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So much has changed since 2020, when many major issues created divisiveness around the country. Whether it was the COVID-19 pandemic, racial issues following the deaths of George Floyd and others, or cancel culture seemingly exploding overnight, people became extremely divided at a time when a sense of community could have been more valuable than ever, according to ARC (Association of Related Churches).
Many ARC churches faced these challenges, as well as trying to figure out how to keep their congregations together when they couldn’t hold traditional in-person services. While the pandemic has waned and in-person services have resumed, ARC church leaders are trying to wrap their heads around lower attendance figures and a new type of attendee.
During this time, two ARC churches decided to join forces to tackle healing divisiveness, with Authentic Church, led by Wayne and Claudene Francis, merging under the ministry of The Life Church, led by John and Leslie Siebling.
Here is their perspective on how healing can be done.
Rely on the Gospel
In a series the two ARC churches created called “Black Fists, White Knuckles: An Open-Handed Conversation About Race,” the pastors emphasize how racism is not something that was a problem in the past; it’s still a problem today.
The solution, they say, is relying on the gospel. The gospel, they say, sets us free. There is no reference in the gospel that white people should feel guilty because of their skin color or that Black people should be subjected to hatred because of theirs.
That being said, racism is more than just a spiritual problem — it’s practical and historical, too. As such, prayer alone isn’t the answer. Practical tools also need to be integrated so that people can heal from the divide.
Listen Longer
Another solid approach to healing divisiveness is ensuring that you listen longer. While all of these big problems rose to the surface more than three years ago now, there are still plenty of people who have something to say about them.
Instead of ignoring these voices, people need to listen more and listen longer. The ARC church leaders say that there are plenty of people who are ready and eager to listen, too.
Great advice on this topic can be found in James 1:19-20:
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
Codify Diversity
One powerful idea that these two churches did was codify a diversity statement into their practice. After all, God’s house is supposed to look like heaven, and heaven is diverse.
The Life Church’s organizational values state: “We’re building a house that looks like heaven.”
Building was a word that was deliberately chosen, as it’s something that takes continual work. There’s plenty of work that needs to be done.
The ARC churches say that organizational value statements should reflect what is seen in heaven. Diversity is one of the main factors that should be embedded into the DNA of the church, as it can serve as a powerful way to help heal divisiveness.
About ARC (Association of Related Churches)
ARC (Association of Related Churches) represents a collaborative network comprising independent congregations from various denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church planters and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus. ARC’s operational approach revolves around empowering and equipping church leaders, fostering the widespread dissemination of the life-changing message of Jesus. Established in 2000, ARC has evolved into a worldwide entity and has played a pivotal role in facilitating the establishment of over 1,000 new churches.
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Photo provided by the author.
