{"id":31284,"date":"2022-09-10T15:24:18","date_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/help-the-next-generation-value-racial-diversity-in-gods-kingdom\/"},"modified":"2022-09-10T15:24:18","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T20:24:18","slug":"help-the-next-generation-value-racial-diversity-in-gods-kingdom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/help-the-next-generation-value-racial-diversity-in-gods-kingdom\/","title":{"rendered":"Help the Next Generation Value Racial Diversity in God’s Kingdom"},"content":{"rendered":"
Aaron Burden photo – Unsplash <\/p>\n

By Dorena Williamson<\/em><\/p>\n

Today\u2019s kids ministry leaders have a ripe opportunity to teach the next generation God\u2019s truth about racial identity.<\/p>\n

On the heels of a pandemic children are aware of the recent deaths of unarmed men and women, witnessing protest marches, and looking for affirmation and answers.<\/p>\n

As beloved children of God, I encourage leaders to go back to the A-B-C\u2019s with these basics that can help shape foundational conversations.<\/p>\n

A: Ask<\/strong>\u200b<\/strong> God for help<\/strong><\/h3>\n

He\u2019s the designer behind all our beautiful shades of humanity. He created us on purpose and will guide us in this important work if we ask (James 1:5).<\/p>\n

B<\/strong>\u200b: Bias<\/strong>\u200b must be checked<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Whether innate or learned, preconceived perspectives impact how we view and treat others.<\/p>\n

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The church is built of living stones of varying races and cultures, and as leaders, it is vital that we perform regular bias checks and repent when the Holy Spirit reveals prejudice in our hearts.<\/p>\n

All children deserve leadership that views them as precious image-bearers.<\/p>\n

C<\/strong>\u200b: \u200bConfess<\/strong>\u200b <\/strong>your sins<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Confession is all through Scripture, but it\u2019s particularly hard for many to confess the sin of racism and acknowledge its collateral damage.<\/p>\n

Healing and wholeness are on the other side of confession (James 5:16).<\/p>\n

Leaders who confess the sin of racism are humbly acknowledging their need for a Savior. And isn\u2019t that what our children need to see!<\/p>\n

D<\/strong>\u200b: \u200bDiscipleship<\/strong>\u200b is the goal<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus gave us the commission to make disciples of all ethnic groups and teach them to observe His commands (Matthew 28:19-20).<\/p>\n

Training our children to love their neighbor, to honor one another, and celebrate each other as His marvelous creation takes ongoing discipleship.<\/p>\n

Jesus modeled this in His earthly ministry and we can invite children to imitate this as a way of life.<\/p>\n

E<\/strong>\u200b: <\/strong>Empathy growth<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Lauren Casper\u200b says it beautifully in Loving Well in a Broken World<\/em>: \u201cWhile it certainly requires more work to empathize with those whose journey differs from our own, it isn\u2019t impossible.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe may have to look more carefully, expand our worldview, open our ears and homes and hearts, but we can empathize with others, regardless of our differences.\u201d<\/p>\n

F<\/strong>\u200b: \u200bFight<\/strong>\u200b supernaturally with prayer<\/strong><\/h3>\n

In the struggle against racial injustice, we wrestle with a supernatural force of Satanic strongholds. He is the father of lies who knows that young hearts open to the light of truth can demolish systemic racism.<\/p>\n

Fight on your knees knowing the victory has already been won.<\/p>\n

G<\/strong>\u200b: Consider <\/strong>\u200b<\/strong>generational<\/strong> \u200b<\/strong>values<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One generation shares God\u2019s mighty acts with another (Psalms 145:4). Generations unfortunately also hand down racist values.<\/p>\n

Remember that every child in your ministry is part of a family tree and thus has the opportunity to be powerful change agents that bear the fruit of righteousness and justice to the glory of God.<\/p>\n

H<\/strong>\u200b: \u200bHear<\/strong> \u200bthe stories<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the most powerful healing tools in bridge-building is listening to the lived experiences of others. Don\u2019t assume the children in your ministry have not already been touched by the trauma of racism.<\/p>\n

I know preschoolers who have been harmed by other young children mocking their skin color. The church should be a safe space where they feel seen and heard.<\/p>\n

I: <\/strong>Created in the<\/strong> \u200bimage<\/strong> \u200bof God<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Every human is made in the Image of God. In Beyond Colorblind<\/em>, author \u200bSarah Shin \u200bencourages us:<\/p>\n

\u201cYour invitation is to embrace your ethnic identity and to hear God\u2019s voice of kindness and affirmation of how He made you. When you know who you are, you will be able to learn about the distinctive values, expressions, and characteristics of your culture that reflect his image.\u201d<\/p>\n

J<\/strong>\u200b: Do<\/strong> \u200bjustice<\/strong>
<\/strong><\/h3>\n

God\u2019s passion for justice is seen from Genesis to Revelation. Children are the unfortunate victims of our unjust systems.<\/p>\n

If they\u2019re hungry, homeless, wading through trauma or neglect, we have the opportunity to not just care about their soul but advocate for the flourishing of their full human experience.<\/p>\n

Leadership may require your advocacy; step in knowing God is always on the side of justice.<\/p>\n

K: Knowledge<\/strong>\u200b is attainable<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Increase knowledge and racial awareness through books, movies, documentaries, and local museums. Do not burden people of color by asking them to be your personal teacher.<\/p>\n

Do your own work; honor and support those who have labored long in this work.<\/p>\n

L<\/strong>\u200b: Lament<\/strong> \u200binjustice<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Unity champion Latasha Morrison \u200bwrites\u200b in Be the Brid<\/em>ge<\/em>:<\/p>\n

\u201cAs agents of reconciliation, it\u2019s never too late for us to acknowledge and lament racial injustice. It\u2019s never too late to understand the historic depth of racism and to ask God to show his mercy and heal us.\u201d<\/p>\n

M<\/strong>\u200b: A<\/strong> \u200bmarathon<\/strong>, <\/strong>\u200b<\/strong>not a moment<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pursuing racial reconciliation and justice is a race of endurance, not convenience. It is not easy; if it were, more people would engage in it! Do not be weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9).<\/p>\n

N<\/strong>\u200b: Narrative<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\u201c\u200bI believe the true evil of American slavery was the narrative of racial difference, [the myth] that black people aren\u2019t fully human. \u2026 And because of that, I don\u2019t think slavery ended in 1865 \u2014 it just evolved,\u201d \u200bsays\u200b author and attorney Bryan Stevenson.<\/p>\n

Both American and world history show the atrocity that came from the narrative of white supremacy, the evil that normalized whiteness as better, and dehumanized others.<\/p>\n

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See also  4 Changes I’d Make If I Could Start Ministry Over<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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This evil spirit still resides in our culture and we must acknowledge and repent of it, root it out and prevent it from growing in our ministries.<\/p>\n

O: Opportunity <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Children are seeking answers, and if we don\u2019t provide sound wisdom, they will find contaminated fountains of corrupt philosophies that strip the humanity of others.<\/p>\n

Seize this ripe season to invest in precious young hearts. Share what challenges you, and where you find hope.<\/p>\n

P: Understand privilege <\/strong><\/h3>\n

The largely invisible network of any group, privilege is a connection to be shared for the purpose of building equity.<\/p>\n

White privilege means not having to worry about being followed in stores, by police, targeted, etc. because of the color of your skin (it does not<\/em> mean white people haven\u2019t suffered in other ways).<\/p>\n

Creative and honest communication about privilege helps children explore sameness, differences, and how to leverage and support one another.<\/p>\n

Q: Ask questions <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus used questions to gauge the hearts of his disciples and followers.<\/p>\n

Children absorb more than we imagine and questions reveal what they\u2019re pondering and keep you focused on what is pertinent to the ministry God has called you to.<\/p>\n

R: Race <\/strong>\u200b<\/strong>is a relevant topic<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Race is a human construct created to classify and justify the mistreatment of whole people groups. This broken and painful history still has a present-day reality.<\/p>\n

Terms like nation, tribe, and people are used throughout Scripture to speak of what we consider today as ethnicity, common ancestry, and shared culture or language.<\/p>\n

S: Plant seeds <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Conversations on race are planting seeds one at a time. Your role may be the planter, trusting that someone else will water.<\/p>\n

Be faithful and do not doubt the hidden work of the heart that God is accomplishing. We\u2019re merely God\u2019s coworkers (I Corinthians 3:7-9).<\/p>\n

T: Trauma <\/strong><\/h3>\n

In Healing Racial Trauma<\/em>, author Sheila Wise Rowe \u200bwrites\u200b:<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople of color have endured traumatic histories and almost daily assaults on our dignity, and we are told to get over it; we need healing and new ways to navigate ongoing racism, systemic oppression, and racial trauma that impairs our ability to become more resilient.\u201d<\/p>\n

If your ministry is racially diverse, be considerate and sensitive to the racial trauma that young ones carry.<\/p>\n

U: Be willing to be uncomfortable <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus gave a rather uncomfortable challenge to following Him: denial of self and carrying a cross daily. Building bridges across the racial divide requires resisting complacency and embracing discomfort.<\/p>\n

This goes against the American dream, but is essential for seeing God\u2019s kingdom and His will done on earth as it is in Heaven.<\/p>\n

V: <\/strong>Who does God <\/strong>\u200b<\/strong>value<\/strong> \u200b<\/strong>most?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus illustrated the Father\u2019s intentionality through parables about a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.<\/p>\n

The statement \u201cblack lives matter\u201d is a cry of a marginalized people who have not always felt they mattered in this country.<\/p>\n

History is filled with painful stories that question whose way of life holds the most value.<\/p>\n

Be aware of favoritism and the temptation to distance children whose behavior or stories pose challenges. Go after the one who feels lost, so they understand their value to you and to God.<\/p>\n

W: Witness <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus prayed that His believers would be brought to complete unity so that the world would see His glory.<\/p>\n

Remember that unity is not an event or a declaration, but a work that shows the beauty of the gospel that tears down walls of division and brings different people into the house of faith.<\/p>\n

X: Fight xenophobia <\/strong><\/h3>\n

The fear of strangers or supposed \u201cforeigners\u201d is based on ignorance and a lack of proximity.<\/p>\n

In our growing multiethnic world, children have a glorious opportunity to learn that differences can be curiously explored and graciously celebrated.<\/p>\n

Y: <\/strong>\u200b<\/strong>Celebrate<\/strong>\u200b <\/strong>year-round<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Dr. King\u2019s birthday in January is a great time to highlight racial diversity.<\/p>\n

February is Black History Month; May is Asian\/Pacific American Heritage Month; September is Hispanic\/Latino Heritage Month; and November is Native American Heritage Month.<\/p>\n

These are all wonderful opportunities to affirm the image of God on different racial groups and highlight their contributions in God\u2019s diverse kingdom.<\/p>\n

Z: <\/strong>We\u2019re marching to <\/strong>\u200b<\/strong>Zion<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Growing up, we used to sing a song about marching to Zion, the beautiful city of God.<\/p>\n

In Revelation 7, we get a vivid picture of racial diversity; a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, surrounding the throne in praise.<\/p>\n

The specific descriptions that John gives are exciting; this multitude retained their ethnic and racial identity in heaven!<\/p>\n

We don\u2019t have to wait for heaven to praise God with our diverse kingdom family. The opportunity is before us.<\/p>\n

Leaders, do the good work of planting seeds in these important conversations. God will give the increase and He will find us faithful.<\/p>\n

DORENA WILLIAMSON (@dorenawill)<\/strong> is a speaker, writer, worship leader, and pastor\u2019s wife in Franklin, Tennessee. She’s the author of <\/em>Colorfull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Dig Deeper at Lifeway.com<\/div>\n
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Colorfull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us<\/h2>\n

Dorena Williamson<\/p>\n

FIND OUT MORE <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Aaron Burden photo – Unsplash By Dorena Williamson Today\u2019s kids ministry leaders have a ripe opportunity to teach the next generation God\u2019s truth about racial identity. On the heels of a pandemic children are aware of the recent deaths of unarmed men and women, witnessing protest marches, and looking for affirmation and answers. As beloved … Continue reading “Help the Next Generation Value Racial Diversity in God’s Kingdom”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31284","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermons"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31284","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31284"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31284\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31284"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31284"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/sermons\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31284"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}