Ministers of Reconciliation: Preaching on Race and the Gospel

by Daniel Darling

Publisher:

Lexham Press

, 2021

How to Talk About Race

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.

Contributors include:

• Raymond Chang
• Daniel Darling
• J. D. Greear
• J. Daniel Hays
• Matthew D. Kim
• Dhati Lewis
• Bryan Loritts
• Ray Ortlund
• Joey Royal
• Juan R. Sanchez
• Jamaal Williams
• Lemanuel Williams
• Jared C. Wilson

Read more

Contents

Top Highlights

“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)

Contents

• Foreword by Russell Moore
• “Preaching on Race in View of the Image of God” by Matthew D. Kim
• “Known, Seen, and Designed by God” by Daniel Darling
• “Jeremiah and His Unexpected Rescuer” by J. Daniel Hays
• “Race and the Great Commission” by J. D. Greear
• “Building the Temple with Wisdom” by Lemanuel Williams
• “How God Addresses Our Prejudices” by Bryan Loritts
• “Engaging Communities with the Reconciling Power of the Gospel” by Dhati Lewis
• “Caring for the ‘Minority’ in Your Midst: Giving Greater Honor” by Raymond Chang
• “The Ministry of Reconciliation” by Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr.
• “The Gospel and Ethnic Justice in Galatians 2” by Jared C. Wilson
• “Reconciled under the Lordship of Christ” by Jamaal Williams
• “The Chosen People and Racial Reconciliation” by Juan R. Sanchez
• “Racial Reconciliation and the Victory of Christ” by Joey Royal

Product Details

• Title: Ministers of Reconciliation: Preaching on Race and the Gospel
• Editor: Daniel Darling
• Publisher: Lexham Press
• Publication Date: 2021
• Pages: 160
• Format: Logos Digital, Hardcover
• Trim Size: 5x8
• ISBN: 9781683594772

About Daniel Darling

Daniel Darling is an author, pastor, and leader. He was recently appointed as the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Dan is a bestselling author of several books, including The Original Jesus, The Dignity Revolution, The Characters of Christmas, The Characters of Easter, and A Way With Words. He is the general editor, along with Trillia Newbell, of a small group study on racial reconciliation, The Church and the Racial Divide and is a contributor to The Worldview Study Bible.

Dan is an award-winning writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications. He is a columnist for World Magazine, and a regular contributor to USA Today. His work is often featured in Christianity Today and The Gospel Coalition and his op-eds have appeared in The Washington Post, CNN, Washington Times, Time, Huffington Post, National Review, First Things, and other leading outlets. Publisher's Weekly called his writing style "substantive and punchy."

Dan speaks and preaches around the country and is regularly interviewed on radio and television, including MSNBC's Morning Joe, CNN, and Fox. He is the host of a popular weekly podcast The Way Home where he interviews Christian leaders, politicians, and journalists. He holds a bachelor's degree in pastoral ministry from Dayspring Bible College, has studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and is a graduate of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served churches in Illinois and Tennessee. He and his wife Angela have four children.