather Routh · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️
A well balanced, inclusive, Christ Centered, grace filled cultural engagement resource. The ends of the chapters are filled with practical suggestions of how to impliment the concepts discussed. The author's personal examples read somewhat as a memoir.
I admittedly struggle to wrap my head around some of the apparent contradictions in the conversation and how they co-exist but it gave me good food for thought.
The scriptural ties started out fairly strong and then by the end felt like she was streching a bit as she made some definiative statements about narrative speculations to fit the topic she was trying to tie in (ie. The chapter on language).

[Gena Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michelle balances provocation and encouragement in this important book on learning God-breathed cross cultural engagement for American Christians. As a white woman, some of what Michelle said was difficult to hear, but so critical to my own spiritual growth in this regard. I'm so grateful for her witness, her vulnerability, and her constantly anchoring all she says in Christ. I will be recommending this book to many!

[April Yamasaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this book is in dialogue with Scripture, with the author's own story, with the church, with people of diverse cultural/ethnic backgrounds. with code switching, cultural appropriation, moving beyond stereotyping, and other issues related to race. I especially appreciate the attention to particularity: "Cross-cultural relationships with other people go beyond cultural stereotypes and involve getting to know an individual and their unique story and experience. Don't assume you know how they feel about their culture or ethnic background. Get to know them as a person and learn what their culture means to them. . . . The way to move forward is by choosing to never see two people as exactly the same (27, 31).

[Elicia Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forget hot button terms regarding race and culture conversations. Dr. Reyes has a sit-down with all of us regarding cross-cultural relationships. (BYOB, it’s seriously like having a cup of coffee with a brilliant, passionate sister in Christ.) Becoming All Things is filled with grace and backed with biblical examples but doesn’t hold punches.

I’m guessing most people could find something to disagree with inside. But if you pick up this book prepared to sit in discomfort and ask God how you can grow, Becoming All Things will help you do so.

[Ruth Potinu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a practical and needed book. I would definitely recommend it for those doing cross-cultural work or for those wanting to live more missionally right where you are. A great book for starting some needed conversations on how to love each other well and how to embrace the unique person that you are while also giving others space to also be their unique selves.

[Oksana · Rating 4 out of 5]

definitely important stuff, but pretty introductory-level on this topic

[Josh Olds · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2013, I moved from rural Indiana—which had a sum total of 26 Asian people in the 2000 census—to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be the youth pastor of an Asian church. My new church had more Asian people than my old hometown. This is relevant to Becoming All Things, because for the first time in my life, I wasn’t a part of the majority culture. Not inside those walls. And while I always had the ability to step outside and regain my position within the larger culture, my new friends could not—at least not entirely. This was the beginning of my journey in racial justice advocacy and it opened my eyes to the need for white evangelicals to build cross-cultural connections that honor and uplift our minority brothers and sisters.

In Becoming All Things, Michelle Ami Reyes gives the church a blueprint for true integration and fellowship. While her words apply to all Christians of all ethnic backgrounds, they are the loudest and most necessary for the white evangelical church. Too often, American churches have confused culture for faith. This was a true a few hundred years ago when European and American missionaries attempted to convert African and Asian peoples to a faith that also insisted upon westernizing them. This is true today amid a strong and vocal segment of faith who equate American and Christian values as one and the same. This book is a gentle reminder that Christianity can exist within all cultures and that Christ calls us to work within and uplift all cultures for the glory of his Kingdom.

Near the beginning, Reyes discusses the difference between diversity and multi-culturalism. Diversity is when a number of different types of people are brought together. Multi-culturalism is when they are put into positions of power and their cultures are valued and made distinct within the community. Reyes also pushes readers to really get to know people from different cultures. Don’t say you’re color blind. Don’t downplay the importance of race and culture. Don’t assume that everybody should think/act/behave like you. Instead, really get to know and appreciate the values different cultures have. And develop your own cultural identity: understand who you are and the background you come from. Seeing people and people—and not as stereotypes—goes a long way in developing cross-cultural connections.

Through the rest of Becoming All Things, Reyes encourages readers to understand the perspective of the Other, whoever they might be. This doesn’t mean to appropriate their culture (there’s a whole chapter about that!), but to appreciate it and learn the value of it and allow minorities to be their true selves, not their “majority culture safe” selves (there’s a whole chapter about that, too!). Reyes often uses her home church, where she and her husband pastor, as an example of cross-cultural empowerment in action—providing a blueprint for churches and church leaders who want to implement her teaching.

There’s not a secret to developing cross-cultural friendships or engaging with people who don’t look like you. It’s simply about seeing them, truly getting to know them, and giving them the same power and authority that you have. And Reyes is clear that this isn’t always easy. It’s messy. It’s complicated. There’s a whole history of injustice to set right. Misunderstandings will happen. There will be discomfort. But amid it all, you are creating and participating in the multi-cultural Kingdom of Heaven. Challenging, refreshing, insightful, pastoral, and practical, Becoming All Things will lead believers to a more robust cultural understanding that is vital for the health of the church in America.

[Catherine McNiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Michelle Reyes draws from 1 Corinthians 9, cross-cultural scholarship, and her own experience as a 2nd generation Indian American to firmly yet gently point us toward a path forward. We don't need to choose between being ourselves and accommodating others who are different from us; with small steps we can be better friends and neighbors, learn to listen, welcome, and catch a glimpse of our blind spots along the way.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most concise and accessible Christian approach to being thoughtful about cross cultural encounters that I have read. It explains how to deal with cultural appropriation, how to argue for justice, how not to stereotype and it assumes both a white and non white audience. It addresses concerns about “wokeness” and submits the idea of love as a replacement. It’s rooted in scripture and kindness and the author’s personal experience. I cannot overstate how great it is.

[Jen Keifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a different person after reading Michelle Reyes’ book Becoming All Things. It has permanently altered, for the better, my understanding of the necessity and practice of cross-cultural engagement. Using the Apostle Paul’s life example from I Corinthians 9, Michelle has taught me about the gospel imperative to deliberately engage all people in my community; she has equipped me with practical tools and insights; she has lovingly corrected me where I needed it; and she has inspired me to do it all from a starting point of love. I am so very grateful for this book. Every Christian should read it.

I could write pages about the new insights I’ve gained from this book, but I’ll just share my two biggest takeaways.

The first is the directional shift from the Mosaic covenant to the new covenant: I have never viewed the difference between the covenants from this explicitly cultural lens before. Wow.

The author states, “The demand for conformity is one of the big differences between the Mosaic covenant of the Old Testament and the new covenant of the New Testament. The former required people to become like the Israelites both theologically and culturally. It involved numerous outward marks, like circumcision, that physically defined what it meant to be an Israelite and part of God’s people. But under the new covenant, the gospel redeems all people and cultures. God no longer asks us all to adapt to one particular culture but instead asks us to become like the people we seek to reach.”

Her text for this analysis comes from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23:
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”

My other big takeaway is from her excellent chapter 5 explanation of cultural appropriation and its opposite: cultural connection. That chapter alone is worth the price of the book. The author makes the simple and powerful point that the difference between the two is loving service to neighbor. Our crossing of culture should be motivated by doing good to the people whose culture we’re appreciating, not in enriching ourselves. In I Corinthians, the Apostle Paul corrects the church for appropriating culture without loving their neighbors well.

“Paul’s rebuke is based on a simple principle: the Christian life is not about what you can do—your rights and privileges—but what you’re willing to give up to lovingly serve others. In fact, he tells them twice in 1 Corinthians, ‘“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything” —but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others’ (6:12; 10:23–24). In other words, when addressing topics like food and other cultural activities, the principles of building up and benefiting the community are of utmost priority.”

Put another way, Michelle Reyes states simply but powerfully, “love must be our defining marker.”

She points out that I Corinthians 13, the famous “love chapter,” is corrective instruction that comes just a few chapters after the rebuke above. May we practice this kind of love across cultures well in Jesus’ name. This book is a must-have handbook to help us on the way.

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are living at a time when the lines are being drawn across society, including within the church, regarding matters of ethnicity, race, and immigration. Parents and politicians rail against Critical Race Theory, though few know what it is and whether it is actually part of the school curriculum. We hear about the need to do something about the border and fears that American "culture" is threatened by outsiders. At the same time protests continue to draw attention to the struggles that many persons of color and immigrants face as they navigate our society. So, what should we make of this?

A large number of books have come out lately that address these questions -- both pro and con -- and from varying points of view. While polls suggest that White Evangelicals, who overwhelmingly supported Donald Trump, are worried about things like CRT, immigration, diversity education, anti-racism education, etc., not all Evangelicals are alike. That is especially true of Evangelicals of Color. Among them is Michelle Ami Reyes. Reyes is an evangelical who identifies as Indian-American and is married to a Mexican-American man who serves as pastor of a multi-cultural congregation in Austin, Texas. She offers the reader a very personal look at how cultural identity is understood and experienced by persons of color.

She organizes the book around a passage from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 9:19-23), which reads in part "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." She turns to this passage to think through the nature of cultural adaptability as Paul experienced it and as most persons of color experience it. While this addresses our need to adapt to different cultures. By that, she means that "each of us is called to go on a journey of becoming all things to all people. Becoming is not code for appropriating or stealing other people's cultures. It is a posture that desires to see the world through other people's eyes, values what they value, and both centers and honors their way of life. This will require humility and flexibility" (p. xx).

The book is composed of eight chapters, that cover everything from developing one's cultural identity to changing one's perspective on justice. She speaks to persons of color, encouraging them to own their own cultural identity. She speaks to those of us who are White reminding us that our culture is not superior to others and that it is wrong to expect everyone to conform. As you might imagine, this will be a challenging read for many. Of course, she has a chapter on that, encouraging us to "embrace cultural discomfort." She also has a chapter on avoiding cultural appropriation -- in other words, the clothing, food, and music of other people is not a costume to be appropriated for one's own use.

For non-evangelicals, especially liberal mainliners like me, this is a good reminder that not all evangelicals are the same and that many persons of color are evangelical in their theology. Since Zondervan generally caters to a more conservative evangelical audience, hopefully, this book will find a ready audience so that we might find it possible to be all things to all people without having to engage in code-switching.

[Dorothy Greco · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Apostle’ Paul’s wrote, “I have become all things to all people” (1 Cor. 9), what did he mean and what relevance does this have for us today? Plenty.

In Becoming All Things, Dr. Michelle Reyes helps readers understand that “Becoming… is a posture that desires to see the world through other people’s eyes, value what they value, and both centers and honors their way of life. This will require humility and flexibility.” (And I might add intentionality. This type of transformation does not happen without a plan or without commitment.)

From her introduction: “For Paul, to be a follower of Jesus meant that he lived a life of constant cultural adaptation, and his willingness to embrace change made him particularly well suited to form cross-cultural relationships. Paul embraced his cultural identity, yet he knew how to step outside of it because he saw his ability to be adaptable as a strength. His motivation to connect across cultures wasn’t driven by a need for survival, but rather a deep understanding of who God had made him to be and a love for all peoples.”

God’s call for us to love our neighbors should include developing a vision for why crossing cultures matters and then doing the work to make that happen. Because American culture, and perhaps more specifically American Christian culture, is increasingly polarized, if we hope to fulfill God’s mandate to love, we all need to engage in this work. Especially white folks. The internal work required of us is both challenging and at times, threatening. In chapter one, Reyes writes, “Not having to think about your own culture is an ignorance born of privilege. If you’re part of the dominant culture, you don’t have to constantly think about your culture because you are figuratively swimming in it.” A few chapters later, she notes that while American’s love Mexican foods, we don’t always seem to love the heritage that birthed it or the hands that made it. She’s spot on here and in other places throughout the book where she names some of the ways that her white bothers and sisters don’t bother to embody becoming all things because, in their mind, they don’t have to.

The book encourages us to “embrace [the] cultural discomfort” that we will inevitably feel so that we can grow in our understanding and appreciation of other cultures and engage in the work of the gospel—which includes eliminating systemic oppression, giving up our privileges, sharing our resources, and valuing every culture.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun(ny) fact(s): I am now frantically trying to catch up on all the reading for my leadership class because with thesis done, our integrative paper looms in the horizon...

Favorite quote/image: "We believe in narrative justice and empowering the voiceless to speak for themselves...justice in conversation should mean listening to all voices. It means taking the mic away from those speaking loudest to amplify the voices of those at the margins of society...in many of the stories in Scriptures where someone is abused, assaulted, or oppressed, justice is rendered by allowing their story to be heard. God cares about our stories, and his commitment to narrative justice flows through the Scriptures." (pg. 146, 156)

Honorable mention: "Cultural narratives, on the other hand, are stories formed and maintained by individuals about ourselves and the world around us. They are stories imbued with ideals and principles regarding family, honor, assertiveness, hard work, and communal living, and they become the glue that holds our way of life together. My cultural identity also inevitably leads to certain cultural expressions. To put it simply, the story of who I am informs the way I live my life. And we begin to understand the spiritual significance of our stories when we look at how culture develops and functions in Scripture." (pg. 9)

Why: As a bicultural Indian American woman and German professor (and this is still a gross oversimplification of her cultural narrative), Reyes has no shortage of experiences of cross cultural engagement and educating others about cross cultural engagement. Although she can be a bit heavy-handed with her critique of white Christians, her explication of Paul, especially 1 Corinthians 9:22, and the early church's perspective on culture and cultural flexibility is very thought-provoking and encouraging. She challenges readers to begin applying her lessons and take the next step in truly embracing cultural diversity, remaining honest about her frustrations and also hopeful about the impact of meaningful change.

[Adriel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever have a book that continually makes you excited to read and learn and you don’t want it to end? Michelle Ami Reyes' new book, Becoming All Things: How Small Changes Lead To Lasting Connections Across Cultures has been one of those books for me. It was like having a light turned on in my heart and mind every time I picked it up to read another section.

In a time when the dominant culture in American society and the American Church are being called to account for their myopic and harmful approach to the people and cultures around them, Reyes takes readers from all backgrounds on a journey towards better understanding across those cultural divides. One of the things I appreciated the most about Reyes' writing is that she helps the reader ask good questions, of themselves and of the people around them. Each chapter encourages the reader to not only join in on a conversation with genuine humility but also to put our bodies into new spaces and to deal with the discomfort that will invariably come up in a healthy way. She addresses topics like the differences between cultural appropriation and appreciation, stereotypes, privilege, justice, and so much more, guiding us towards a better approach.

Becoming All Things is a book that I know I will come back to over and over again. I greatly appreciate Reyes pouring out her time, heart, and vulnerability into this book and I would recommend it to anyone who is wanting to learn how to really be a life-giving part of the beautiful multi-cultural world we live in.

[Emily P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging the cultures around us means learning about those who are different than us. In "Becoming All Things," Reyes shares some of her personal experiences and what she's observed over the years. Compassion and empathy are necessary for those seeking to connect across cultures. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Reyes explains how we can take cues from Paul and adapt to those around us by doing life with people who have a different heritage than our own, creating community and loving them as the Gospel intends.

This is an interesting read that challenges and encourages. Here are a few quotes that resonated with me:

"Paul's actions imply a view of himself as a relative nobody. He treats himself as if he is the one on the margins, the one without power, as a way to care for everyone."

"Remember that people's lives convey stories, so getting to the heart of your cultural differences means learning to see and understand what narrative the other person is communicating. That perspective should keep us humble as we strive to see what life is like through another person's eyes."

Invest time to delve deep when reading this book. "Becoming All Things" is a book that would be a great discussion for a book club, too!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Becoming All Things How Small Changes Lead To Lasting Connections Across Cultures is really a book everyone should be reading. It gives me help and hope for not just my future but for everyone. I was not for sure what to expect from this book, I thought maybe it would push the be good do good philosophy. It does indeed speak of that but it is so much more.
The author, Michelle Reyes, is a woman of color with a biracial identity. She has spent her life noticing the difference in cultures and taught herself to fit right in. In the book she refers to verses 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 to give biblical reference to learning how to fit in different cultures. Just like she has taught herself to do.
This would be a great book for all people. ALL people. We all need to be accepting of all cultures. Especially in today’s world where we interact with so many people on a daily basis. I highly recommend reading this book.
I received this book in a gracious giveaway on Goodreads by Zondervan. I have based my review on the book after reading it in full.

[Justin · Rating 5 out of 5]

By and large, there is a lack of cultural identity, awareness, and fluency training for many leaders, and especially pastors. Traditional vocational ministry training includes little if any development in these areas. As a result, many leaders lack the knowledge and resources to approach these issues well.

This book by Michelle Ami Reyes is a much needed resource, for everyone, but esp leaders. As a pastor who is multi-racial/multi-cultural, so much personally resonated with me (particularly as an Asian American of Indian nationality descent). As a pastor of multi-racial, multi-cultural congregation, so much was helpful and practical in our continued attempts to reimagine what God is doing through that diversity.

I can’t recommend this book enough, especially for leaders.

Thanks so much for your transparency and work!