Relational Equity

Relational equity in the context of a church can be defined as follows:

Relational equity refers to fostering authentic, mutually respectful relationships among all members of the church community, regardless of social status, background, race, or circumstances. It involves:

Valuing each person's inherent dignity as created in God's image[1].

Actively including and involving the whole "People of God" in the church's mission and life, recognizing that each person has an important and complementary calling[1].

Listening deeply to one another and to the Holy Spirit, acknowledging our mutual incompleteness and need for each other[1].

Sharing resources, time, and support in ways that address individual needs and circumstances rather than treating everyone identically[2].

Embracing diversity as a reflection of God's creative design while maintaining unity in Christ[2].

Pursuing justice and fairness in church practices and decisions, looking beyond surface-level equality to consider context and individual trajectories[2].

Building relationships across social boundaries in the spirit of Jesus' ministry, seeing into people's hearts rather than outward characteristics[2].

Creating opportunities for all members to participate meaningfully in the church's life and mission, regardless of differences[2].

Fostering a culture of mutual care, interdependence, and shared responsibility for one another's wellbeing[1][2].

In essence, relational equity in the church means embodying the kind of loving, inclusive community described in Acts, where believers "had everything in common" and there was "not a needy person among them"[1]. It's about creating a church culture that reflects God's impartial love and the unity of the Body of Christ.

Citations:

[1] https://togetherforthecommongood.co.uk/from-jenny-sinclair/the-relational-church

[2] https://www.fellowshipar.com/about/our-beliefs/family-discussions-cultural-issues/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-dei-the-gospel/

God shows no Partiality

Romans 2:10–11 ESV

10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.

Jesus broke down walls.

Ephesians 2:11–22 ESV

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

The Church had to learn to break down walls.

First Peter

Acts 10:28 ESV

28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean.

Acts 10:34–35 ESV

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.

Then Paul

Acts 26:15–18 ESV

15 And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’

Finally James

James 2:1–8 ESV

1 My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. 2 For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, 3 and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” 4 have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? 8 If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.

How do we Foster Relational Equity?

Open Gatherings

Everyone is welcome to attend our gatherings.

We do not recognize the phrase, “Us and them.”

Sunday Mornings

Men’s and Women’s Ministry

Small Groups

Everyone is welcomed into membership.

Class or Race is never a barrier for membership.

Qualifications for membership.

Biblically Saved and Baptized.

A life of repentance toward Christ.

A desire to accomplish the God-given mission of Reliant.

Open Growth Opportunities

Everyone is encouraged to grow in their faith.

“You can come as you are, you just can’t stay as you is.”

Discipleship is open and encouraged for all.

All classes are open to everyone.

Everyone can rise in Leadership

All positions in the church can be held by any person that meets the biblical qualifications of leadership outlined in 1 Tim 3:1-13 .

We require mentorship through “The Potter’s Clay” for unity in Spirit and doctrine.

Open Ministry Opportunities

Everyone has the responsibility to minister.

Inside the Church Body

To the community outside the walls of the church

Next Steps

Invite anyone and everyone to be a part of Reliant.

70% of people will come to a church service if invited.

90% of people who come to a church service did so because they were invited.

Take advantage of the open opportunities to grow and advance in your faith.

Show up to the gatherings.

Sign up for the discipleship classes.

Attend a small group with other believers.

R-Group Questions

How is relational equity in the church related to God's impartial love and the unity of the Body of Christ?

What are some ways mentioned in the sermon text to foster relational equity in the church, particularly in terms of open gatherings and ministry opportunities?

In what ways does the sermon emphasize creating a church culture that reflects God's impartial love and the unity of the Body of Christ?