The colorblind approach assumes that all believers have their primary identity as Christians; therefore, no concession needs to be made for cultural differences.  Since we are all believers, our cultural differences should not matter.
~ The Next Evangelicalism by Soong-Chan Rah

The racial reconciliation approach asserts that significant sins have been committed related to the issue of race.  These sins cannot be avoided or swept under the rug.  These historical and social sins need to be dealt with when bringing the range of different races and ethnicities together as a worshiping community.
~ The Next Evangelicalism by Soong-Chan Rah

If you look at the core values of the church I attend then you will see that we emphasize being cultural inclusive as a small part of the whole picture.  For me, this is concerning. 

Do I love our church?  Yes.  Will I continue to attend it?  Absolutely.

I just feel that we need to emphasize the cultural elements of our congregation and our neighborhood a little more.  When I’ve made suggestions for this it’s been seen as being rebellious or that I don’t trust the leadership at our church.  My intentions are far from that.

My prayer for the future is that our church begins to confess the sins of previous churches that have come and gone.  I hope that we will be able to develop solid relationships with people of different ethnicities and ask for forgiveness on behalf of one’s race. 

I’m not trying to be overly critical, seriously.  My wife says that I’m at a point in my relationship with the church where I see our flaws…kind of like we do in our friendships/relationships.  So, communication and prayer is going to be important. 

Have you tried to make friends with someone and felt an immediate barrier?  Could this person have some sort of past hurt that’s come from your ethnic or racial group?  Would you feel comfortable asking for forgiveness, on behalf of your culture, even though you may not have had a direct reason for that hurt?

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Sincerely,
Peter Park
Blogger/Worship Leader/Speaker
peterpark@redemptionboulevard.com
(800) 453-3284