Dividing Wall of Enmity – REMOVED!

 

Christians = ministers of the gospel.

In light of the escalating racial tragedies in Baton Rouge, Minnesota, and Dallas, we as Gospel Ministers, have a responsibility to bring greater gospel clarity and comfort. The gospel makes it clear God has removed the dividing wall of enmity and reconciled all peoples into one multi-ethnic family in Christ (Eph 2:11-22).

Many of us are modeling heartfelt lament and leading others towards a godly response to racial injustice. If you’re a pastor or a ministry leader, take time to lead your church family and teams in praying for this reality to more greatly experienced in our cities through the Gospel being worked out through the Church. I encourage all Christians to take seriously our role as ministers of the gospel, and take time to listen, ask, and dialog with those in our communities. As the Church, we are agents of truth and the hope of the gospel to heal all wounds.

Here are a few resources I’ve found useful as I continue to pray and lead. Please share any initiatives or ideas you have in the comments below for the benefit of others.

I was in Portland a few weeks back and heard Sharad Yadav preach a compelling sermon on Racial Diversity and Unity in the Church.

Michael Sullivan assembled a summary and links from the Kainos Movement conference on racial reconciliation. Lots of great stuff there.

Chris Gonzalez and Kevin Platt have written a helpful guide for Missio Dei.

Soong-Chan Rah’s “Prophetic Lament” is a helpful guide in teaching the church to pray the Lament Psalms in solidarity with the oppressed.