Why Racism Is A Ministry Issue

Marathon Youth Ministry exists to create healthier leaders and stronger ministry structures that will commission the younger generation of disciples to share the Gospel throughout the world. If we’re going to have healthier leaders and stronger ministries then we need to address everything that impacts it. This post is a step back from what we usually write because I believe what’s happening in this country involves us all. If you are in charge of a ministry, then it’s essential to address issues like racism because it impacts (directly and indirectly) the people we serve.

I believe we have to talk about this issue because, like all sin, racism divides. Healthy churches unify communities by bringing all people together. And no matter your role in the church, it’s essential you contribute to the change by:

DOING A BETTER JOB OF LISTENING

A healthy youth ministry is one that not only listens to young people but the world that surrounds them. Right now, our teens and children are witnessing a world that is coming unhinged. If we’re not listening to the pain of our brothers and sisters who have been victims of racism, then we can’t help the young church process what they are seeing. If we don’t take the time to be genuinely empathetic to the victims, then we’re telling the young church that God doesn’t care about the rest of the world.

Listening can be difficult because it means putting others first. When we listen, we’re surrendering our ambitions to accompany others. While listening requires sacrifice, it’s worth it because it will show others that Christ is present. So, before you move on to the next youth ministry game or plan a retreat, ask yourself, “Have I been listening?”

MAKING OURSELVES REAL UNCOMFORTABLE

I used to use where I lived as a reason not to engage in racial or immigration issues. Recently, that’s changed, but it had to be a choice. See if we’re going to use our ministries as movements to fight the injustices of the world, we have to be willing to seek discomfort. It didn’t change until I decided to get involved with a prison ministry that serves juveniles (For more check out UnCuffed Ministries website HERE). As you can imagine, most of the young men and women we serve are African American or Hispanic.

Those first couple of encounters with the inmates were painfully awkward. I had no relatable personal stories. I struggled to find ways to say, “Not only do I care, but I understand.” It was hard until I started asking questions, admitting to my ignorance, and listening to their story.

Unfortunately, I’ve used my discomfort as an excuse not to reach all the people in my mission field. It was too hard, but now I know that needs to change. If we want to increase our parish’s presence in the community, then we have to move from the comfort of our church walls and choose to sit face to face with others no matter how uncomfortable that might be.

OWNING THE PROBLEM AND SOLUTIONS

Whether I like it or not, I’m a part of the problem when I do nothing. I don’t have to say anything racist to still contribute to the sin. My silence means I don’t care, or it’s not significant, which is so far from the truth. As leaders, we have to be willing to own the problems and brokenness that lives in our parish boundaries. If we ignore it, then we’re adding to the problem.

The hard part about owning the problem is feeling the pressure to have a solution. As ministry leaders, you don’t have to have the answers, but you should allow the opportunities for them to emerge. Give your community a platform to discuss and dream. Allow voices that are never heard to be heard. Your ministry is an opportunity to cultivate solutions and educate others about the real-world issues occurring.

SURRENDERING OUR WHOLE BEING TO GOD

Racism is a sin, and the only way to battle it is with God. If we want God to guide us through this situation, we have to surrender our pride. We need to allow God to lead us into the discomfort and mold our hearts to be empathetic and understanding. Not only do we need Christ, but so does our community. That’s why, during times of tragedy, we need to invite others into prayer. We have to pray for the oppressed and their oppressors. We need to ask for the Holy Spirit to help us repent and make better decisions.

I struggled to write this post because there is still a lot of swimming around in my mind. There are so many layers to pull back. George Floyd’s death is not a wake-up call; it’s a moment we’ve captured in an ongoing reality. We don’t have to wait for this to repeat because it’s still going on in our world. So, I encourage you to step up, speak up, and recognize that how we fight racism is a part of your ministry.

Please feel free to leave thoughts or comments