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WHY DIVERSITY AND CULTURE IS IMPORTANT IN THE CHURCH PART 2
Kris Vallotton
August 24, 2022
DESERTED TOPICS IN THE CHURCH
Discrimination is a topic that has been dodged in the Church and deserted in the meeting places of our congregations for far too long. We’ve become comfortable with our calloused hearts regarding the topic of racism and culture
and stay stuck in our box of comfortability. But, I’d propose that prejudice grows in the roots of the unknown; where lack of understanding and self-protection robs us of the nourishment diversity feeds our souls. Fear of rejection drowns our souls in the assimilation of the environment around us until we are unrecognizable. But, is this what God intended when He created every tribe and tongue? That we would become judgemental of those who are different from us? Or is this also rooted in fear - the fear of the unknown or of being uncomfortable?
The truth is, “God has made of one blood all the peoples of the earth” Acts 17:26. So if this is true why do we let cultural barriers keep us from practicing family with one another? Is it the fear of prejudice or is it that we have not been taught how to break the barriers of racism and create family amongst a variety of people groups? I’d propose as a global Church, it is time for us to become more curious than afraid. It is time to grab hands with the ones that look different from us, not for the sake of “diversity”, but for the sake of unity. The world is in desperate need for the Church to arise and shine as a unified family embracing one another even in the differences because without them we lack the beautiful expressions of God. Let me be clear, we don't have to be the same to be unified
— I am not asking you to be me or me to be you. But, I am proposing there is a way to live linked in unity with our neighbors from all different walks of life in a way that builds connection and acceptance and heals the generational wounds of discrimination.
I recently sat down for an insightful conversation with Jamila Page, the multi-cultural ministry and BSSM pastor at Bethel Church on the topic of cultivating family amongst various people groups. Several weeks ago we shared the first part of this conversation
but realized we only just scratched the surface on this vast topic. After our conversation, I knew I needed to have Jamilia back so we could dive deeper into this desperately needed conversation.
BUILD FAMILY AMONGST VARIOUS PEOPLE GROUPS PART 2
LEARNING EACH OTHER'S STORIES
In my conversation with Jamila, I asked her to share some practical tips for building family amongst various people groups. Jamila's response was simple yet incredibly profound: “I want to encourage us to relate to one another and seek to find the commonalities behind our differences”, and
“I want to encourage us to accept what we hear without a desire to change on another.” These are statements I could not agree with more. The simple yet profound moments we have with people determine whether we will anchor in love and compassion or in judgment and rejection. I encourage you to seek to truly love your neighbor as yourself, seek to find commonalities, and sit with them in the differences. Make room for the awkwardness, and welcome the discomfort as you learn their story. The fear of stepping on each other's toes won’t be as great if your connection is rooted in love.
Have you ever found yourself in the midst of life's chaos, desperately needing a break, clarity, and a spiritual reset? Picture it like halftime – that pivotal moment when the coach steps in, recalibrates the team, and sparks a turnaround. The game isn't over; this is a chance to come back stronger and claim victory! In recent weeks, a resounding message has been echoing in my heart and mind: January is the Church's halftime! Our divine Coach is calling us to the huddle, to draw close, and let Him fine-tune our game plan – our values, thoughts, and behaviors. Amid the noise, He's inviting us to step away, knowing that leaning into these divine moments will catapult us into the second half, ready for victory. And in this game, we already know the final score – He wins!
Gen Z, labeled as the seemingly lost generation to Christianity, and Gen Alpha, the digital natives immersed in screens, stand at the crossroads of an era defined by the rapid evolution of technology. As they navigate the evolving landscape of identity, both personal and global, a crucial question reverberates: "Has the Church lost this next generation?"
Have you ever grappled with the intersection of an unwavering belief in a supernatural God who releases healing from heaven and the pragmatic world of science and medicine? Perhaps you've found yourself standing at the crossroads, fervently praying for a miracle yet receiving healing through the hands of a compassionate doctor. It's a tension many face—the delicate dance of faith in God's miraculous power juxtaposed with the gift of modern medicine. What if there is no tension at all and there is actually a beautiful integration of faith and science?
