Brenda Salter McNeil is one of my heroes when it comes to matters of racial reconciliation. In fact, even beyond the reconciliation issue, I think she’s one of the best preachers in America. But I digress. A friend of mine just sent me an interview with Brenda that was posted on the Catalyst website. Some of you might’ve already read the piece, but I thought I’d link to it here in case you haven’t.
One of the questions Brenda discusses is the biggie that many of us have about this whole “racial reconciliation” issue: Why? Why should we disrupt everything we’re doing to pursue this incredibly difficult thing that seems to bring us lots of strife, and often heartache? In the interview, Brenda remarks:
Many people also lose interest in reconciliation because they haven’t identified their need for other people. They say, “We want to do racial reconciliation! We want our church to be more diverse!” Why? What’s the need for that diversity? Why would your church be better if you had more Filipino people, more Korean people, more African-American people, more Hispanic people? Often people don’t have an answer to that question. So we do it because we think it would be nice, but not because it’s necessary. When their culture begins to change our institution, then we want them gone. Because we wanted to have them with us in a very nice way, but we really didn’t want them to reorganize our church or our institution.
I need your help. I’m going to be speaking at a variety of places in the coming weeks and months, and I’d like to be able to share some real-life wisdom on this question. I’m curious, could you give me your response to that big question–Why should we pursue racial reconciliation? Why would we be better off with a more diverse congregation or ministry staff, especially if things are humming along pretty well the way they are now? I’m not necessarily looking for the definitive answer. I’d just like to hear your personal views on the subject. What keeps you in the race? Why does it matter to you or to your church?
I read this piece last week and thought about opening up to the blog — I’m glad someone brought it to your attention. Quite honestly, the reason why i didn’t is because I don’t think it’s a question African- Americans can answer. We are, generally, not in charge of the dominant institutions and so there really isn’t a whole lot we can do. White Americans need to address this — are they afraid of the change that real reconciliation would bring? I would be curious to know myself.
I do know that the “Black Church” as an insitution has a history that once energizes and also hamstrings it. Our culture is so wrapped up indealing with injustice that we don’t “do church” quite the same way White America does, and that is why it’s hard to bring the two together. For true reconciliation to occur we would have to see and appreciate the differences in our cultures, our worship, etc.
But to answer the question — why is is important? Because we need to see the value in each just as God sees us. We’re created, each with a purpose, to fulfill his grand design. And when we are so far apart I believe the heart of God grieves because the beautiful picture that he wants to paint can’t come into focus. What keeps me at it is, every now and again, I sense the heart of God and feel His pain and I want to see that beautiful picture come into focus. It will only happen when we appreciate each other and see that we each bring something different to the table.
I was thinking about this in terms of Christian music recently — you know, CCM v. traditional or contemporary Gospel (Black). They are quite different styles — Being in a white CCM oriented music style church context, I’ve got to pull out my CD’s every now and again to hear my Gospel! Black Gospel doesn’t always communicate in words what CCM may in terms of worship, often repetitious, but it brings it to a heart or emotional level. For this reason, it’s sometimes viewed as anti-intellectual, merely based on emotion and we miss out on the fact that God wants to speak to us on so many different levels, not just our minds.
The point is, we dismiss that concept in the white church and don’t realize how , if we appreciate what each culture brings to the table, we are that much closer to the whole man that God wants to minister to. Sorry for rambling. Take care.
Grace & Peace,
Ed C (P.S. Maybe I’ll use my middle name Aaron so folks don’t confuse me with Ed G!)
My thoughts:
We should pursue reconciliation because we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. 2 Cor. 5:18-20 tells us this:
“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”” (NLT)
Every time I read this passage, I am captivated with reconciliation all over again. It reminds me that I’m not experiencing all this pain, rejection, headache and inconvenience because I want someone to like me. I endure it because Christ is making His appeal through me. He is beseeching people to abandon their pride, fear and hostility, and to embrace His acceptance, love and forgiveness. Astounding!
How can I not stay in the fight when I remember that my real objective is to help move people closer to God. To the extent that their racial and ethnic prejudices violate the Lord’s commands for us to love one another, care for one another, etc., they are outside the will of God for their life. So primarily, I am reconciling them to Him, and secondarily to me. When I keep that in mind, I find I am able to tolerate much more and complain much less.
Both my boys attend a Christian school, and I can tell you that all is not always well there. Besides the apparent stigma of being a single parent, I constantly advocate for my sons with the teachers and administration. Sometimes I get so fatigued of having to explain, overlook and forbear with their assumptions and biases. Harm done in education, criminal justice, etc., stems in great measure from the fact that whatever is done has the weight of the power of the institution behind it. It’s not just one individual opposing one individual. The wrong decision or hurtful procedures is done with the acquiescence or approval of an entire group of people, a system. That is incredibly powerful. But thank God that He’s more powerful.
Dr. King was a master at focusing on the true goals of reconciliation which I believe elevated the power and effectiveness of his work here. He always remembered, and reminded others, that this is at the core a matter of love. Love for God, His love for us, and our love for our brothers and sisters.
Brenda has been my preaching hero for sixteen years–Amen to her as one of America’s most gifted preachers!
For me, the why question takes me first to where the scriptures declare God’s intent to be a light to the nations, and to make for himself a people of every tribe and tongue. The imagery of worship in Revelation compels me to taste God’s purposes and pleasure now in who he has designed his people (and my brothers and sisters) to be.
The question also takes me to what kind of unanimous witness Jesus and the scriptures and the Holy Spirit are to breaking down the things that separate (gender, race, status) for the sake of creating something new (body, family, people). Clearly we live in the midst of narratives of racism and hatred and suspicion that cause the kinds of divisions Jesus stood against, and to imagine that the church has no prophetic witness of an alternative to this seems untenable.
Lastly, the question where I live boils down to the simple act of examination in my own heart and life: do I love my neighbor? If I am active in loving and serving my Anglo neighbors, but failing to lay down my life for my Latino or African American neighbors, there is a failure there either in my conversion or in the gospel I proclaim.
So I guess for me, the question really boils down to longing for an authentic gospel, and an accurate witness to that, that is less of a reflection of me and my social patterns and more reflective of the unique character of God’s love for the world and his ultimate plan for his creation.
Thanks for asking this question. For the record, I’m a white evangelical.
“Why should we pursue racial reconciliation?”
For me the answer is because unity in diversity bears witness to the Kingdom of God reality that is already-but-not-yet. This is a powerful apologetic to our culture that hungers for authentic community that transcends the divisions that exist culturally.
“Why would we be better off with a more diverse congregation or ministry staff, especially if things are humming along pretty well the way they are now?”
I think there’s an assumption in our megachurch, seeker-sensitive, homogenous-unit evangelical dominated world that things are “humming along pretty well,” but when Sunday morning remains the most segregated hour of the week, we’re under a terrible delusion about what real “success” is. We need to seriously repent of this and set our sites on different goals than just packing in more people who look like us (who are mostly coming to our megachurch from the failed smaller church down the street). If we truly want to be missional, our churches need to be truly representative of the communities where God has put us. This means a seat in the pews/chairs for people from every tribe, tongue, and nation in our neighborhoods.
“What keeps you in the race? Why does it matter to you or to your church?”
It matters to me because for the first time in my life I’m actually in relationship with non-white people who have raised my awareness and consciousness to the disparities that exist — and the huge opportunity that exists to bear witness to God’s Kingdom by pursuing wholeheartedly multi-ethnic, multi-cultural churches. Sadly, the predominantly white (middle to upper-class) church I’m currently a part of is shying away from the huge challenges that lie ahead of us in engaging with a predominantly black (lower class) community that surrounds us in our community. There’s talk of “building bridges” to the community, but it’s still an open question as to whether that bridge will truly be a two-way street. I don’t see the aesthetic in our church changing to accommodate (and celebrate!) other cultural expressions. That commitment (in this church context — and most church contexts) has to come from the top down, and right now it doesn’t seem to be coming. I hope and pray that is does.
I want to invite you to check out a podcast I collaborate on with two African-American friends, called “Practicing Pentecost,” where we discuss these very types of issues: http://www.wiredparish.com/hosts.cfm?hid=20
Shalom.
Hi, Ed. We haven’t talked or met but I did get to preach at your church last week. Sorry we didn’t connect. I am beginning work on a chapter in Dr. Fuder’s new urban ministry book on just this issue you raise. I’ll tell you what drives me to continue to work for both reconciliation and greater diversity in the church. Here is the inner circle core from which I think out into the world on this issue:
I firmly believe that every culture and ethnicity, every socio-political and economic group sees both more and less of God and His will because of the spectacles with which they approach the Scripture. That’s a general principle from which I think. It causes me to value different perspectives as well as to have a healthy suspicion about my own and others interpretation. It causes me to cultivate a Berean like heart.
It also carries with it the implication that my own Christian experience will be deepened and enriched by the falavors and textures I can learn from my brothers and sisters in other people groups, near and far.
Recently, Bill Reed asked me three questions related to the issues involved. What follows are the three questions and the e-mail answer I gave. Hope this helps. Thanks for your book, your efforts and your blog. They are all, along with you, a blessing to the Church.
1. How can a church become more intentional in creating a place that is hospitable to a variety of cultures?
Complicated question. It starts with desiring to truly reflect the diversity of God’s creation in the people’s of the earth. That intention needs to be constantly nourished with good books, new experiences and new challenges to the congregation. I am constantly recommended books, exchanges, and inter-ethnic cooperation and experiences for our people. White pastors need to look for black-cultural heros for illustrations in messages. Black pastors need to do the same, as do Hispanic and any other group that is seeking to be truly multi-ethnic in its approaches. [ Books: Divided by Faith; United by Faith; Real Hope in Chicago; The Urban Christian (Bakke);Cities of Lonesome Fear (Mclean); A Heart for the CIty (Fuder); Winning the Race to Unity (Shuler); Ethnicity and Race (Cornel and Hartman); Being White (Harris and Schaupp); Reconciliation Blues (Gilbreath); Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-1963 (Branchy); Frederich Douglas Biography (McFeely) ] Readers are leaders and leaders are readers. These are worth reading for the pastor, black or white and his congregation, if they truly desire to make a difference in these areas.
2. How can a church encourage and promote minorities in the congregation to have a greater share in leadership?
White churches are notorious for making their plans and then inviting participation of blacks in the agenda that whites have already established. This should be repented of and churches need to work hard at creating opportunities at the earliest formation of plans to include other ethnicities in their decision making and ministry shaping plans. Look for people of color, (or in the black church, people of less pigment) who God might be raising up in your midst to leadership. Keep telling the congregatiion that it is your intent to become multi colored in your worship and fellowship. Understand that every person in the non-dominant culture of your church, probably needs to be pursued if they are going to feel accepted.
3. What should a leadership team be aware of in this journey?
Read Divided by Faith. It shows the barriers that must be breached. But a caution, it will be difficult. The author’s second book, United by Faith, tries to lay down some ideas that show how valuable the process can be, despite the problems outlined in Divided by Faith.
I know this is cheating, but I don’t feel like typing it all up here. My answer is really to be found in my recent post “Polyculture.” The farming imagery delights me, and, besides, it’s always fun to quote Wendell Berry.
Thanks to all who have responded so far. And a big welcome to Erika, Steve, and ChosenRebel. I’m honored by your presence here–and grateful for your heartfelt reflections.
Erika – I’ve heard a lot about your ministry and look forward to learning more.
Steve – Thanks for the link to “Practicing Pentecost.” I’ll definitely be checking it out.
ChosenRebel – I’m sorry that I didn’t get a chance to greet you on Sunday. I appreciated your message, and it has me being a little more cognizant this week about the power of my words. Thanks also for sharing your response to Bill Reed. I hope we’ll have a chance to connect soon, being that we’re in the same town. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the current state of our suburb and how some of these issues might apply to the churches there.
I’m definately encouraged through my faith to seek reconciliation of all kinds – which includes racial reconciliation. This desire to be obedient is augmented by the fact that I am bi-racial. Admittedly, I favor the anglo side of lineage, as far as skin color and upbringing is conserned. But watching my parents be my parents gives me a sense of normalicy when it comes to inter-racial relationships. It gives me a beleif that we can and should know how to love eachother across racial lines. Hopefully, this answers is not too simplistic to be useful.
There are many altruistic reasons, along with biblical mandates, for pursuing reconciliation, but if we’re really honest, none of them are sustainable for casual churchgoers. Altruism is a hobby for those with nothing to lose.
How about self-interest? White Evangelicalism values personal spirituality. Is there a way to express this in terms white Evangelicals will immediately understand? I believe there is:
Without fellowship with people completely unlike oneself, one simply cannot know God as well as one could. We are incarnate in culture–as are other Christians–and when we share in the Christian life with people from other cultures, we learn to see God in new ways, through their eyes.
Ed C: We ought to have coffee sometime. I find your perspectives very refreshing, even as I have a different experience (white in a black church). I agree with you that white churches and powerful institutions have more initiating to do. But: white people in general are also lost and confused. That’s why they are always bewildered or intransigent when race comes up: they genuinely don’t get it.
That’s why I believe, that despite unequal power, the Black church (including Brenda Salter-McNeill) must continue to take the lead, because white healing will come with submitting to black leadership.
Hi Paul –
I appreciate your perspective as well. It makes me feel good when I see people reaching across the divide — I have to admit I sometimes get weary at this. I’m not quite sure I agree that the Black church should take the lead, though I agree they should do more than they are now. I’d love to get together and discuss that — if you’re ever in the NY area drop me a line through here and we’ll connect somehow.
P.S. I was also VERY impressed and inspired at all the cogent replies to this query! Thans, Ed G for opening this up!
Grace & Peace,
Ed C
I really just want to add an Amen! to this wonderful discussion.
My church is in the process of selecting a new lead pastor, and when the search committee asked for my input, I took the things I am learning here about diversity and intentionality and gave them a response. Thanks for all your help everyone!
I also simply want to add that I pursue racial reconciliation because I want to be more like Jesus, who is himself pursuing racial reconciliation as he gathers his people into the kingdom. Chandra’s comment that we have been given a ministry of reconciliation says it so well.
Ed, thanks for such a great forum.
It might be only a few of the radically wrong who would say that their church would not be better if they were more ethnically integrated, but sadly, the multitudes in the middle probably see togetherness as “nice, but not necessary.”
God’s people gather on Sunday mornings to do corporate worship. In some ways, that’s kind-of like practicing for heaven, isn’t it? Well, God’s Word doesn’t give us any indication that heaven will be segregated, so why wouldn’t we strive for heaven-like worship right now?
All of God’s people together comprise the Body of Christ. Maybe “diverse” isn’t the word I want to use for corporate worship. How about “complete” or “full?” Imagine a body without a limb or one of the senses, like hearing. We don’t elect to be diverse by choosing wholeness, but we miss it if we temporarily lose a function. Sure, there are exceptions where a person has to permanently adapt for the loss of part of the body, but it is considered unfortunate and regrettable, isn’t it? So then, why would we be comfortable about missing people from our own geographic community who we should probably be worshipping and ministering together with?
My experience as a Latino, is that it is not too awkward for me to blend (to a certain extent) with people of darker or lighter skin. But not blending until my uniqueness is completely absorbed into one homogenous group! No, the way I see it is that I have a special contribution to the Body that God requires because of how He made me.
My church is robust with ethnic diversity. I am on a mission to see to it that we work at it even more. I do not want it to be a white church that allows a bunch of everybody else, but I want it to be the Body of Christ—period. All across this planet, we have a long way to go, if we want our churches to be a better reflection of the population of heaven. Why? I’m not sure we have a clear vision of where we want to go and how to get there.
I’ll be looking for ideas here and elsewhere on how church elders can gain a sharper vision and how the church can righteously implement intentionality.
Ed,
I think pursuing racial reconciliation is vital for a couple of reasons.
First it’s God’s glory to gather and unite a people from every tribe and tongue. Revelation 21 shows us a picture of this. Living in this “now and not yet” space in time offers us, the church, an opportunity to reflect this.
Second, it’s strategically vital in contextualizing the gospel. I did a couple of posts on this and instead of reiterating every point, let me refer you to my first post entitled “Deconstructing Racism” on my blog.
http://everysquareinch.blogspot.com/2006/12/deconstructing-racism.html
So much of the emerging/missional discussion is about contextualization, most of our efforts in that arena are superficial i.e. format of worship, etc… Yet racial reconciliation one of the few topics for which the world has no answer and we have an opportunity to tell them how the gospel brings about true reconciliation, first with God and then with each other.
Thanks for your post and carrying on the discussion. Grace to you.
BTW, I love the title of your blog – how gospel centric. Also, you’ve probably seen this but I found Piper’s discussion on Stereotyping and Generalizations to be helpful as well.
I blogged on it here -
http://everysquareinch.blogspot.com/2007/01/biblical-thinking-on-racism.html
Big Brother,
I am looking forward to our time together.
In response to your question, I would personally take a Global angle. More specifically, as Globalization and Urbanization continue to make their way West (much to the chagrin of the dominant culture), there really is no choice but to take diversity and reconciliation (which I know are 2 different issues) seriously. I love all of the Theological and Philosophical arguments that are 100% relevant and true. Yet, I think a reality check is much needed and long overdue: THE MELTING POT HAS MELTED! I know that money and power make people do strange things – just look at all of human history. But we in the West are without excuse. It is coming. Ready or not. My big question as I travel and speak is: ARE YOU READY? I hope this is helpful.
http://www.christopherbennett.blogspot.com
This discussion has been great!
My two cents to add to the mix is to point to God’s design and purpose for the Gospel and the church as stated in Eph 3:8-10:
“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”
The word “manifold” can also be translated “multi-colored or diverse.” I think this is purposeful in light of what God’s wisdom has ordained. Namely, the gospel is preached and salvation is not only for the Jews but the “Gentiles”, and “everyone”. In bringing together one people in the church of all colors and cultures, Paul fittingly calls God’s wisdom “multi-colored” and He is glorified by the angels!
The implication here is that the more different peoples and colors and cultures are reconciled through the Gospel God’s wisdom is shown and God is all the more glorified. This can happen in the global/universal church but I believe it is made much more visible when it happens in the local church.
I can’t think of a better reason to pursue racial harmony and reconciliation, especially between black and white in America.
[...] have been really enjoying Ed Gilbreath’s Reconciliation Blog and encourage you to check it out. He recently posted this question and the discussion has been [...]
Ed,
I think that racial harmony & diversity in the church is and will be one of the truest expressions of the truth of the Gospel in America. The tougher question for me is “What is reconciliation?” (forgive me if someone already said this and your responded, I haven’t had the time to read all of the posts above).
Is it “good enough” have a lot of different people worshipping, serving, in community with each other or is still another challenge. Do they have to be told to “reconcile?” Or is the very fact that they are doing church together mean that the are reconciled and reconciling?
blessings,
robert
Robert,
Thanks for your challenging insight. What is reconciliation? I think it involves being in a right (or restored) relationship with God and then with the people (and people groups) from whom we’ve been separated.
I believe it is a good thing to have different folks who otherwise wouldn’t have any reason to cross paths worshiping, serving, and simply being together. When this happens across racial and social divides, I do believe this is evidence of the ministry of reconciliation in action (2 Cor. 5:16-21). So, yes, for a socially diverse, multiracial group of folks to be “doing church” together is a sign of reconciliation–in my opinion.
At the same time, I do not believe that is “good enough” — our “reconciliation” should not be a static thing. Like any healthy relationship, our reconciled relationships should be evolving, growing, deepening, strengthening and becoming something more real and true. Over time, I think we should see the fruits of true equality, shared power and responsibility, justice, and selfless love springing from that reconciled community of believers.
Like a married couple, as a reconciled community of believers we’ll occasionally need to step back and ask ourselves, “How are we doing?” There must be an ongoing intentionality about it. But most of the time, I think racial reconciliation is something that simply happens to us as we’re passionately pursuing God’s heart together.
At some point, we’ll need to stop talking about it so much and simply live it. Unfortunately, I think the American church is still at a place where honestly talking about the issues and reckoning with the fallout of our nation’s dysfunctional past are still very necessary.
Peace,
Ed G.
I’m so glad jazztheologian brought up this question. I have been seriously pondering the true nature of reconciliation for about a week. And I agree with both jazz and Ed G that what we refer to as diversity is a part of it-a fruit if you will. But closely looking at 2 Cor. 5:19 gives me additional insight. I’ll reprint it here just for clarity-”For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them.” So using the example given of God’s relationship to the world-there was a debt there, created by sin, brought on by an innate hostility towards God. Our self-interest put us in direct conflict against Him and nothing could bridge the gap created by that dynamic of hostility and self-interest. But when Christ came and paid the price for our sin, the debt was canceled, and our “natural” hostility towards God now has the possibility of being eradicated. Rather than estrangement and hostility, we can now experience fellowship and unity with Him because that debt is no longer between us. Applying that horizontally, on a natural level, there are certain “innate” hostilities between people groups, and separation. The sin between us seems to remain, and the debt not canceled. African Americans still grieve and to varying degrees, hold on to, the sins committed against our forefathers in the past, and against us today. This keeps erect the wall between us, and the hostility continues. It seems very simple when we look strictly at the Word, and follow its line of thinking. But in the mire of daily interactions and relationships, difficulties arise. For example, even if I am able to appropriate the abundant grace the Bible speaks of as being available to us, and forgive the things done against my ancestors, I’m still faced with a police officer, a teacher, a doctor, a store clerk TODAY, who keeps perpetuating that same sin against me. So I can feel stuck in a cycle.
I know I keep mentioning the Bible here, but it’s the only thing I know that can help me break that cycle. As often as the acts are done, that’s how often I’m required to forgive them. Yes, the other people involved (e.g., Caucasians) have responsibilities of repentance and confession, but regardless, I’m still held accountable for my responses. So then by me no longer counting their sins against them, I am at the door of reconciliation. And now maybe I can move towards fellowship and unity with them.
I also aree with Ed G that the time is nearing for action as well as dialogue. Are we ready to simply keep forgiving, keep reaching, keep gently correcting, keep not insisting on our own way, keep not being puffed up, keep not keeping a record of wrongs, keep hoping and keep enduring? Because if not, then all our talking is just a tinkling in the wind.
Amen.
Thanks, everyone, for this thoughtful and thought-provoking discussion.
Hey Brother Ed,
I met you the other day at Breakthrough (I set up your laptop). Thanks so much for coming down and spending time with us. Your book is really a catalyst for an important conversation. Here are some additional comments / questions I didn’t share at the event:
1. For a long time I’ve been trying to figure out just who I am. I’m a scholar, a poet, a writer, a technician, a gardner, an artist; yet I live on the Wild Wild West side of Chicago, talk in slang, and wear baggy clothes (’round the block). I’m 25% Italian, and don’t like soul food. So the question I’ve been raising alot lately is: “What are the defining charateristics of “black culture”? How would one determine if a Chinese person were acting “un-Chinese”? How about a person from one of the Southern States? How then may we positively diagnose a black person as “not acting black”? Is an Historically All Black College deserving of that nomenclature simply because it has a predominantly black population? What is an “average” or “typical” black person (this last question is in repsonse to the comment of a lady sitting next to me who commented that the “average” black person could not afford the condo’s being built in Chicago)?
2. Will true racial reconcilliation result in a new almagamated culture that no longer carries the individual characteristics of the contributing cultures? Or will it result in a new culture that is unique yet retains the individual characteristics of said cultures?
Thanks again, and I look forward to fellowshipping and speaking with you again soon.
Marlone
Thanks for the comments…very thought provoking.
I believe this has been said, in many ways too, when reconciliation is understood to be a necessary action for the cleansing of the body so that we are prepared for Christ’s return, then we will see true worshippers, in spirit and in truth.
I’ve attended non-black churches for a number of years. What I find to be my biggest challenge is feeling comfortable being black in a non-black setting. I constantly feel the pressure to conform to other cultures as a way of disengaging my blackness. For a time this feels okay, until I realize that such attempts disguise who I am and who God has made me to be. I don’t want to be a black person in a white church, I want to be a person in a church that doesn’t allow the weight of “culture” to depress real diversity.
As I’ve witnessed it, diversity in church means other races/ethnicities in attendance who assimilate into the dominate culture of the church. That keeps everyone happy and peaceable. Unfortunately, it also means people attend “diverse” churches, but have few relationships with people of diverse ethnicities. Such is a fascad and I can’t imagine it pleases God that we have the “nice-face” mentality so that we don’t offend anyone.
Finally, a prominent sign of reconciliation will be white churchgoers submitting to non-white leadership. I know of only one church in my church-going where a black pastor effectively leads a church that includes a sizeable population of whites. This is the true test of our faith. Current church leadership has not done nearly enough to bridge the gap. The most that has happened is that a black person will be on staff (at a white church) as the worship leader or musician. It’s the equivalent of “affirmative action” for the church.
Are we willing to sacrifice our prejudices for a greater, more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ?