Dear White Pastors,
It’s not too late to toss your planned sermon and spend this Sunday morning naming, lamenting and leading your people to engage in anti-racism.
You already recorded your Sunday sermon? It’s okay. Switch to Facebook live. Use social media to let people know. Speak the names of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others who have been murdered. Lead with boldness and courage. Name, lament, pray, repent, challenge and invite your people to walk in the way of Jesus.
People will be offended? Yes, many white congregants will feel offended or uncomfortable, but it has never been your job to make your congregation feel comfortable. The discomfort which emerges is a natural response to spiritual challenge and to an invitation to spiritual growth and transformation. Discomfort is a good thing. It is a catalyst for discipleship and change if you continue to lead them. I assure you no discomfort your white congregants feel is greater than that of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile and all those whose lives were taken. I assure you, no discomfort your white congregants feel will be greater than the discomfort and pain congregants of color experience in our deafening, violent silence and continued inaction.
People aren’t ready? Your white congregants, many of them, will never be ready. This is why you MUST lead, disciple and shepherd your flock. There will never be a “perfect time” which will reduce the discomfort of discussing racism. The “perfect time” is a myth which is rooted in the idol of comfort. Jesus doesn’t call us to a faith that is comfortable. Jesus calls us to a love, relationship and an active faith that is radically, counter-cultural and selfless. Our Christian birthright is discomfort as we live out the radical love, hope, generosity, mercy, and grace of Jesus in the relentless pursuit of Shalom.
You don’t know where to begin? It doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to fill an hour. It can be 20 minutes. It can be 10 minutes. Do it afraid. Do it imperfectly, but DO name this demonic sin of racism, repent, lament, intercede and stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of color. Do sit, linger in lament for the time it deserves. Do pray for the wisdom and courage to find a new way forward. Do let this be the beginning of a new way of worshipping in unity and solidarity every single day as you pursue justice. Do let this be the beginning of discipling your people in anti-racism. If you are already doing the work of anti-racism in your church, do commit your hearts to following Jesus and overcoming this evil again and chose to commit yourself to this pursuit, surrendering to Christ, each day.
Don’t let your silence become violence to someone’s soul this Sunday. I can assure, no topic you’ve picked is more important than this.
Praying for you this Sunday as you speak up, use your influence and lead your people.
It’s Time,
Kim
Picture Credit: Joshua Cotton