So I was emailing back and forth with my buddy Richard about reconciliation stuff in Huntington. Some pastors are actually talking about this pretty seriously now, which totally gets me stoked. I felt for a long time that we neglected this sin issue while we were there. So I had some ideas for this based on some stuff I’ve seen here. I’m also opening this up to my SA friends to comment and add to it. So here’s some stuff…
1. Get connected with faith communities of different races in nearby towns. Spend time in leadership circles together, and actually worship with them in their community (and vice versa). This is happening in Jo-Burg with a community called “Clay Pot“
2. Spend ample time from the front discussing what true reconciliation looks like (that may require some deep inner looking at the leaders’ hearts first I’d imagine!)
3. Focus small groups around this to discuss and raise awareness within these groups about how they may have underlying prejudices.
4. Youth pastors working in the high school (your ministry together has impressed me so much)… get into this with students. I fear much of the issue lies there.
5. Get in touch with people like Dr. Charles Ware (who is based in Indianapolis). I’m sure if you sent him or any of his affiliates an invitation into this difficult field for reconciliation, they would jump at the opportunity to assist. (Huntington is a tough one, and an adventurous soul would enjoy taking on the challenge I’d imagine).
I’m sure there is so much more, but this could get things rolling a bit more strategically. SA friends, please comment!!!
HU has invited John Perkins, author of Let Justice Role Down, to speak. I’m trying to see if we can’t get a section of chairs blocked off for high school students who might be interested in hearing him.
I think taking it slow and building true relationships are key. The moment it morphs into a program is the start of the end. BTW I discovered your blog today and added you to my google reader list.