As one who works alongside a number of African Americans and other ethnic minorities, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges that are faced by ethnic minorities when working in a predominately white evangelical organization. Not only does each of us have a cultural background that we bring with us, but each ministry/church/organization also has its own cultural nuances. Unaware that many of the organization's ways are heavily influenced by the ethnic and cultural background of its members, leaders in evangelical organizations can often try to make minor changes to try to attract people of color without addressing the underlying issues that may be in discord with a given ethnic group's cultural values.
Christianity Today (CT) recently ran an article by Edward Gilbreath entitled, "Exit Interviews: Why blacks are leaving evangelical ministries." As an African American working for a predominately white ministry, Gilbreath offers an intriguing perspective on this matter. You can read the article here.
In addition, CT also published an article this month, "Catching Up With a Dream: Evangelicals and Race 30 Years After the Death of Martin Luther King, Jr." Though written several years ago, it is a great read.
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2 comments:
Why are the issues of race consistently drawn on Black and white lines? As an Asian American, I've never been told to be better than the white man, I was always told to work hard and succeed. Race quite frankly wasn't an issue. Were there difficulties being a minority? Absolutely but life is full of difficulties. I was told not to be defined by my problems but to succeed inspite of them. I don't understand why the details of this person's life was changed. To make these kind of accusations but change the details makes then every organization guilty by default. The underlying assumption of this article is that we are all racists at heart and as a fellow minority I have serious qualms about that assertation.
Mike,
Could you elaborate more on what you mean when you said:
"I don't understand why the details of this person's life was changed. To make these kind of accusations but change the details makes then every organization guilty by default."
I'm not sure what details you are referring to that were changed or the accusations that you make reference to. Please elaborate...
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