I have been a fairly consistent and often annoying advocate for racial diversity and reconciliation in the SBC since the day I met Dwight McKissic.
It was at the SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando in 2010, and Dwight walked up while I was talking to someone else. I’d heard him speak many years before and he had read some of my posts at sbcIMPACT, where I blogged at the time. Dwight offered a resolution or motion (he can probably remember the details, at my advanced age, I cannot) which failed and I sought him out. He pointed something out to me that day, something I simply hadn’t noticed. He said that during the entire convention he’d been watching and there had not been a single person on stage who wasn’t white.
I knew that the men in charge that year weren’t racists, that they hadn’t made a decision to keep Blacks, Hispanics, or Asians out. They just went with who they knew and who they knew was other white guys. I realized that if we were going to achieve racial diversity, we would have to advocate for it.
So, I made a promise that day to my new friend. I told him that I would lend whatever voice I had to the cause of racial reconciliation and diversity in the SBC. I have tried to keep that promise for the last eight years.
- I wrote on the topic and challenged SBC President Bryant Wright to seek diversity in his appointments. I received a letter from President Wright promising me that this would be a priority for him. It was.
- When the church in Mississippi fired its pastor for inviting black children to VBS, we went after that hard – and took heavy fire in return from those who refused to accept the clear evidence of racism.
- We took strong stands on issues such as the Confederate Flag and the Alt-right resolution. You don’t believe there are still racists in the SBC? You should see some of the stuff I deleted out of our comment filters. Wow. Many of these came from people claiming to be deacons and Sunday School teachers in SBC churches.
- When we got a chance at the plate during the 2017 Pastors’ Conference, we did something that no Southern Baptist Conference had ever done, not counting those specifically designed around ethnic groups or racial themes. Half of our twelve speakers were minorities. We didn’t trumpet that – we just let these six men proclaim God’s word powerfully and accurately.
I say all of this to make my convictions plain. I’ve taken a stand that has made a lot of people mad at me. I have been accused of race-baiting and I’ve learned a new NSFW vocabulary from the love notes of the hateful racists. I have offended many with what I’ve said and for the most part, I am not sorry. The SBC drags its feet too often. One man last week, in response to the noble action of Georgia Baptists in disfellowshiping a racist church, said, “Well, I’d like to hear the church’s side of it.” Far too typical! Some will always side with those who resist racial progress. We are going to continue to confront such things to advance the cause of racial diversity, racial unity, and racial reconciliation in the Southern Baptist Convention.
We cannot stop because God commands us, because racial reconciliation is a gospel imperative.
The Bible and Racial Reconciliation
God is at work to gather a people from every tribe and language on earth to bind us together as one people to worship him eternally (Revelation 7:9). Though the nations of earth were torn apart at the Tower of Babel, the Spirit of God baptized and indwelled ONE BODY (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), healing that human rift. The Spirit is given to unite us around a higher principle than those earthly things that divide us. Money. Nationality. And Race! We have a Spirit-empowered unity in Christ that can overcome all that divides us in this world.
And Jesus died, according to Paul, to tear down those human walls that we construct, one purpose of the gospel. The Jews and Greeks had hostile racial divisions, but Paul, in Ephesians 2:14, said that Jesus was “our peace, who made both groups one and tore down the dividing wall of hostility.” Jesus came to save sinners, yes, but he also came to gather those disparate individuals into one body, blasting away their their cultural pride and human prejudices and building “one new man” called the church. Jew and Greek. Rich and Poor. Black and White (and every shade in between).
So, I promote racial harmony because the Bible commands it and Jesus died to accomplish it. If Jesus died to break down the walls of hostility why would I not work to do the same? How could I do less when I know that is the ultimate purpose of the work of Christ – to unite the redeemed into One Body.
Of course, I also do it because when I think of the pain that White America has inflicted on Black America over the centuries, it makes me nauseated. No, I didn’t do it and so I can’t confess the sin myself but all that is holy I can devote myself to trying to correct it. I want to be a part of the solution.
- While I love and support law enforcement I will not turn a blind eye to the abuse of the civil rights of minorities and I won’t pretend that these things don’t happen. “All lives matter” can never be an excuse for brutalizing innocent minorities.
- I will not listen to the “best man for the job” jargon anymore. Are we saying the “best man” has always been white? There’s never been a qualified minority? Maybe we need to shine some light on this until when finding the best man for the job we consider people of all races.
- I am going to continue to beg White Baptists to stop demanding that Black Baptists fit in with us if they want to join us. We have thrown open the doors and said, “You are welcome if you think like us, vote like us, acts like us, and do things like us.” True reconciliation means we seek to understand each other and accept one another, even with our differences.
How long will this process of reconcilation take? It won’t be over soon. But perseverance is a biblical virtue. If we keep showing love for 50 or 100 years, I’m guessing things will change.
But, On the Other Hand…
But the rhetoric in the racial reconciliation discussion has been overheating and the teakettle seems like it’s about to explode.
Can We Turn Down the Volume?
After the wonderful MLK50 conference last week, social media became a gigantic dumpster fire. Complacent people sometimes need a shock, but some of the things I have read make me cringe. Sure men without godly character have spewed the nonsense you’d expect. But people of wisdom and calm are tossing verbal bombs!
- Many Black Christians are frustrated at the resistance they sense among evangelical Christians to racial progress.
- Politics has become explosive. While many White evangelicals are enthusiastic Trump supporters, many (most?) minority Christians see that as a betrayal. This may explain a lot of the anger.
- White Christians long for a world they loved and see slipping away. Many of the changes demanded by the racial reconciliation movement are threatening and cause fear.
- Many White Christians are increasingly frustrated at being called racist or obstructionist when they do not believe they are. Articles such as those that Thabiti Anyabwile wrote recently strike a negative chord among a lot of White Christians.
We Christians love to imitate the Jesus of Matthew 23 and the one who overturned the moneychangers tables. We want to be just like MMA Jesus. But the Jesus was laid down his life without a word, the one who commanded that we “turn the other cheek” and “love your enemies” is not so popular. But that is the Jesus we are to imitate.
We are brothers and sisters in a dysfunctional family – the church. We badly need “Another Counselor” to fill us and do some therapy, but we are still a family and we need to treat one another with familial love.
Racial conversation is always going to be difficult and painful, but can we not dial back the rhetoric a notch or two? We are going to have to say some tough things to one another, but speaking the truth in love will help.
Can We Ask for Some Grace?
We need some grace, my African American brethren. I’ve tried hard to understand your experience but I will never get it fully. It isn’t who I am. I have tried to see issues from your side and get why you feel the way you do, but sometimes I can’t see why you think as you do. I question what you say and even disagree. But sometimes we are scared to voice those disagreements because we don’t want it to sound like we are against reconciliation. We need to be able to discuss these as part of the family of God – I guess we are back to the rhetoric thing now. Too often, when we have questions or even disagreements, we end up feeling as if we are being painted in negative light. I know this isn’t just me, from conversations with others. racial obstructionists. If we don’t always understand your urgency or your passion, it isn’t always because we haven’t tried. We wear different sunglasses and the world doesn’t always look the same.
We have trouble understanding where you are coming from sometimes, even when we try. This is not going to be easy. But it is God’s command and we cannot give up. We need your grace and I hope we will be generous with ours. Black and white in America has been graceless and that needs to change. Only the Spirit of God working in us can change it.
Facts Are Our Friends
Too often, our tone and our rhetoric swallow up the truth. I have witnessed discussions in which both sides spoke as if their version of the facts was uncontested. Yet those facts differed completely. We don’t get to pick what facts we want. Just because someone said something that supports my view, it doesn’t make it right. We should search the Scriptures to form our ideas not seek Scriptural support to proof-text our preconceived ideas. Of course, everyone says that. It is harder to do.
As Christians who serve the God of truth, truth matters to us and we need to serve it faithfully. We cannot lose accuracy in the heat of argument. We must do real research – both biblical and factual – to support our views.
Even Glaciers Move
Glaciers appear stationary, but they move slowly. The SBC can seem like a glacier – one that is both cold and unmoving. But we are moving.
When I pastored a church in Virginia in the 80s, I was shocked at the racism I encountered there. I was told recently that the church now has black members. Progress! Ethnic churches are the fastest growing segment of the SBC.
I know it must be frustrating to African American pastors to see our glacial progress, but it is progress. This racial reconciliation glacier is digging a channel and the changes, though slow in coming, are deep and they are permanent. As frustrating as it is, please don’t give up.
This glacier is moving slowly, but it is moving.
This is pretty good. I recall having difficulty with process in the MS/VBS situation.
No road forward is without difficulty. I’m guessing we will see some before or during this year’s annual meeting.
The message of racial reconciliation resonates in my heart for one reason, imagio Deo. Before the PC police changed it, the children’s song went “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight!” In His image, God made us…ALL OF US!
The one area I have trouble with is the idea of advancing black leaders (or Hispanic leaders, or Asian leaders, or Native American leaders) over white leaders in an attempt to make up for the past. Perhaps my struggle is that I’m a part of a generation who actually thought we were all equal since birth. My grandparents were a part of a segregated society. My mom and dad grew up in the desegregation era. There’s was a generation of uncertainty and fear, of choosing a path of anger and hatred or a path of love and equality. Sadly, both of my parents rode the fence. This had a negative impact on me in my adolescence. Yet, by far, I was a generation that saw everyone else as my peers.
I understand how pushing to have more minority leaders can aid in minorities seeing our desire for reconciliation as an entire race. However, I don’t see it as Biblical. Christ doesn’t extend us forgiveness based on our promise for working to make up for our past. He gives forgiveness for our sincere repentance of our past and our promise to walk a Christian life from now on.
This is my promise as a white Christian. When minorities come to the church I Pastor, they will be treated as a child of God. I will not draw extra attention to them or place them on a pedestal. They will be treated as I treat any child of God. When minorities show potential as a church leader (elders, deacons, teachers, etc.), they will be trained and advanced as I do any other. When I attend a meeting (SBC, state convention, local association, etc.) and a minority is put up for vote in a leadership position, I will cast my vote based on their experience and qualifications. Fred Luter ran unopposed, but I would have voted for him regardless based off his commitment to advance Christ in post-Katrina New Orleans, based on his qualifications, not his color.
We are blessed to have a convention full of great and potentially great leaders. However, if we start electing people based on color, or the lack thereof, instead of qualifications, we do ourselves, our convention, and His Kingdom a great disservice, not to mention harming actual race reconciliation by making the color of one’s skin the determining factor for leadership positions.
Recently, there has been discussion of advancing a minority, specifically an African American, to the post of IMB President. Let me tell you if this is a good idea. Bart Barber gave us a great list of qualifications for this office a month or so back. If there is a minority that fulfills those qualities, or at least most of them, AND has a vision for IMB, then I’ll be glad to cast my vote…on qualification, not skin tone!
Overall I agree with the tone of this article. I know many who are not opposed to racial reconciliation. Their concern is the rhetoric being used and the force it’s being used with.
Practically speaking, those who say “we cannot wait” while they may be right, they may end up in failure too. Often when an idea is forced it is vomited back up. Those calling for the rhetoric and pace to slow are not seeking to “preserve their way of life” or continue their racism. No, there is a legitimate concern that the progress desired by many will fail longterm because the progress was forced. Sure, one may get their progress now, but at what price? If I cook a pot pie in the microwave versus the oven there is a difference in taste.Sure, it’s a bad analogy, but you get the point and by waiting 55 minutes I end up with a better meal.
Does this mean we can’t speak about it at all? No!
As Dave said, this is a glacier topic and it will take time to melt, even more time than many desire. So speak, but give grace and receive grace from those who disagree with you. Allow the topic to be discussed and not debated. Many who voice their concerns are not looking for a debate. This approach is a failure of social media. Rather, many do agree, they want to discuss it, they may even are willing to change their position.
So, when one’s small point of disagreement is dismissed then the division continues and the glacier only gets harder. If we can’t find loving (not hate-filled) diversity in our discussions then we will struggle to reach them in practical living
Mike Chitwood: I am not comprehending the thought on your comment. I don’t think we can wait and how long does it take to simply treat all people regardless of skin color as human beings and include them in Southern Baptist church life? Leadership roles? It’s 2018, a few months from being halfway to 2019. I do disagree with what you are saying as this “forced” idea has been going on for hundreds of years if not longer. So how long do you think it takes to just say no matter what resistance is taking place, we are going to unite with all people of color and ethnicity. We will not endorse the Confederate flag or many other things that cause those not white uncomfortableness and even grief, pain? Isn’t the time now finally? I wouldn’t classify calling for unity and the time is now as rhetoric and question why you do.
Debbie, thanks for your reply.
First, let me clearly state that I am for equality. I do not support discrimination. I view each person, no matter their demographic, as a glimpse of my Creator because they were created in the imago dei. Therefore, please here that I believe we want the same things with equality, but we may disagree with the means.
Remember, disagreeing is fine. If we do disagree then great discussion can be had as long as we don’t assume the wrong things about one another. Disagreement actually can then bring about refinement. So, just because we disagree with the means doesn’t mean we can’t collaborate and reach the same ends.
That said, the reason why I’m asking us to be careful about the speed and the force related to this advocacy is not that I don’t think it can’t be advocated, but if we are not careful then it can be undone just as quickly. There are many modern and older historical examples where change took longer than expected, but it lasted as opposed to rushed. No, I don’t like the fact that we’ve waited this long. No, I don’t want inequality now. But, I also don’t want it undone in another generation because the change occurred on a foundation that could have been more stable.
Do I then know how long it will take to make the change? No! Do I like the fact we’ve taken so long to institute the change? No! But we can’t make up for lost time overnight. If so, I fear it won’t last. If it would last then I would all be for the change under right theological and practical means.
If any answer I can give now I’ll state that change is ready when there is a true mass groundswell within the SBC. If then the groundswell is not ready it’s time to mirror Paul’s example in Philemon where who appealed over Onesimus (who was once a slave) by doing so on the basis of love. Paul states that he wanted to be bold, but he knew that love was more important and lasting. So, if we desire to be bold to build the groundswell, then let’s build it, but with bold love. A bold love that openly discusses points of disagreement so we can lead towards collaboration. Rhetoric that assumes or is always correcting someone who we disagree with may be bold, it may be loving, but it may not lead to collaboration either.
Finally, I would ask you to be careful of the assumptions you make regarding me. When you wrote, “We will not endorse the Confederate flag or many other things that cause those not white uncomfortableness and even grief, pain? Isn’t the time now finally? I wouldn’t classify calling for unity?” No where in my initial comment did I endorse harm towards others. No where did I support the Confederate Flag. Sure, you may have meant it as an “example” but be careful the assumptions you make. Openly I do not support the Confederate Flag to the point I refused to chip in on a Christmas gift for a family member because it revolves around the flag. So be careful of your own rhetoric so that it doesn’t assume!
Mike Chitwood: I appreciate your response, but I reread my comment and no where does it appear in the reading of my comment that I accused you personally of anything other than wanting to slow down what I think should be a no brainer on the part of any Christian. I still disagree and think we should just stand for these things as a organization because even if those without Christ don’t like it, they will be more likely not to exhibit acts of racism. The church does have power over society even if they say we do not. The SBC being an organization made of several churches, both mega and small, has even more power. The church was silent and some endorsed separation based on the color or the skin, and it was the silent ones that unknowingly or knowingly gave their endorsement to the mistreatment of the black community. Those outspoken and endorsing segregation and the mistreatment used scripture to back their opinion. But what it was according to Alan Cross’s book which I am now reading, “When Heaven and Earth Collide, which I recommend highly, the people did not want to give up their lifestyle. I think that is still the case.
First, again thanks for continuing the dialog. It’s important we do so on this issue.
Second, my point of concern was when you interjected the Confederate Flag. I can see that you did not mean it towards me, but you also left ambiguity where one could jump to a conclusion that I supported it.
Third, I have read Alan’s book. In fact, I read it when he and I both were pastors in Alabama together. I bought it before he announced it’s released and meticulously read through it during it’s first few months of release. Alan and I’ve met over coffee many times and talked about his book and race relations. We are friends and he and I were having our very discussion over text the other day.
Also, I too have pastored a church in Montgomery where Alan too pastored. So these ideas are not new to me. Rather, I’ve embraced a Gospel-centered approach towards racial reconciliation for years, even when Alan was still a pastor. In fact, it is that book and the Montgomery church I pastored why I think we need racial reconciliation, but need to be careful the means.
For example, the church I pastored was chronically conflicted. Had a huge opportunity to reach out to the African-American community in Montgomery based on their location. However, each generation failed in this area because they wanted to “preserve their way of life.” This fact then carried over into other areas and issues to the point where they then were arguing over unresolved sin and hurt stemming from segregation, etc. Each pastor then tried to come in with the “quick solution” that only brought about more hurt. This microexample, while it may not apply perfectly for every race-related situation, reminds us that if we don’t take groundswell steps along the way then things can be quickly undone.
I’m not arguing at at against the SBC taking a stand. But remember, the SBC is a bottom up organization. The SBC doesn’t dictate to a church what it believes nor it members. Each church and member voluntarily agrees to partner on the same things together. The merit of this can be debated, but that’s the DNA of our denomination.
So while the SBC could take a stand through another Resolution, an appointment, etc. It still doesn’t account for the momentum in the ground swell of each church and member. Again, I’m not against taking a stand, but for that stand to remain we stand a better chance of the change happening from the bottom up, with a ground swell.
Our denominational DNA is why the progress will continue to be slow and will be slow, if we like it or not. Personally, I don’t like it, but it’s probably how it will go. So let’s partner with those who have the same goals, debate the means so we can partner together, and not fight another in the process.
Meanwhile Mike Chitwood, 2018 passes, then 2019 etc. and it never gets changed. Sometimes I think the avoidance of something is meant to stay the same while avoiding a fight. Sometimes those who say they are avoiding the fight are just as happy in the current way of life, although they are against racism and segregation, mistreatment etc. Just something to think about.
What is going to stick and work is to stand against injustice to other human beings. It’s not always easy, but in the United States where we have the freedom to do such things, it’s not difficult either. It’s not those of us who stand against such things that are looking for a fight, but those who do not want to be challenged possibly will. This is evident in the Alt Right fiascos that resulted in a death.
Debbie,
What injustice and who is doing it? I mean in the SBC? If they are against racism and segregation and mistreatment and etc., are they the ones perpretatating injustice?
Thank you, David, for this balanced and reasonable post. My only concern with the current trend, in light of Anyabwile’s article as well as JD Greear’s recent post, is that we are in danger of descending into a form of “hyphenated Christianity”. Jesus and the gospel transcends race and when we start realigning our rhetoric with descriptors that subtract from the purity of the gospel message, then we tread on very dangerous ground. My extended family is extremely racially diverse and we have never had trouble worshiping the risen Savior with each other.
We are a hyphenated culture.
We all have our cultural biases and ways. Christ doesn’t make us stop being who we are but unites us as individuals around who HE is.
The Spirit doesn’t do away with our unique personalities or backgrounds, but calls us to a unity based on a higher principle, an eternal calling.
Burwell Stark: Why is the word rhetoric used so often in comments. It’s more than rhetoric and I would think Anyabwile would know more about this topic than you or I would, or any white skinned person. Dr. McKissic would know more for obvious reasons, don’t you think? Yet I have seen the word rhetoric used more times in comments concerning this particular subject. That bothers me.
Thank you, Debbie. You asked about my usage of the word rhetoric. I believe you are assigning a moral value to a word that I used in its literal sense. Rhetoric is defined as persuasive speech or words. Anyone who attempts to persuade another employs the use of rhetoric; the term itself is neither good nor bad. That is why I chose to use it.
Do not misunderstand me, I am not discounting Anyabwile’s or McKissic’s experiences or perspective. As a southern white male I know that white privilege exists. This is a conversation my brothers-in-law have had on numerous occasions, they are both black and neither are originally from America. I definitely believe inherent racism needs to be addressed and confessed for the pervasive sin that it is. My one concern is that we are in danger of subdividing Christians in ways that the Bible does not. Yes there will be people gathered around the throne from every tongue, tribe, and nation, but I believe that speaks more to God’s amazing grace than it does an Eternal ethnic identity.
Burwell: Rhetoric also means “language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect on its audience, but often regarded as lacking in sincerity or meaningful content.” and this is the definition most people mean when they use the word. I just think a better word could be found to use, that is unless this is the meaning intended. 🙂
How many SBC Pastors even think of racial equality in the SBC or even in their churches? I am not asking this as a point of these men being racist but rather thee men are in a position that doesn’t cause them to think of this need. Would many of our faithful to the Word SBC Pastors who have never dealt with this even know how to approach it in their churches?
Just wondering… I have a sabbatical to schedule and I am considering seeking a place to interim for a month. A place where the culture is not all white (in my case – all Americans). I am praying about working through my IBC to fill a pulpit for that amount of time – to love on the people of different nations and encourage them the best I can.
NOTE – Only 2% of my church is American, so being in this atmosphere is normal and awesome. Such an atmosphere is not normal for many SBC pastors. It could be a great learning experience. I will have difficulties returning to the states and not being in a racially diverse church.
1 – Would any of the Pastors here be interested in such an opportunity?
This was not intended to sound like an advertisement and the IBC does not have a ministry set up for such. I just am aware of all the pastorless churches in their organization. We work with the IBC, as all of you work with the SBC.
Thanks Dave. Just this morning I was having a Bible study with a bunch of mostly SBC deacons and businessmen. In our discussions the topic came up about how almost everyone bullied Jews as kids. It was mentioned that the predominately white private schools were started as a direct result of busing blacks into predominately white neighborhood schools. I was told that inter-racial marriage was not of God. I think in our generation we have made great strides, but the journey is long. I never hated minorities and as fate would have it, I grew up as a white minority in an Asian country where “skin tax” on the whitey was a normal. So, I can understand racism a bit. I wholeheartedly agree that we need to be proactive in racial harmony. Dr. Gaines on Sunday said from the pulpit of Bellevue BC that “We are not a white church, we are not a black church, we are not a brown church, we are a Jesus Church!” He purposely celebrates every minority who joins the church. I can see the “color” changing around Bellevue (Memphis is a predominately African-American town, but SBC churches are mostly White). He’s proactive. . . .and slowly the iceberg is moving. I greatly respect him for his efforts. Keep forcing the issue!! Great article.
Dave, thanks for your well spoken and considered words on racial reconciliation. Some of your post relates specifically to the Southern Baptist denomination (i.e., glacier analogy). Family leaders would also benefit from reading your post. These are the God appointed leaders that can move quickly to achieve kingdom objectives spoken of in Galatians 3:28-29.
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
When Jesus returns and sets foot on earth we will all learn how quickly changes can be made.
As for my family, we will continue to move toward this Kingdom model (Galatians 3:28) by taking up the cause of the oppressed in our society (blacks, slaves, and women) to participate in Christ’s kingdom with freedom and equal rights, including participation in all positions of leadership.