thredj wrote:
Wes,
I do agree with you on your point that the primary focus of the church is to preach the gospel period. And yes God will choose whom he will choose and send to our churches whom he will send. However, I think that your statement regarding racial diversity in the church leading to affirmative action programs, etc. in the church is a slippery slope argument.
I didn’t say racial diversity would lead to affirmative action programs
if we focus on the Gospel and welcome those who the Lord calls to join us in worshiping Him. I said
“if we make racial diversity our focus” it can lead to thinking like our government and developing entitlement programs and affirmative action to create equality. Believe me this does happen when we make diversity our focal point. We can end up trying to favor some over others to make them feel a part of the church. (James 2:1-13)
I've had some personal experience in this area when a family that joined our church viewed the deacons in the same way as they view the social security welfare office. When they came they brought a certain mindset to the church from their background and it created a challenge for the body of believers who didn't understand that mindset. I'm using this illustration as a sample of the kind of issue that can arise from a different background. In this particular case the family needed to learn about money management not just receive financial assistance. So the deacons needed to develop a new program to address this need.
The government has programs which are intended to solve some of the issues relative to race. I hope we can all see and agree that many government sponsored programs have actually hurt the very people they are intended to help. The church needs to do a better job by ministering to the spiritual needs of whoever inters its doors irregardless of race. This means we're going to have to understand those differences and learn how to address them.
TJ wrote:
I DO see the need for racially diverse churches especially reformed churches. Tell me, how many Reformed Black or Hispanic churches are out there? Or how many Black or Hispanic believers are there who have never heard of or been taught the Doctrines of Grace? Do I believe that God will call whomever? Yes, and as a black man I am thankful for God's mercy that He reached out to me, but it causes me unrest to know that there are many black churches who have been either led into error or have not been taught properly.
I understand what you are saying about needing racially diverse churches but I would phrase that a little differently than how you did. I would say we need churches that reflect the mind of Christ and can look past racial differences. It would mean we wouldn’t use the terms a Black Reformed or Hispanic Reformed church but a church that truly represents the Body of Christ with the mind of Christ.
I also agree with you that there aren't many Reformed churches among blacks and hispanics. IMO there just aren't enough good Reformed churches to go around. We are a significant minority among Christian denominations. Not only in the inner city like Paul points out but in many rural areas as well. Just pick a town somewhere in the USA and ask James to do a church search in the Church Locator Forum and I think you'll see what I mean. Realistically we need to build inter-racial, multi-culteral relationships right where we are. That's why my church is diverse. We happen to be located in a changing neighborhood and we decided to stay (rather than move) and minister to those who move into the community.
Wes
