We often read only those books, articles, or blog posts that reinforce our current opinions.
And we often interact only within our own “echo chamber” where we hear only our own voice and the voices of those who agree with us.
This is especially true when it comes to issues of race and the church.
If we are to make progress in race relationships, racial reconciliation, and racial justice in the church, we need to practice lingering listening to one another—especially to those who think differently from us and look differently from us.
I’ve collated this list of both current and “classic” resources on race and the church to help us “move out of our intellectual neighborhood” and visit some authors who could stretch our thinking a bit. At the end of the post I ask you for your recommendations. Please feel free to share.
Now, in no particular order, here are a dozen resources on race relationships and the church…
1. College Park Church Racial Reconciliation & Racial Justice Resources
Here are direct links to resources collated and recommended by College Park Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. “As Christians, we are called to represent the biblical unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And we want to live that out. Yet, we’re living in a world that’s increasingly divided. That’s why we’ve designed this page. Here, you’ll find biblical content, resources, and educational opportunities on the topic of racial reconciliation.”
Find their recommended resources here: https://www.yourchurch.com/race/
2. One America, Two Experiences: The Black Experience in America
A 15-page narrative of the vast difference between how Whites and Blacks have experienced their lives in America.
Download your free copy here: https://bit.ly/1US2Experiences
3. Weep with Me: How Lament Opens a Door for Racial Reconciliation
Pastor Mark Vroegop’s new book, Weep with Me, has just released. He applies the biblical practice of lament to issues of racial injustice.
You can read a free sample chapter on “Prayer: The Language of Lament” here: file:///C:/Users/Owner/Downloads/Weep-with-Me.567599.sampler_digital.pdf
4. 10 Life Lessons: Learning from the Legacy of the Heroes of Black Church History
Learn 10 life lessons from 10 heroes of Black Church History.
Download your free copy here: http://bit.ly10LegaciesPDF
5. George Floyd and Me
Shai Linne encourages us toward empathy, understanding, and unity through telling a part of his story of being a Black man in America.
Read Shai’s story here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/george-floyd-and-me/
6. 2 Positive Ways We Could Respond to the NFL Playing “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
A blog post focused on the history of the song “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and how Christians could respond to the NFL playing the song before week-one games in 2020.
Read the post here: https://bit.ly/2020nflLEV
7. Faith Seeking Understanding: Thinking Theologically About Racial Tensions
Pastor Kevin DeYoung begins a blog series with this post on theological foundations for thinking through issues of race, social justice, racial reconciliation, racial equality, and racial tensions.
Read Kevin’s post here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/faith-seeking-understanding-thinking-theologically-about-racial-tensions/
8. “The Old Ship of Zion”
What was it like to worship in the Black Church during enslavement. How did the enslaved African American Christians experience their freedom in Christ and encourage one another with gospel truth in faith, hope, and love? Learn about all of this and more in “The Old Ship of Zion.”
Download your free copy here: https://bit.ly/6ShipZion
9. Tony Evans: Reflections on Race
Watch as Pastor Tony Evans shares his Reflections on Race.
You can watch here: https://www.facebook.com/drtonyevans/videos/278160496589141
10. 215 Resources on Race Relationships, Racial Reconciliation, Racial Equality, & More
A 14-page bibliography of resources covering racial reconciliation, race relationships, multiethnic relationships, multicultural ministry, cross-cultural ministry, urban ministry, community-based ministry, and community development.
Download your free copy here: http://bit.ly215ResourcesPDF
11. Biblical Counseling & Race
Watch as nearly a dozen diverse biblical counselors discuss how biblical counseling can impact our Christian growth in race relationships.
Watch the Vimeo video here: https://bit.ly/VimeoBcRace
12. 220 Resources on Black Church History in America
A bibliography of 220 resources that helps us learn about and learn from the Black Church in America.
Download your free copy here: http://bit.ly220BlackChurchPDF
Join the Conversation
What additional resources would you recommend on race and the church?
