On Race, Church and the American Future

The following is an excerpt from the book, Building a Healthy Multi-ethnic Church (Jossey-Bass/Leadership Network, 2007, pp. 183, 184). It is worth considering in light of U.S. Senator Barak Obama's recent speech on race and the subsequent conversation it has generated. Please forward a link to this post for others you know who may be interested.

"Although government and educational programs, together with the efforts of countless individuals, groups, and agencies, have long sought to eliminate prejudice and the disparaging consequences of institutional racism still deeply embedded within society, it is time to recognize that such a dream cannot be realized apart from the establishment of multi-ethnic churches that intentionally and joyfully reflect the passion of Christ for all people of the world. For it is not the institutions of government or of education that have been ordained by God to this task; rather, it is the local church, the bride of Christ—we who are his people (John 17:1–3, 20–23; Acts 11:19–26, 13:1, 16ff.; Galatians 3:26–28; Ephesians 4:1–6; Revelation 5:9–10).

Concerning the movement of American Christianity toward racial reconciliation in the 1990s, author Chris Rice wrote the following profound words in his book, More Than Equals:

'Yes, deep reconciliation will produce justice, and new relationships between the races. Yes this will lead Christians to become a bright light in the public square. But I have become convinced that God is not very interested in the church healing the race problem. I believe it is more true that God is using race to heal the church.'

Through the biblical transformation of our minds and wills, we will be able to emotionally engage the concept of a multi-ethnic and economically diverse local church. Indeed, we will not only come to understand the passion of Christ for local church unity, as I have described throughout this book, but we will desire to pursue it for the sake of the Gospel. Yes, it is Christ’s will that we become one with believers different from ourselves so that the world would know God’s love and believe. As a by-product, society will be affected, 'racial-reconciliation' will occur, and the church will be restored to a place of prominence in the minds and hearts of those outside its walls.

Indeed, this is the power of unity.

This is the Gospel of Christ."

Comments

[Jim Harvey]

> Good words Mark.
> Unfortunately remarks by Obama's pastor and many white preachers
> on TV who preach the prosperity[ send me money] messages
> distort the real message of which you speak.
> Obama made the same point that you have often made -That the church
> is the most segregated place in America.
>
> Jim Harvey

[ryan]

looks good....bro. I can't wait to read the book
thanks for lunch the other day, maybe we can connect in Dallas

[Ellis]

I can see why Jesus used the example of Children. My kids don't see color (they are 9 and 5) or race. They may ask where they are from and why God made us different, but as long as the other children are willing to play catch-one-catch-all on the playground... you can be a friend. As we get older we get more sinful. Why is one of the Fruits of the Spirit Self-control? Why is this our biggest problem? Why doesn't the Spirit seem to have more control over the Church in America?

I feel about the multi-ethnic/economic Church mess the same as I do about the treadmill in my Bedroom. I want to get on it, but my body is like you are going to die anyway. It is a hard fight to feel like we are going to win (humanly-I know the theology about the victory in Jesus).

By the way, I have two chapters to go... Great book. Write some more!

[CT Jermin]

I am the Pastor of a house church in New York, and was given this book as a gift last week by the Pastor of the Berlin International Church during a concert tour there.
Because of the situations in Berlin, most of the Evangelical churches are multi-ethnic naturally, so it was of no real use to him (his words), but as for me....
Well, it has already blessed me abundantly, and I am only about 50 pages in at this writing. My heart cry has been true Unity in the Body of Christ for many years, but it seemed that my concerns fell on deaf ears (at least in my circles). Every one of the Pastors/Minister/Lay People of course agreed in theory, but little is being done, and all of the usual excuses (Location, Comfort zone, Worship Styles, etc.) were offered up. So to read this book, and find out that: a) I am not alone b)It is being done successfully, c) There are strategies
lifts my Spirit, and strengthens my resolve.
Thank You Mark
God Bless You,
CT Jermin