It’s Time for Something that Only God Can Do!
It’s Time for Something that Only God Can Do! A Message to the Church Regarding Racism and the Current Crisis in our Nation Rev. Dr. Mike...
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Resources on Racism
A selection of recommended resources to encourage congregations/schools to pray, listen, and act as it concerns racial realities within the church, our neighborhoods, and society.
Message to the Church Regarding Racism and the Current Crisis in our Nation
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod condemns racism and asks its members to combat it in the church and society. As such, Lutheran schools & congregations need to be equipped to intentionally address and teach such issues with their members, pastors, students, staff, and parents. The resources included below contain links to official documentation and resources from the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) as well as resources from other Lutheran and outside sources. All are available for use by Lutheran schools, congregations, and any other individuals and ministries who seek to learn and grow in their response to racism.
Additional Resources Recommended by
Rev. Dr. Roosevelt Gray, Director of Black Ministry – LCMS
The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door
by
Dave Runyon (Contributor)
​
Once upon a time, people knew their neighbors. They talked to them, had cook-outs with them, and went to church with them. In our time of unprecedented mobility and increasing isolationism, it's hard to make lasting connections with those who live right outside our front door. We have hundreds of "friends" through online social networking, but we often don't even know the Once upon a time, people knew their neighbors. They talked to them, had cook-outs with them, and went to church with them. In our time of unprecedented mobility and increasing isolationism, it's hard to make lasting connections with those who live right outside our front door. We have hundreds of "friends" through online social networking, but we often don't even know the full name of the person who lives right next door.
This unique and inspiring book asks the question: What is the most loving thing I can do for the people who live on my street or in my apartment building? Through compelling true stories of lives impacted, the authors show readers how to create genuine friendships with the people who live in closest proximity to them. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter make this book perfect for small groups or individual study.
What Can You Do?
What Can One Person/Church/School Do?
1. Examine your own thoughts about people of other races, and ask God to help you overcome any racist attitudes you may have.
2. Study the history and culture of other races to gain an appreciation of them.
3. Encourage your church to invite congregations of other races to participate in joint worship services.
4. Ask your church to sponsor community awareness seminars, where people of different races can come and talk about their own history and culture.
5. Invite acquaintances of different races to your home so you can begin to get to know them.
6. Check the hiring practices of local businesses to see if they reveal discriminatory practices against people of other races. Meet with the owners and ask them to consider changing these policies.
Other Helpful Scriptures
Bible verses about Race Relations:
Gen. 1:26-27, Gen. 3:20, Deut. 10:17, 2 Chron. 19:7, Prov. 24:23, Isa. 66:18, Mal. 2:10, Luke 10:29-37, John 4:7-10, Acts 2:5-11, Acts 8:26-39, Acts 15:6-9, Rom. 2:11, Rom. 10:12, Gal. 3:28, Eph. 2:14-22, Col. 3:11-13, 1 Tim. 5:21, James 2:1-9, Rev. 7:9-17
“Who IS My Neighbor”
I. A True Neighbor is Colorblind to Those in Need
II. A True Neighbor has Compassion for Those in Need
III. A True Neighbor has Compulsion (will to act) and is Committed to Helping Those in Need
Free Resource From Barna
Barna and technology partner Gloo have created a free Faith & Race Check-In for pastors and congregations. This includes two anonymous polls that can help pastors listen to and learn from the experiences of their peers, collaborate to respond with wisdom and facilitate constructive conversations in their own churches.
“Lutheran Voices on Racism” from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
Concordia Seminary Professor Leopoldo Sánchez engaged in theological conversation with Warren Lattimore and Micah Glenn, two African American Lutheran pastors, on how they have processed the events of the past few weeks since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, what are some factors that make it difficult at times for Lutherans to talk openly about racism, in what ways Lutheran theology contributes to our responses to the sin of racism, and what might be some practical ways of making a difference in these troubled times.
LUTHERANS FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
LRJ is a grassroots coalition of Lutherans. We’re a diverse group -- economically, geographically, and racially -- that is united by our collective desire to bring about racial reconciliation and reform within the congregations and communities of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
Dear Church, It's Time.
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