Race Issues in Adulthood

Racism expresses itself in many different ways, but it has served to undermine the essential unity of all God's creation, suggesting a superior and an inferior race. The Christian message concerning racial and ethnic diversity is clear: we are one in Christ. God asks, "What will you do with Jesus?" not, "What is your racial or ethnic background?" Did you know that there are more than three thousand African-American churches in the Southern Baptist Convention? Their annual growth rate of 13 percent annually exceeds all other groups in the SBC, including Hispanics. One in four Americans is a member of an ethnic minority.

God desires that everyone should recognize the essential relatedness of all persons. No one is above another; all stand together—women and men, young and old, disabled and healthy.

The key to building relationships among ethnic groups is understanding and respecting cultural differences. These differences occur in every facet of life. Gender roles in the family, attitudes toward work, worship styles, and language differences are approached with diverse perspectives among the races. A lack of respect and acceptance of this diversity causes churches to fail with attempts to reach many people groups.

Debra Berry, Woman's Missionary Union consultant, suggests a bridge builder for predominantly African-American congregations. Women on Mission "Sisters Who Care" is a strategy to strengthen the role of their missions organizations. The word sister resonates in the African-American community, where Christian women are sisters through their mutual faith in Christ, ethnic heritage, and as members of God's creation. You can order free resources for "Sisters Who Care" by calling 1–800–968–7301.

How can believers in Jesus Christ work to recognize and eliminate racism in the church and the world? In a practical way, how can believers enhance reconciliation and become bridge builders? Mike Lundy, who works with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, suggests these ways:

• Stand up for Christian convictions about racial and ethnic reconciliation.
  
  
• Establish and maintain communications among ethnic groups in the community.
  
  
• Enrich fellowship among ethnic groups within associations and state conventions.
  
  
• Encourage pastors to preach on racial/ethnic reconciliation.
  
  
• Witness and minister to all racial groups.
  
  
• Establish partnerships with ethnically different congregations to do the work of Christ.
  
  
• Broaden the ethnic diversity of congregations.

AdultApplication: Does your church community have an unchurched ethnic group living within five miles of your building? If yes, how are these people different from your church members? What needs to be done to reach these people?