WoodsEdge Family,
We are encouraged by your response and willingness not only to speak up against racism, but also your desire to become involved in what that looks like moving forward as a church body. We know that many of you are looking for active and safe ways to show your support for our black brothers and sisters not only within our walls, but also our community at large. Below are a few ways that you can do that.

Real Talk: A Conversation on Racial Reconciliation

We hosted a WoodsEdge racial reconciliation panel moderated by one of our elders, DeLeon Bennet, that features a discussion between Lead Pastor Jeff Wells, Michael Thompson, Kris Williams and Jacquelyn Jones. The purpose of the panel is to discuss the racial reconciliation issues that face us now. Click the sessions below to watch. 

Session 1

Session 2

Session 3 

 

Examine.

Spend unhurried time with the Lord. Ask him to reveal to you areas of your life where racism may exist. Here are some Scriptures to pray as you do this: 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 26:2, Psalm 139:23-24, 2 Corinthians 13:5. We encourage you to journal your thoughts and prayers. Seek the Lord. Ask for forgiveness where needed. Listen to him. Trust him. Obey him.

Educate.

It is important for us to continuously educate ourselves on what life has been and is like for our fellow brothers and sisters. We want to learn, grow, and honor Christ as his children. We want to seek and speak the truth in love. Here are some resources to help gain a better understanding of the racial injustices in our country:

  • 13th (available on Netflix): A documentary on the 13th Amendment and the history of racial injustice, both past and present.
  • Selma (available on Amazon Prime): A documentary on the voting rights marches that took place in 1965, led by Martin Luther King, Jr.

Engage.

It is not enough to be non-racist; as Christ-followers we must be anti-racist. In other words, we must act on what we know to be true. Engage in things that will make a difference. A great first step would be to reach out to people who do not look like you. Share a coffee or meal with them. Spend time with them. Listen to them. Have an open mind and open heart. Recognize and appreciate the differences that may exist. Stand together against injustices that they may face that are different from what you may have experienced. Step away from comfort and into loving others like Christ loves us. He seeks us out, he serves us, he sacrifices for us, he restores us, he unites us.