Race and Ethnicity conversation

Introduction

Thanks Cole and your team for having me.

Cole is a dear brother who graciously allowed myself and others to be a part of group study for some time. And just like Jerry Krause ended the dynasty in CHicago; Cole split our group so. . but much Love for Pastor Cole.

And to all of you thanks for having this conversation.

Brief snapshot on me:

born, HS, College (UT, Union, MABTS)

business world/pastoring -Berean MB Church

residency program at FM

Full time staff at FM

Planted Harvest in 2013

Transitioned to BMBC top of 2018

Adjunct Professor at CBU- PHilosophy and Religion department

married 12 years-3 kids

Biblical text for race and ethnicity

Genesis 22:18 ESV

and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”

Ephesians 2:12–19 ESV

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. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 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, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,

Ephesians 3:1–6 ESV

For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles— assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly. When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit. This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Acts 2:5–12 ESV

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

John 13:34 ESV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.

What fears do minority culture has coming into white spaces?

even when the white space is trying to be friendly

common misunderstandings between the two cultures

always suspicion. .

do they see me? “i don’t see color” phrase is damaging

do they value me? we bring something to the table

do i have a voice?

do i have to prove my theology

prove my existance

prove that i am above reproach

unrealistic/realistic desires from a white church trying to grow in diversity

steps to take for membership

must make strategic hires additions to staff. . must be someone in leadership.. preaches. . leads . . visible and has authority.

treat that person well and membership will happen in abundance

Social Justice

why is there so much controversy surrounding it

social Justice is Biblical justice. . defending and advocating for those who are weak, marginalized, vulnerable.

Amos is a great read for justice

Micah 6:8 ESV

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

James 1:27 ESV

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

Amos 5:24 ESV

But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.

culturally. . I think white people see it as a personal attack on them.

challenges in leading a diverse congregation

leaders must lead and be intentional about it

probably the hardest thing because of the complexity of all nations coming together. . . most importantly, how poor our country has handled this.

also, more people in church probably have a stronger sense of political christianity.. a weird syncretism that create more problems.

it hard for many to divorce devotion to CHrist and the church and political affiliations

education in other cultures

improper MOTHER/FATHER complex. . superiority

white churches usually error on the side of empathy. . i don’t know if its because by in large they have not suffered as a culture . . in the same way other cultures have

how do you shepherd those resistant to multi-ethnic in there congregations

heart issues

very carefully. . we want all people to be in the fellowship.. but their heart has to be evaluated the same way we deal with people dealing with other sin.

far too long people who promote racist ideas are able to comfortably sit in churches and never be confronted with SIN.

signs that a congregation is showing genuine love in the midst of diversity

following what scripture says

do good to all especially those in the house-hold of faith

Galatians 6:10 ESV

So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

weep, rejoice with those who. . .

seeing people with new vision

2 Corinthians 5:13–17 ESV

For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

being sorrowful when the controversial things happen in culture, and seeing it not as an isolated event but for the entire narrative it fits into.

challenging friends and family who say things that robbed people from being made in the image of God