More Than What You See

“The leadership [in multicultural churches] is especially intentional in ensuring that multiple cultural traditions shape its preaching, teaching, and worship on a daily basis.” (Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes)

Reading Dr. Walker-Barnes's article this evening struck me especially hard. I preached a message on the importance of community at my church this past Sunday. While I am an African-American woman raised and matured in the traditions of the African-American Baptist church, my church is overwhelmingly cultured by middle-class, white, American, values. So for 36 minutes I carefully and, as responsibly as possible, delivered a sermon that would help the congregation engage in community with others as a faith practice.

Due to the culture of my church, my preaching style with them is vastly different than I'd ever preach at my faith tradition and practice of origin. There was no whooping celebration to culminate the end of my sermon as is customary in my own upbringing. I didn't ask the keyboardist to put me in Bb so that I can close using rhythmic syncopation to drive home the point that Jesus had community and we find the fullness of ourselves when we walk with others too. I didn't walk through Jesus's 3 years of ministry nor the passion narrative. I altered my preaching style to fit the fish that was in the room. In the words of Paul, to become all things to all people that I might reach some (1 Corinthians 9:22). I did what is necessary for any homiletician that engages in multicultural context. The Lord was generous. The Spirit agreed. And the message went over well. A large number of people signed up to join a small group after service that day.

Afterward, one of our African American elders came up to me and said, “She always thought I was a preacher, but today I proved to be a teacher and that was so much better.” And as the insult of her compliment stung me to my core, I politely replied, “where I’m from there is no such thing as being a good preacher if you’re not a good teacher.” Her “compliment” was confirmation that she thought I had finally assimilated into the teaching traditions of my present church and laid down the traditions that had cultivated me to this point. What she didn’t know is that I wasn’t assimilating, I was code-switching so people would embrace what the Lord had for that day. What she didn't understand, was that in spite of some intentional efforts, this congregation was not yet multicultural enough for me to show up and be true to my own culture.

To the church bringing in POCs to your non-multicultural congregation to help you be multicultural...The price we pay to help you see God in a fuller light is more than you can imagine. What we choose to lay down so that the majority culture has the opportunity to pick up something different, is often something we have cherished. Traditions that we push to the side as to not become a spectacle for majority culture amusement, are not things we've forgotten. All of this is done consciously, not by accident, and not without mourning the loss. Never assume we’ve forgotten who we are, just because we know you can’t handle seeing it. And becoming more of what you can handle, is not a compliment to us, it is just a reminder that we've lost something ourselves.

So how do you express appreciation without offense? Just give the compliment. You appreciate the message. The worship song blessed you. The food was good. Refrain from making comparisons between stylistic preferences. Remember what they did to bless you, or the majority of the room, cost them a dear price. Thank them for the gift, without remarking on what you perceive they give up to be less valuable. This will show honor where honor is due without diminishing their cultural value that is different from your own.

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Walker-Barnes, Chanequa. "Why Multicultural Churches Fail, Part One." Bearings Online. Collegeville Institute. Published: May 31 2018. https://collegevilleinstitute.org/bearings/why-multicultural-churches-fail/

Never Alone

We see this refrain (or its equivalent) in Scripture over 75 times.

We see it personally concerning the loss of loved ones. Whether it was by their choice or someone else’s. Whether it was through death or relational conflict. We see moments where the loss is personal and God’s response is the same... “I will never leave you nor forsake you...” (Deut 31:6,8)

We see it prophetically. It can be a lonely place when God has positioned you to do a work that will prompt others to do good that seeks justice, rescues the oppressed, defends the orphan, & pleads for the widow even when culture, politics, and the favorable responses of people say otherwise. And even when others don’t understand what God is saying or showing, and you feel unheard and misunderstood, God's answer is the same..."I will never leave you nor forsake you..." (Jer 1:8)

We see it professionally. After the new hire honeymoon is over. After the great idea goes south during implementation. After you made an earnest but not repetitive mistake. After the layoff hit your desk or even after you were justifiably terminated. After being looked over for a promotion or receiving a warped evaluation. After getting project orders that you feel ill-equipped to perform. The answer is the same..."I will never leave you nor forsake you..." (1 Chron 28:1-20)

We see it concerning provision. When you live generously but the windows of heaven seem shut. When family members take advantage of your heart. When your kids are looking for gifts under the Christmas tree. When you ponder on what life would be like if you were able to meet all your needs and maybe even some wants. God responds during that frustration the same way..."I will never leave you nor forsake you..." (Heb 13:5)

During this season, we are reminded, that no matter what we are going through, we serve Emmanuel. He is God with us. Through personal loss, prophetic loneliness, professional distress, and provisionally lack. He is still Emmanuel. Where do you need Emmanuel to step in today and remind you that He is still present and in control?

A Gift that Outlast the Rest

Tonight we were driving down the street and Charity, my middle daughter, was in the midst of telling me a story about something that happened in the Trainer's Room today after track practice when "Jesus We Love You" by Isabel Davis came on. She immediately stopped, said "this is my song," and turned it on full blast. The next song came on and she kept singing. And then the next song continued the pattern.

I thought to myself, parenting is a journey full of mistakes, misfortunes, and moments where we wish we got a do-over. And although I've experienced all of those, I am thankful that through all of that my girls learned the power of worship, prayer, and serving. They are a glaring reminder to me, especially at this time of year, that parenting is not solely about what we

can give them monetarily, although that has its place. As Christian parents, it is most incumbent on us to give them a language to communicate with God that is louder than everything else that is screaming at them in society.

In two days, and truthfully some of it has already started, the season of "parent guilt" for some us will become very loud. You might wish you can do this or do that. You might be tempted to take out loans or max out credit cards to buy gifts you cannot afford. For some, it won't be that extreme. For some, you will wait in a line for a holiday food box or Christmas donation. Before you get too down...let me encourage you. I've been there. More than one year. And more than two. While it is painful now, remember that every gift you give them they will outgrow, except for the gift that speaks to their spirit.

I'm not saying parents should not want to give their children presents at this time of year. You should! That has its place. However, before the parent guilt starts I want you to know that whether you give them one present, five, or fifteen, the things that they will remember the most have no monetary value. They cannot be bought or sold. They can only be taught and shared.

This Thanksgiving. This Christmas. This holiday season. If you can't give your kids anything else, please make sure to give them Jesus. He will outlast everything else.