Black churches are burning again in America! By rough estimates, eight black churches have been set ablaze since the horrific #CharlestonMassacre two weeks ago. As an African American whose spiritual roots are connected to these institutions, I cannot explain the absolute horror that I feel inside. You see, I first caught the Holy Ghost in …
Category: Church
Race Relations Sunday: Have You Received Since You Believed?
The following is the text of the sermon that I preached this morning for Race Relations Sunday. The Bible reading is out of Acts 19.1 - 7, which was one of the lectionary texts last week Sunday. If you would prefer to listen to the audio, click here. I have been walking with Christ for over …
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Diversity, Oppression, and the God Who Hears
Here are a few pieces that I have submitted to other blogging networks over the last few weeks: Does the Church Really Want Diversity Over the years many American churches have expressed a desire to be more open to people of color so that we feel welcome in the congregation. The thought is that as …
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Maybe Jesus Isn’t a Superhero After All
Any ten year old American kid could tell you what a superhero looks like. Although they all have distinguishing characteristics, every superhero from Batman to Spiderman to Wonderwoman, bear one thing in common: the ability to save the day and beat the bad guys. They exist solely because oppression exists. Although Marvel comics didn’t exist …
Make Disciples of All Nations (and Then the Nations Came to Us)
As Jesus was preparing to leave the earth and ascend to heaven, He gave his disciples a few instructions called the Great Commission. Jesus directed his remaining followers to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching and baptizing them in the way of the Lord. For the last 2000 years or so, that is …
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The Church’s Role in a New Racial Justice Movement
Last week, the nation celebrated the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream Speech” during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Leading up to this event, numerous blog posts and articles abounded which raised awareness around the fact that de facto segregation and racism is still very much alive in …
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Ebony Johanna 