Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Project Portfolio

Degree Name

Doctor of Leadership in Global Perspectives (DLd)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Christine Roush, DMin

Second Advisor

Trisha Welstad, DLd

Third Advisor

Jason Swan Clark, DMin, PhD

Abstract

The role of Christianity in the formation of white supremacy has been embedded and hidden in the Church far too long. The objective of this project is to provide comprehensive data that articulates the evolution of racism in the Church in a manner that evokes conversation and heart-to-heart sharing between Blacks and Whites of faith. The goal is to pave the way for repentance, healing, and reconciliation. Research led to the development of the Overcoming Racism in the Church Small Group Study Guide class. The class is an online course with eight content sessions. It provides laser-focused video lessons and supplemental resources, laying a foundation for reflection and in-depth discussions. Because the dialogue on race and the identity of various ethnic groups is being co-opted by ideologies contrary to God’s original plan for humankind, the Church must begin to influence the narratives.

Utilizing the techniques of small groups, a blend of pedagogical strategies, and various multi-media technologies, the project aims to deliver a model for the Church to fulfill 21st-century community engagement in racial healing. This doctoral research project tackles the issue of how the Christian Church devalues people of color based on conscious and unconscious racial biases. The research these past three years sought to answer the question: What theological frame, mindset, and method might help heal and reconcile the relationships between people of color, particularly Black people, and the Christian Church?

Once the research for this project began, it became apparent that in overcoming racism, culture has been leading the narrative in bringing people together for meaningful conversations. Additionally, the Church views the race issue as external to its four walls. In short, the Church has a tremendous opportunity to accept the call to lead the racial healing, repentance, and reconciliation dialogue.

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