Racial Reconciliation: What can I do?

If you watch the news it doesn’t take long to hear about the racial tension our country lives through every day. Racism is a big topic. As Redeemer seeks to be “in the city for the city” we want to be more aware of this reality and learn how to participate in a helpful and redemptive conversation towards racial reconciliation.

This summer our congregation experienced the blessing of reflecting together through John Perkins’ excellent book “One Blood: Parting Words to the Church on Race and Love.” This study represents for Redeemer an important piece in our conversation on racial reconciliation. Now that we have concluded the study, I want to share with you some pointers I took from Perkins’ book. 

The premise of the book is rather simple: We have a significant problem in our country and it is one of reconciliation, or a lack thereof. The only way through it is God’s love in Jesus Christ. Perkins reminds us of what John 13:35 says: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Clearly, if you are a follower of Christ, there’s no option but to seek reconciliation. If we believe the Gospel, we should be so overwhelmed by his love that we will actively seek to love one another. The question is do we believe this is true enough that we can act on it?

The other key question is “What can I do? How do I seek racial reconciliation in the city?” Here are some practical ideas:

• Be aware of your own assumptions about racial tension. Read and learn from Christian authors on the subject of racial and biblical reconciliation.
• Attend events in the city that encourage reconciliation, like next year’s MLK march on Monday, January 21, 2019. In this context you don’t have to agree with everything everyone says. The Great Commission still gives us freedom and purpose to be intentionally present in redemptive ways.
• Volunteer and pray with one of our city ministry partners, most of whom are working with minorities. You can learn more about these partnership by stopping by our missions table.
• Get to know your neighbor where you live or at work, even if it’s awkward at first.
• Practice hospitality and receive hospitality.
• Be a bringer! Invite your neighbor to church.
• Share the Gospel freely and remind others about the beauty and wonder of forgiveness.
• Watch and listen for stories of reconciliation and share them with others.
• Pray for your heart, your community, our church, and our city!

If you were not able to attend our summer study “The Gospel Vision & Racial Reconciliation” or missed some weeks, you can listen to the audio HERE.