GOD’S TRANSFORMATION OF THE CHURCH
A Pastor’s Guide
Chapter 1
Throughout history, churches have played a significant role in shaping societal values and beliefs. However, it is essential to acknowledge that churches, like other institutions, have not been immune to the influence of racism. In this book, we will explore the history and impact of racism within churches, and how it has affected both the faith community and society as a whole.
Racism within churches can be traced back to the era of colonization, when Christian missionaries often justified the subjugation of indigenous peoples and imported Africans based on racial superiority. The legacy of slavery left a lasting impact on churches, with some denominations using religious texts to justify the enslavement of Africans.. These historical injustices have created deep-seated divisions within the faith community that continue to be felt today.
Racism in churches has hindered the development of inclusive and diverse congregations. People of color have often felt marginalized and excluded, leading to a lack of representation in leadership roles and decision-making processes. Additionally, racist ideologies within churches have contributed to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and discrimination, hindering the growth of a truly united and equitable faith community.
Failure to address racism within the church has had far-reaching consequences. It has hindered progress in the fight against systemic racism, as the faith community plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion and advocating for social justice.
Recognizing the history and impact of racism within churches is the first step towards transformation. Clergy and church leaders must actively engage in anti-racism education and training to dismantle systemic racism within their own congregations. This includes developing resources and tools for advocacy and activism, as well as fostering open dialogue and creating safe spaces for marginalized voices to be heard.
The history and impact of racism in churches cannot be ignored. As clergy, progressive churches, and community leaders concerned about divisions, we have a responsibility to address systemic racism within church structures and practices. By taking proactive steps toward anti-racism strategies, education, and advocacy, we can create a church community that embodies the principles of equality, justice, and inclusivity. Together, we can transform the church and contribute to the dismantling of racism in wider society
IMPERFECT CHURCHES AND CLERGY HAVE A CALLING
One of the continuing stresses of being a pastor is to watch a member choose to leave the church. I’ve spent 50 years in the ministry seeking to nurture, challenge and grow the members of my church. Paul says in Romans 3:23, all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Few of us would, in abstract, declare that our lives are perfect. So, if we are to proclaim the Gospel, it is going to challenge people’s lives. Yet it is one of the most difficult moments in ministry to watch a long-time member leave in anger over one issue or another.
ANGER AND SPLITS
For years I was able to nurture the majority in to staying, but even then, there were some who chose to separate. In many cases I think they have let themselves down as well as their church. I have an exercise I use in trying to help a church learn to respond to conflict creatively. I place before them several of the major splits in the history of Christianity. For example, the split between the East and the West, or the Reformation. I also list some of the splits that have led to the different denominations. I ask them if they know what the central issues were that caused the divisions. Sometimes a few will have vague ideas, but for the most part, the majority of them can not explain the issues that led to the split. Yet the One Body of Christ is split.
A NEW COMMANDMENT
Then, I quote John 13:34-45, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” I ask what it means that our church history is filled with our inability to obey this basic commandment of Jesus. Clearly the history of the church, and often the history of our local church, gives evidence that our hope is based not on our ability to win our doctrinal or social arguments but in the power of grace to enable imperfect people and communities to form communities that demonstrate the power of God to work through them.
GOD IS NOT DEFEATED
Since over the centuries many, both individuals and parts of the church, have separated from the Body of Christ over one issue or another. What is it that we fail to nurture in people’s faith that doesn’t allow them the strength to continue the journey when they are challenged? Sometimes, in moving to another church, a person is rejuvenated in their journey. In such cases, God provides a new arena for growth. I think God has continued to work through our many denominations, but it doesn’t deny the fact that what led to splitting the Body of Christ reflects our disobedience to Jesus’ commandment.
A WITNESS WHEN TRUTH HAS DISAPPEARED
In an age when any objective bar of truth seems to have disappeared in most areas of life, consider the power of a witness to truth that not only is not divided by disagreements but even grows from staying in community and dialogue about those differences.
GOD IS NOT DEFEATED BY RACISM
What we discover with the cross is that God is not only not defeated by evil but is able to work through even the worst displays of human sinfulness to provide a redemptive possibility. The cross, which would have appeared to be the worst sin that humans could commit against the love of God, has become, instead, the very instrument of our redemption. This is the core truth of Redemptive Theology. As God made clear to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for (my) power is made perfect in weakness.”
RACISM DID NOT SURPRISE GOD
In applying the truth of redemptive theology to the issue of white racism, there are several aspects that need to be noted. First, Redemptive Theology assumes that God is omniscient and therefore knew from the beginning the nature of humanity and the effect of sin on God’s creative purpose. God knew the nature of the church, and the sin of racism is not a surprise to God who called the church into reality within this culture. God knew from the beginning that racism would be a part of the American culture and therefore a critical aspect of the community of faith within which God was working God’s saving work.
GOD IS NOT DEFEATED BY A SINFUL CHURCH
Second, Redemptive Theology also assumes that God is omnipotent and is not defeated by sin but intentionally incorporates the reality of sin into God’s plan of salvation. For example, when David was confronted with his sin by God’s prophet, Nathan, David did not live in denial but confessed his sin before God. For narrative purposes, the canon saw Psalm 51 as an expression of David’s confession before God. While humanity suffers for their sins and the sins of others, as seen in the death of Bathsheba’s child and would later be seen in the disintegration of David’s family, God can transform even sin into a redeeming possibility. David and Bathsheba have another son, Solomon. This son will provide the family line from which Christ will be born. Matthew emphasized this aspect of God’s redeeming work in the genealogy with which he began his gospel, which in contrast to most genealogies not only included women but made a point of including women such as Bathsheba who had questionable qualities in their lives. God could use even the sin of adultery for a greater purpose.
DON’T DENY REALITY
With respect to racism, God’s saving work within the church is not experienced by denying the reality of racism but through discerning what God is doing by incorporating the reality of the sin of racism into God’s saving work. There is hope not because racism is insignificant but because God is not defeated by it. In what way can the redeeming power of God work through the reality of racism in our churches?