Jesus’ prayer was that we, His church, would be one and that we love one another. Recent racial tensions across our country offer the opportunity to begin conversations so that we may better understand and love each other.
Many resources are available and below you will find a few to begin your journey toward better understanding the Bible’s message of racial reconciliation.
(As you use these resources, please realize that, because of the complexity of these issues, different Christian viewpoints are expressed and do not, necessarily, fully express the viewpoint of Middle District.)
- Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation – Winner of the Christianity Today Book Award; NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER; bethebridge.com
“When it comes to the intersection of race, privilege, justice, and the church, Tasha is without question my best teacher. Be the Bridge is THE tool I wish to put in every set of hands.”
– Jen Hatmaker, Christian author, speaker, blogger, and television presenter
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, an update on elements of progress toward racial reconciliation within the institutions of the Southern Baptist Convention.
A national Christian ministry here in Richmond that exists to equip individuals, churches, and organizations with resources to effectively engage in the work of reconciliation. Arrabon means “foretaste of what is to come” because the Church should be a foretaste of a reconciled heaven to our divided world. The ministry provides live workshops and digital studies and is led by David M. Bailey, who was recognized in Christianity Today’s series, “20 of the Most Creative Christians We Know.”
Fischer recounts America’s racial history and gives current statistics that help viewers understand and discuss the cultural disparities that are now the focus of attention. This is up-to-date video is located on YouTube using the link above or the web resource of RightNow Media, a platform for Christian video training on many topics and includes other videos related to the gospel and racial reconciliation.
- Many Hues, One Humanity: a 12-minute video that provides practical tips for parents on how to talk to their kids about race.
- Raising Compassionate Kids: a 7-minute video that provides parents with ideas to intentionally cultivate compassion and empathy in their family.
A video sermon by Miles McPherson, NFL football player and founder of The Rock Church in San Diego. He shares insights from his book, The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation The Third Way. He believes that instead of choosing one of two sides, there is a third option—one that is proven to bring people together, mend relationships, and promote genuine peace in communities. In the book and sermon, Miles exposes common misconceptions that keep people at a distance and encourages us to engage with those who look different from us and expand our world. Included are practical takeaways and exercises to help understand the points of view of others. A book and sermon that inspires, encourages, and equips us to make positive changes in our country—starting with ourselves.
Co-authored by Mark DeYmaz, the well-known author and pastor of the multi-ethnic Mosaic Church, this workbook is structured around daily readings and thought-provoking questions. This workbook is a Christ-centered, biblically accurate guide that facilitates authentic personal exploration and small group discussion of race, class, and culture.