Racial Unity
"Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit."
- Ephesians 2:11-22
The biblical vision of a “new humanity” drawn from every tongue, tribe, and nation is appealing and inspirational. It also requires deep and honest reflection, lament, repentance, restoration, and intentional relationships when we recognize that many among us have not experienced the reality of the multi-racial kingdom community the Lord provided for. With “healthy dissatisfaction,” we seek to serve those impacted by racially based partiality, discrimination, and violence.
Justice
"Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
- Amos 5:23,24
Oppressing the innocent, depriving the poor, decisions that are based on status, wealth, or influence, this is the reality for many. The Almighty clearly puts a distinct focus on the “least of these,” the poor and hungry, the widow and orphan, the displaced and oppressed, the “foreigner” and the imprisoned … those who have been abused and dispossessed, including the poor. Out of His righteous, just character, the Lord levels the scales and empowers us to lift the burdens of others.
Inclusion
"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."
- Galatians 3:27-29
Female/male, young/old, Jew/Gentile, rich/poor, all have been welcomed into the family of God, through Jesus. We understand that all are gifted by the Spirit and called to be all the Lord calls them to be. To experience the reality of this equitable, impartial kingdom community requires those who will impartially walk with, disciple, and champion those who are called to places of service and tables of decision, be they young or old, male or female, from every ethnicity and background.