Wednesday, February 28, 2001
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Wednesday, February 28, 2001 |
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Wanted: people to help un-segregate Sunday By REV JOHN HATCHER I'm looking for some heavyweights. That is, men and women who want to do more than just talk about bringing people together of all races, cultures, and economic backgroundstogether in the same church. Remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. observed that Sunday morning's worship hour was the most segregated hour in the week? True then. True now. That must change. I'm looking for some resolute African-American men and women who want to see the church become the center of reconciliation, and who are willing to join hands with White brothers and sisters to proclaim a gospel for all people and model a civil society for our children. Not just doing the church thing. You know what I mean. Just go to church with "them." I am looking for men and women of my dreams. Christians of different races who will invite one another into their homes and allow their children to form enduring friendships. But what I have been discovering that more people want to dream of that day rather than make that day happenin the church. I'm looking for some sold-out White men and women who want to put their Christianity where the heart of Jesus is: that is, in the words of the song: "Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world." I hope you won't get disgusted if I tell you I am disgusted with a lot of folks who say they are for bettering the social climate in the land, but refuse to put themselves at risk for the very cause. Surely there are some dreamers out in the golf-cart lanes of Peachtree City and congested intersections of Fayetteville. Surely there are some folks who have not completely sold out to the mighty dollar with the dream of a Mercedes in every driveway. Perhaps I am a refugee from the sixties with residual visions and dreams of what could happen if people would make their lives count for more than a 401K. Perhaps I still dream of an ideal where Black, White, rich and poor can worship in the same church house, and visit in one another's homes without embarrassment or pride getting in the door. If that's me, so be it. I am an idealist believer. Nothing is impossible with my boss. For ten years I have sought to build a church open to all people. Our church is integrated. Our leadership team is integrated. Our deacons are integrated. We have received biracial couples as saints of the Lord. No one but the devil is uninvited and unwelcome in our midst. But we need some heavyweights who would be willing to lay down their lives to expand the ministry, to take down some more walls that divide people, and to taste here on earth what the celebration in heaven will be like. Would you like your life to count in eternity? Join me. It will be the ride of your life! You may contact me through the E-mail address provided.
Rev. Dr. John Hatcher is pastor of River's Edge Community Church in Fayetteville. |
