We encourage you to keep this conversation and exploration moving forward. We commit to being a positive voice in this space, as with humble hearts we seek biblical truth around difficult topics.
1- PRAY: All are welcome for a time of corporate prayer – Bethel Institute will host a dedicated prayer time on Sunday, Oct. 22 from 3-5P, in the Desert View Room at Bethel Richland (enter the outside doors labeled “View Rooms” and walk upstairs or use the elevator)
2- STUDY:Right Now Media Course
• Race and the Gospel (Bryan Loritts & Matt Chandler)
3- PRAY: Spend some time in personal reflection and humility – Lord, show me where I fail to see Imago Dei, Your image, in others. Are there areas where my vision is blurred and I don’t see my neighbors, co-workers and community as you do?” Change my heart. Make me more like You.
4- READ:
• The Bible (we know that seems obvious, but it’s always our starting point)
• Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations – Isaac Adams
• The New Reformation – Shai Linne
• The Warmth of Other Suns – Isabel Wilkerson
• The Gospel & Racial Reconciliation – Russell Moore and Andrew Walker
• Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0: Moving Communities into Unity, Wholeness and Justice – Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil
5- PRAY: Pray for our city, state, and country. May our churches be powerful influences when it comes to reconciliation and redemption, joining God in His Kingdom work.
6- WATCH: Movies can help us better understand different cultures and perspectives, as they present characters and difficult themes in an often compelling and thoughtful way:
Selma // Just Mercy // The Great Debaters // Hidden Figures // Antwone Fisher // Ruby Bridges
7- PRAY: Find another person or ask your small group to join in prayer with you about what God has been stirring in your heart related to what Isaac shared with us.
8- DIALOGUE: Join us for a book study conversation at Bethel, where we’ll extend conversations around these books (read the book and join us for dialogue):
• Isaac Adams / Talking About Race: Gospel Hope for Hard Conversations
Monday, Nov 13 – 6:30-8:30P, Kid’s Auditorium @ Bethel Richland (enter the outside doors labeled “View Rooms” – 1st room on the left)
• Shai Linne / The New Reformation
Monday, Dec 4 – 6:30-8:30P, Kid’s Auditorium @ Bethel Richland (enter the outside doors labeled “View Rooms” – 1st room on the left)
9- PRAY: Ask God to help you diversify your friend group to include new friends of different races
10- LISTEN:United? We Pray podcast
Isaac Adams has a podcast that has aired since 2017 and covers a wide range of topics related to race, prayer, and reconciliation
