I know this is going to shock you, but I’m white. More importantly, I am a Christ follower. As the last year has unfolded and the race conversation has come to a head, I have to admit at times I am left confused. I believe the Scriptures call me as your pastor to lead us in hard conversations of consequence. I believe the Scriptures are clear that we are to speak out against injustice and speak up for those who are disenfranchised and treated unfairly.
But a lot of times, I simply don’t know where to start. I don’t know where I am being too political or too reactionary or in not saying anything, am I indeed committing the sin of omission? Is my silence a sin? Lots of questions. Lots of prayer. Lots of discernment.
Why am I bringing this up now? I believe sometimes we just need a place to start to explore the ways in which God might be trying to teach us something – or might be trying to reveal something to us – or might be trying to engage a different part of our spirit. If you are feeling lost in terms of where to start, I would like to invite you to join a conversation we are hosting in our sanctuary (only the panel will be in the sanctuary) on Wednesday night, February 10 at 7:00pm (prior info said 5p, but 7p is the correct time), livestreaming on our website, MPCLife.org. It is a diverse panel of pastors all seeking to engage a conversation about race that is Biblical, Scriptural and Spirit-led.
The panel has been meeting consistently for months and has conducted 4 conversations already – each of which has been fruitful, educational and edifying to the Body of Christ. I have been a part of all the conversations before our gathering and I want to say that I have come to admire and respect each of the people on the panel. They are wise, humble and God-seeking. My role in the evening is to host the chat room, engage those participating, and pass along questions to the panel for discussion.
I hope you will make time to attend (virtually) and participate in the conversation. And if you are a parent, bring your teenagers into the conversation as well. Join us as we engage the Body of Christ in a unique conversation that I think will stretch you and bless you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out and ask.
Peace,
Keenan Barber, Senior Pastor
