Cross-Cultural Engagement
Racial Righteousness in a World of Racism
As followers of Jesus and as members of the Executive Team of the North American Baptist Conference, we deplore the brutal killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. It was an egregious and sinful act and an overt abuse of power.
Continue ReadingLeading a Church Family into Greater Diversity and Community Impact
Jesus has commissioned all of His followers to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:18–20 NIV), “preach the Gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15), and be His witnesses “to the ends of the Earth” (Acts 1:8). These are clear biblical commands. Therefore, it seems logical that His Church, on His mission, must have a global impact and composition.
Continue ReadingAnti-Asian Racism in the COVID-19 Crisis
Because of this recent rash of Asian American racism, a group called the Asian American Christian Collaborative released a statement denouncing xenophobia, asking believers to stand “in solidarity with victims” and directing “Christians to speak out and make changes in their churches, schools, and communities.”
Continue ReadingA Response to Barna’s Study, “Where Do We Go From Here?”
This past August marked 400 years after the first enslaved Africans were recorded as coming to the shores of Jamestown, Virginia. That moment was transformative for the United States, and it is impossible…
Continue ReadingHow History Can Help Us Examine Ourselves
When I was on staff at Grace Community Church in Detroit, Michigan, I loved how the church leadership pursued having a worship stage that reflected the diversity of church attendees.
Continue ReadingTragic History Can Teach the Church How to Lament
Much of Black history is uplifting, and one of the reasons why is because so much of it is also tragic. But just like other historical events, we want to celebrate courage and bravery and the best of people while lamenting the evil that has taken place.
Continue ReadingBlack History Month and the Body of Christ
Because of the deep connection Black people have with the church, the history of the church and Black History Month are intertwined. Enslaved Blacks received the Christian religion in their new land, seeing the true Jesus behind the one worshiped by their slave masters.
Continue ReadingBlack History Month and the Body of Christ
Because of the deep connection Black people have with the church, the history of the church and Black History Month are intertwined. Enslaved Blacks received the Christian religion in their new land, seeing the true Jesus behind the one worshiped by their slave masters.
Continue Reading