Cross-Racial/Cross-Cultural Ministry

Who’s in the Room? Say your first name Give the one word that describes how you are feeling right now Record responses on poster paper Handout scripture passage

Peter & Cornelius and the Church’s Response Acts 11:1-18 Peter & Cornelius and the Church’s Response 11 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, “You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. 7 Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ 8 “I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 “The voice spoke from heaven a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’ 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. Read aloud

11 “Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’ 15 “As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with[a] water, but you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.’ 17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?” 18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, “So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life.” Read aloud

Ask question - What captures your attention in this passage? Give 2-3 minutes for individual work Then group in triads

Discuss in Triads What captured your attention in this passage? What was the message about crossing boundaries? Who crossed boundaries? What were the results of crossed boundaries? How did the leaders in Jerusalem respond? Break into triads- 10 minutes in triads Group discussion - Now ask for a raise of hands: If you were a leader in Jerusalem how would you have responded?

CRCC Ministry vs CRCC Appointment What is the difference? How is a CRCC appointment often viewed? What is the reality based on what we just read? CRCC Ministry is a possibility and a privilege rather than a punishment.

CRCC Ministry Vision in EPA As disciples of Jesus Christ, we will live into God’s vision of beloved community by committing ourselves to an enriching journey of inclusivity and equity – that is, love and justice – where relationships grounded in mutual respect for our common humanity can dispel fears and foster transformation, even the transformation of God’s world.

Why CRCC Ministry? Is essential because it is a reflection of our cross-cultural communities Is the basis of the Christian faith Crosses boundaries of culture Why not? Is essential because we are culturally and ethnically diverse Reflects the Great Commission and Great Commandment Embodies a place of hope and reflects the Kingdom of God Represents the Beloved Community Models heaven in the congregations on earth Encompasses justice, growth, transformation and inclusion Is the platform for transformation Reflects God’s world of diversity and love. Is needed in order to break down the myth of white supremacy Teaches and calls us to be in authentic relationship with others Is a place where giftedness can be shared Is an appointment to community, not only to a local church Is where God speaks to communities thru strangers Is always cross-cultural, even when it is not cross-racial Helps us to be relevant in our ministries

Description of an Effective CRCC Ministry The clergy person is culturally competent with strong relational skills and emotional intelligence. Both clergy and congregation are enriched by the appointment. The appointment transition is smooth for the clergy and congregation. The congregation is prepared, informed and receptive. Clergy and congregation balance curiosity and learning in new ways. Both clergy and congregation are willing to do the hard work of transition. Support systems are included as an extended part of the appointment. Ask folks to take turns reading each point

Recommended Preparation for CRCC Ministry For both Clergy and Congregations Changing Racism 3-Day Workshop UnLearning Racism Workshop Emotional Intelligence Workshop Implicit Bias Workshop MissionInsite Workshop IDI Assessment (individual or group process) Read Learning From Strangers: Pastor and Laity Edition workbook Read Implicit Bias workbook Add resources websites for handouts

In Conclusion Give the one word that describes how you are feeling right now Record responses on poster paper