- Resource Types
- Resource Languages
- Institutional Repository
About Site Language
WHDL is viewable in multiple languages. Use the pull-down menu to select a language to view the site.
I changed my language, but I’m still seeing resources in the other languages?
If a resource or text has not been translated into your selected language, it will appear in the initially added language. We are always looking for help translating these resources. If you can help, contact us!
WHDL - 00021476
The Church of the Nazarene is an international denomination. Yet, in the United States, the church is mono-ethnic, mainly in membership and mindset. The influence and practice of racism throughout history have directly affected the formation of our current church structure. Consequently, ministry to the minority ethnic culture in local faith communities is lacking. For example, Phoenix First Church of the Nazarene, the faith community I currently serve, is ethnically White, while our community is ethnically diverse. This project addresses the following questions: (1) How does the church begin to break down the barriers and biases caused by racism and the formation and reproduction of racial ideas? (2) How do these barriers keep the local church from moving to a more multi-ethnic model of ministry that reflects the diverse neighborhoods and cities where God has planted us? (3) Is it possible for local communities of faith to be intentionally anti-racist and to reflect the Kingdom of God in all its diversity truly?
One possible path forward is educating church communities about racism by utilizing the rich theology from Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision of the beloved community. This new knowledge fostered can provide space for communities to work towards honest repentance and biblical lament. To address these questions, we will explore the history of racism in the United States and its influence on the church. We will uncover how the church has been complicit with and complacent to racism and discrimination. Lastly, we will address how the local church can intentionally address racism and racist ideas to reflect better the ministry and mission of the Kingdom of God. Through the biblical practice of lament and the kingdom vision of the beloved community, as given to us through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this project seeks to carry on the church’s imagination to become a more beautifully diverse community through education, honest reflection, and lament.
This resource is viewable by all users of the site, and is reproduced here with the permission of the author, who owns the copyright.
76 Resources
Student Dissertations/Theses
2023
2022
2022
2022
2022
2024
2022
2022
2022
2023
2022
2022
2022
2023
2022
2023
2023
2024
1976
2023
2003
2023
1952