2021 Top Shelf Book Cover Award Winner
2022 ECPA Christian Book Award Finalist for Ministry Resources
Race is one of the most pressing issues of our time; how should pastors tackle it from the pulpit?
In this collection of essays, issues of race and ethnicity are explored from a variety of perspectives, offering guidance to pastors on how to address those topics in their own contexts. Each builds on a foundational passage of Scripture. With contributions from Matthew D. Kim, Dhati Lewis, J. D. Greear, and more, Ministers of Reconciliation offers practical and biblically faithful approaches to the subject of race.
“The doctrine of the image of God teaches us that all people have inherent value, worth, and dignity in God’s eyes. No person is worth more or worth less. Regardless of color, race, ethnicity, gender, and other possible human distinctions, every person deserves respect and equal treatment by virtue of being made in God’s image. How we celebrate the image of God will look differently in each ecclesial context, but one practical way to celebrate the image of God in every culture is, as you preach and lead worship, not to draw attention to a person’s race/ethnicity in the first or even subsequent visits.” (Page 8)
“We often claim, in a well-meaning attempt at unity, to ‘not see color,’ but God sees color. To imagine it away is to not behold God’s intricate design described by David. But to see color is to embrace the beautiful kaleidoscope of color in this new kingdom of God. This is what God is doing, this is where we are headed, this is the work of Jesus.” (Pages 18–19)
“The Hebrew word ‘Cushite’/‘Cush’ is used fifty-five times in the Old Testament, almost always in reference to an ancient and powerful African kingdom located along the Nile River just to the south of Egypt.” (Page 23)
“God never intended for people to have dominion over others. Only God is in the position to have dominion over us all” (Pages 6–7)
“‘If the church fails to apply the central truth of Christianity to social problems correctly” (Page 90)