Racial Reconciliation: Grace (God’s Reconciliation at Christ’s Expense) Relations
Breaking news stories concerning race relations are alarming. They speak of racism, white privilege, police brutality, black lives matter, blue lives matter, all lives matter, immigration, social justice, and black evangelicals leaving white evangelicals. The political, cultural, and racial/ethnic polarization within the U.S. and much of the world has deepened distrust, anger, hatred, fear, and division.
Similar results are characteristic of many churches as well. The emotions are intense and the name-calling is inflammatory. Enlightening and encouraging conversations are rare. Many believers are discouraged about the state of race relations in the church.
We are at a critical point in our country and world. Communities and churches are looking for honest, respectful, encouraging, and enlightening interactions that lead to gospel-centered efforts to transform our communities for the glory of God.
The complexity of a radicalized culture demands biblical discipleship and models that affirm that we are Christ’s disciples. “By this all people will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). As biblical counselors, we want to focus on creating communities of light rather than simply cursing the darkness.
In the book, One Race One Blood that I co-authored with Ken Ham, we presented the biblical truth that all humans share a common ancestor in Adam. Furthermore, all believers are one by virtue of being in Christ! I authored a chapter in the book entitled, “Grace Relations.” Grace relations seek to encourage believers and promote diverse and loving relationships. These relationships are guided toward united efforts to evangelize and disciple people from every nation for the glory of God! We dare to dream that God’s grace is sufficient to make the 21st century the century of reconciliation. We are one!
Grace Relations and Reconciliation: Believers are One New Race!
All believers have been reconciled into one body – a new race. “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” (Eph. 2:14–16).
In Christ we are one, but as long as we live in a fallen world, we will have fractured relationships. Thus, biblical counselors are needed to shepherd believers through the process, maintaining and manifesting the unity God has established.
The Grace Relations Vision: Crafting Your Personal or Institutional Dream
The Grace Relations model is based upon a gospel-centered biblical foundation that addresses race relations from the perspective of God’s grace. It is based on forgiveness and the intentional pursuit of peace, trust, unity, and loving relationships. Through Christ, God’s grace enables us to overcome anger, distrust, and polarization. Rather than blaming one another, we unite to bring holistic solutions to problems within our communities and churches.
Grace Relations training works participants through the Grace Relations DREAM, which encourages participants to explore the following questions:
Dream – What is your biblical dream relationship?
Reality – What is the present reality of your relationship?
Expect – What challenges and encouragements do you expect as you pursue your dream relationship?
Applications – What practical applications can you make to pursue your dream?
Measurable – What measurable 30-90 day goals can you set to move toward your dream?
Grace Relations Dreamers (Leaders) are Needed
“This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known…” (Eph. 3:6-10).
Crossroads Bible College started a new initiative to disciple more leaders in the grace model. The Urban Leadership Initiative (ULI) aims to train leaders who will bring unity to the body of Christ in the context of theology, grace, and race. The ULI will bring about community transformation by encouraging and building the capacity of leaders – particularly urban leaders. This is done through conferences, seminars, workshops, and consultations.
The vision of the ULI is to change urban communities, one leader at a time. We envision Grace Relations dreamers being energized, equipped, connected, and resourced. These pastors, church members, and community leaders will model and equip others to disciple multitudes in the Grace Relations model.
Grace Relations Calling for Partnerships
The pursuit of grace relations can be lonely and costly. We must continue to love one another and minister our diverse gifts to one another. Networking and partnerships are critical. Sharing our successes, failures, and questions provides collective wisdom and motivation to persevere.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Pet. 4:8-10). We minister grace to one another.
Grace Relations Resources
Many of us will agree with and be inspired by the Grace Relations model. It is biblical and gospel-centered. However, most of us will struggle to find resources that teach and model healthy grace relations. Where can we find diverse theologians, authors, and senior leaders of whom we approve? Most of our churches and educational institutions have limited diversity. Are there diversity discussion groups where we can be honest and transparent without being rejected? Are there any positive multi-ethnic partnerships? What will work in my unique context? Is the pursuit of racial reconciliation worth my time?
Biblical counseling has a growing international family. We have begun discussing and writing on this critical issue. Biblical diversity issues are being encountered by biblical counselors in the U.S. and internationally. It may be time to add a course on the topic in biblical counseling conferences.
Grace Relations will seek to gather resources, such as speakers and consultants, written materials, social media, networking opportunities, and consulting. No one will reach everyone, but each of us can reach somebody. God has made us interdependent rather than independent. Let’s create and promote communities of light for the maturing of the saints and our testimony before a watching world. Grace – not race – relations produce the most loving and lasting relationships. We will spend eternity together!
Question for Reflection
What is an example of a community of light that you are aware of or have participated in?
