4 Ways for the Church to Pursue Ongoing Racial Reconciliation

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Church Family, 

God’s vision for the church is one of reconciliation. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, sinners are reconciled into a right relationship with God and divided people are reconciled to one another in the body of Christ, the church. (If you missed our recent sermons through Ephesians 2-3, you can listen to them here Ephesians 2:1-10; 2:11-22; 3:1-13)

“Ethnic diversity is not primarily a worthy goal, that we pursue. It is a reality that God has declared over us in Christ.” – J. D. Greear

If this is the reality God has declared over us, we must also be willing to acknowledge that it is not the experience, by and large, of the church. We must certainly learn about the past and learn from the past, but we must also press forward towards the reality that God has declared over us. This is something we must do as a church, but it also something that we must also do personally. At Treasuring Christ Church, we believe God has called us to be a diverse family of believers who delights in, declares, and displays the gospel in all of life and for the good of our city. In order for us to grow into this vision, we must grow in our discipleship, a discipleship that makes room for conversations about race and ethnicity. 

Below we have laid out four ways we can continue to pursue the reality of racial reconciliation that we see defined in Scripture. We pray this spurs us on to pursue unity within diversity with faithfulness and urgency.

1. Examine Ourselves 

    • Through Prayer 

      • Pray that God would reveal any ignorance that you may have on the topic of racial reconciliation. 

      • Pray that God would reveal if you have a hardened heart to this subject or people of another race or ethnicity.

      • Pray that God would help us to walk in humility, compassion, and understanding towards those that are different from us. 

      • Pray that God would help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 

      • Pray that God would give us wisdom and a passion to do as Micah 6:8 says:  “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?”

      • Pray that God would allow TCC to enjoy the diversity in our church and our shared unity in Christ.

      • Pray for wisdom and opportunities to pursue relationships with people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds than you.

      • Pray for God to use TCC within our community to stand for justice and serve others across racial and ethnic boundaries.

    • In Light of God’s Word 

      • Genesis 1:26-28

      • Psalm 37; 89:14; 103:6; 106:3; 140:12; 146:7

      • Proverbs 21:3, 15

      • Isaiah 1, 58-59

      • Amos 5

      • Micah 6:1-8

      • Matthew 7:12

      • Matthew 22:34-40

      • John 17

      • Acts 17:22-34

      • Galatians 3:27-29

      • Ephesians 2:11-22; 4:1-16

      • James 2:1-26

      • Revelation 5, 7

As we examine ourselves, God may reveal areas of sin that we need to confess and turn away from in repentance. This may require conversations with others in our church family or other relationships in your life. This is what sanctification looks like in the Christian life. There may also be areas where God deepens your convictions and your desires to pursue racial unity and reconciliation in the church or our community. If God is working in this way in your life, we would love to know so that you can be a part of that work here at TCC and in our community.

2. Listen 

3. Speak 

We need to find ways to speak out against racial injustice. The purpose in speaking up is to honor God and love our neighbors. Speaking out may look different for everyone according to their own unique positions and platforms. Pray that the Lord would help you to use your position to speak out on racial injustice. Here are some practical suggestions: 

    • Reach out to those affected by racism or injustice. Let them know you are there for them. Pray for them and ask them how you can pray for them. 

    • Share truth from God’s Word or other resources that not only denounce racism but speak of how to pursue racial equality and justice. 

    • Do you have family members, friends, or co-workers that may be unaware of the ongoing tension of racisms in our country and benefit from a discussion related to racism? 

    • Speak up in the moment when a racist or insensitive comment is made; graciously point out the error and encourage them in how they can honor God and love their neighbor. 

    • Can you share resources or ways to get involved in pursuing racial reconciliation in conversations, text messages, social media platforms, or through organizations? 

Silence is not an option. God is not honored when we are silent in the face of any injustice. Nor should we be content to only speak against injustice, we must also champion the cause of justice and racial reconciliation.

4. Act 

    • Continually examine your own heart and mind in light of God’s Word. We are not interested in performance, but substantive action that honors God and pursues justice.

    • Pursue genuine relationships and friendship with those who come from different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

    • Commit yourself to the church and being a part of the church leading the way in speaking for justice and pursuing reconciliation. 

    • Learn about and experience different racial and ethnic cultures.

    • Find ways to serve in our community to help alleviate the needs of others. Here are a few ways we can do that in our own community:

    • Stay informed about and participate in local, state, and national elections.

       

Alyssa Poole