The Future Is Now!

As this year's historic race for the presidency and, more specifically, last night's election results now overwhelmingly confirm, demographic shifts throughout the United States have brought change to America. With this in mind, local church pastors, ministry leaders and Christ-centered educators everywhere can no longer afford not to consider the implications for their own personal ministries and/or the people they seek to influence in the future. Indeed, the very gospel is at stake! But more about that in a moment.

For now, though, and no matter what one thinks of his positions, proposed policy agenda or to what political party one's allegiance lies, etc., Senator and President-elect Barack Obama is to be sincerely congratulated!

His otherwise remarkable personal achievement, however, is one rightly shared by an entire people group, namely African Americans. Indeed, every citizen of this great land should recognize and celebrate together with them the coming to fruition of centuries-old faith, of countless seeds of courage (sown often in the face of fear or death), and of infinite personal, unseen sacrifices that have led inevitably (as it always does, in His time) to reward and the blessings of such divinely inspired perseverance, redemption.

Of course, as a people group, African Americans have historically found their strength in the Judeo-Christian faith, the God of the Bible and most specifically, the Lord Jesus Christ. And on this day, as both a United States citizen and fellow follower of Christ together with so many of my African American brothers and sisters, I rejoice in the spiritual metaphor(s) so apparent in Obama's election last night! And I celebrate with them, in no uncertain terms, the election of an African American to the highest office in the land. Such an appointment will no doubt inspire a renewed faith in the hope and promise of America among other minority groups, as well, and I pray in time, all Americans regardless of race or class distinctions.

Now, back to the future.

Failure on the part of Christian leaders to recognize the changing demographic landscape or to adapt - both personally and corporately - in accordance with Scripture will soon render their work or, worse yet, their message irrelevant. For as I have previously written, there are already signs that increasing numbers of people are no longer finding credible the message that God loves all people as preached from segregated pulpits and pews. Indeed, those without Christ are no longer responding simply to the words of our lips; rather, they will respond only to the love of God they see in us; love that is daily displayed in a genuine, personal love for all people in His name. And this is best manifest in and through the establishment of healthy multi-ethnic local churches whereby believers of diverse ethnic and economic background can build cross-cultural relationships, pursue cross-cultural competency, promote a spirit of inclusion and mobilize for impact as one people group - Christians - united in Him!

Indeed, from this moment on, the coming integration of the local church should be evident to everyone of us. And if you need further help or interaction toward this end, I urge you to get involved with others of like-mind by joining the Mosaix Global Network, an organization dedicated to inspiring unity and diversity in the local church for the sake of the gospel in this century.

So ... what are you waiting for? The future is now!

Comments

[Jeff]

Excellent and thoughtful post! Echoes my sentiments exactly!

[Amos Oliver Gray IV]

Outstanding, I agree wholeheartedly. This is a new day both for America and for the Local church. Spiritual leaders let us not miss this opportunity.

[Cyndi]

Funny how as I watched the elections last night and President Elect Obama's speech and looked out over the faces in the crowd (from every tongue, tribe and nation), my first thought was this is what Pastor Mark and Pastor Dan have been talking about.

[Woodson Walker]

Mark,

I appreciate your words of social consciousness, empathy and spiritual inspiration. I, also, appreciate your planting of Mosaic. It is the perfect church for Hope, Fwatula and me at this time in our spiritual and social journey. We love you and pray God's blessings upon you, your family and the Mosaic Family.

Woodson

[Dr. Willie Peterson]

Mark,

I read your blog about the election of Obama this afternoon, you and I fully agree on the points you made. How I wish mom and dad might have lived to see this. Out of their confidence in God's Word and this great country taught they their kids such a day was coming. Thanks.