Comments on: Racism and the SBC: Does the Legacy Continue?

By: Myron W. Wilkins

Myron W. Wilkins — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:03:22 +0000

As an African-American pastor newly called to serve as Senior Pastor of a predominatly white SBC congregation, I appreciate this article. May we as Southern Baptist continue to strive for biblical unity which transends our racial difference.

By His Grace, There is an Equal Place, For Every Race…That place is at the foot of the Cross…

By: Nolan

Nolan — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:08:19 +0000

Mr Fentress states “Most predominantly white Southern Baptist congregations would not even think about calling an African-American pastor because it just is not in their cultural orbit.” Does he think that most predominantly black Southern Baptist congregations would think about calling a white pastor? He is telling us what the churches think!
Mr Fentress, when we call a pastor, we do not look to our cultural orbit, or race; we look to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, and that alone.
During our last pastor search, I do not remember getting an application from an African-American applicant.
I had always hoped that the SBC selects its president through the leadership of the Holy Spirit, not by race or any other factor conceived by man. But, if my memory doesn’t fail me, isn’t our current SBC President a Native American? I was impressed with his credentials and job, I hadn’t thought about his race.

By: Liz Young

Liz Young — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 15:31:04 +0000

Great article! I’m not with the SBC, but I agree there should be an intentional effort to break down barriers of race within all churches. There used to be a non-demoninational congregation in Shawnee, OK, where you could not tell which was the majority, white, black, or native american, all worshipping together, and it seemed like a glimpse of how it will be in heaven. People of all races need to slap their comfort zones right in the face.
I appreciate the SBC addressing this issue. It is a step forward.

By: Scott Zalaznik

Scott Zalaznik — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:03:26 +0000

Great article and good insight – we’ve come a long ways but we’re definitely not there yet. I remember well the pain I felt when one more church almost, but then didn’t call me as pastor. My wife is originally from Mexico and my background has been primarily in hispanic ministries. After doing a very extensive background check, their primary concern was my obvious love for hispanics. They said they wanted to reach everyone with the gospel but their biggest concern was that I would try to ‘reach’ them too fast. Their church was located in a community that was at a minimum 40% hispanic. I made the mistake of mentioning that there was a spanish language core group that wanted to follow me. In my naivity, I thought this would be seen as a benefit. Although they had no other candidates, within the week I was notified that they were ‘moving’ in another direction. It is heartbreaking to have sacrificed to enter ministry, only to be left on the sidelines as churches choose to remain without a pastor. It was not the first time that a church committee appeared concerned that if I loved hispanics that I may somehow be less capable of loving their congregation.

I am often reminded of the Samaritan woman at the well. So many are content to maintain separate worship ‘mountains’. Ethnic churches for ethnic people. Again, in my naivity, I thought as a young seminarian I would be able to challenge that status quo. I hesitate to say I gained more ‘enemies’ within the body, but I didn’t gain many allies or advocates. Naivity stripped away, I still love the SBC and consider it to be my home.

I am thankful for God’s calling, and even the painful experiences that open our eyes to the rejection Jesus experienced and to that of those thirsty multitudes surrounding ‘His’ people. There is not a greater denomination in theology, structure, and in sending than the SBC. I just pray we can move to a greater reflection and demonstration of the love of Christ in the area of race (One race).

By: John Daly

John Daly — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 18:28:30 +0000

Thanks to the Gospel, I have plenty of African-American friends that I never would have met in this life. My wife and I recently went to hear a buddy preach and we were the only white folk and didn’t even think twice about it. Believers should be LEADING the way in race relations! Why is Sunday at 11:00 the most segregated hour of the week? Because we’re not being intentional. The unbelieving world should see our example and say: “I want what they got!” So here’s a gentle encouragement/admonishment…get out of your comfort zone, do something you never thought you’d do. Visit a church where you’re the minority with the goal of making new friends and relationships. Look for acts of service in a community that doesn’t look like you.

Be intentional because it’s never going to happen otherwise.

By: Brent H.

Brent H. — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 03:11:29 +0000

Great article. Thanks for publishing.