As you begin reading, you should know that I write this reluctantly. On Friday, I was on the phone with a long-time friend who asked me if World Impact puts out statements when national events involving racial injustice occur. I told him typically I do not because I would have to write one every week and I have a ministry to lead. So, this is not an official World Impact statement. It’s simply one man’s opinion, and it starts with a spoiler alert: I have the uncanny ability to tick off all sides and I’m sure this commentary won’t be an exception.
We serve a wide constituency at World Impact with varying theologies and political views. I am a product of the African American Church who has spent 29 years in white evangelical circles, so it is what it is. I do not know if I will say much the next time this goes down (and there will be a next time) because my mode of operation is to work behind the scenes. But I am going with the moment.
Every time racial injustice happens it hurts me, yet this situation hits me differently. When I read the background story of George Floyd it affected me more than usual for a few reasons.
First, I am a former urban church planter, and I have known many George Floyd’s over the years. The hood is full of them, generally good but imperfect people (like all humans) with great hearts who are often overlooked. Second, I loosely recall connecting with one of the pastors mentioned in the linked article when they launched the church George attended in Houston. Things tend to take on deeper meaning when you have a personal stake in them, however small.
However, the biggest reason is how George Floyd’s death has sparked nationwide riots in so many cities. I have very personal and emotional memories of riots sparked by policing gone wrong. In April of 2001, Timothy Thomas, a nineteen-year-old African American with a history of nonviolent misdemeanors, was shot and killed by a Cincinnati police officer. His death caused outrage, riots, and civil disobedience, resulting in millions of dollars of damage.
Amid it all in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred (Over-the-Rhine), my wife and I started a church we named River of Life. At the time, Over-the-Rhine was the second most violent neighborhood in the country. And although I no longer serve as pastor of River of Life, two decades later the church continues to be a beacon of hope, exhibiting what God can do when people from all walks of life work together for the advancement of both the Kingdom of God and the common good of the community.
There is a direct line from that experience to my present role as president of World Impact. We exist so that the George Floyd’s of the world will have church homes. And speaking candidly, most churches are not set up to serve a George Floyd or his neighborhood. There are not many people lining up to pastor in communities of poverty. We’re like that saying about the Marines – the few and the proud. We are a rugged group with a natural affinity for one another, filled with caring, compassion, and great confidence in what God can do.
Based on my experience and academic study, here are some thoughts I believe can help as we each process the events happening now:
We cannot ignore the role of the Church
In this age of the “cancel culture” individuals, institutions, and groups are publicly shamed for demonstrating and too often, simply affirming an unpopular opinion or cultural value. When mass disapproval of this behavior occurs, they are “cancelled.” If you participate in social media, you have seen this in action. At the very least, this leads to bad short-term publicity for the “offending” person or people; long-term it often means a loss of influence. However, most of the time there’s just aimless outrage. The body of Christ is not immune to this.
Often, many “cancel church” when it comes to justice. The world does not need another Christian critique about the difference between social and biblical justice because there is no difference. Likewise, we cannot write off entire traditions like evangelicalism – every tradition is filled with blind spots: all have sinned and all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:21-31).
Some are quite vocal with their criticism and critique, and there is a place for that. But there also is a danger zone where criticism reaches such a fever pitch that it becomes crushing accusation. We need to be mindful of this because Satan does not need any help (Revelation 12:10).
God cannot be pleased with this tendency toward accusation in our Christian culture. After all, the Church is the bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). Crossing the line from critique to accusation leads to undervaluing the Church and turning to things like politics to play a role it was not built to play. This seems to be birthed out of disillusionment and/or an unclear view of the purpose of the Church. Politics has its role, as it is a way to practice advocacy; but only the Church is the way.
We cannot get tired
I have seen many comments from dear colleagues I deeply respect who express the sentiment of the great Fannie Lou Hamer, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.” I certainly understand, as someone who has been at this for 29 years. We can be sick of injustice, but we cannot get tired of fighting it because according to Galatians 6:7-10 refusing to do good while weary is the only way we lose. Speak humbly with all who may need your perspective to process current events and keep the faith; some will act upon your words and insights to make the world a more just place. And it will result out of your interactions.
We must combine right belief with righteous action
Every time civil unrest happens, we see the meme pop up with the quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. saying, “A riot is the language of the unheard.” This line is from his speech entitled The Other America. Strive to understand what role you can play to enable positive and long-term change and then seek opportunities to get involved regularly – not just when events escalate. Dr. King was no fan of riots, but he understood why they occur. He was all about leveraging methods of nonviolence and keeping the focus on the long game.
Violent riots, as opposed to peaceful but committed protest, are a short-term reaction that brings attention to a condition; often at the expense of harming the very same communities, people and causes involved. They are a product of the environment. In much the same way you can tell when it’s about to rain, it isn’t that hard to know when conditions are just right for civil disobedience. George Floyd’s death was the latest of far too many who have died unjustly, and unnecessarily.
My hope and prayer is that this tragic situation might finally open the doors to deep, meaningful, and sustained action among individuals and communities that differ greatly but share a love for our nation, desperately want real change, and seek to honor God. There is too much at stake for things to stay the same.
Dr. Alvin Sanders is the President and CEO of World Impact. Read more from Dr. Sanders.
Image source: Nijalon Dunn / Courtesy of Resurrection Houston
