The Institute (協会)

I know of one organization that accomplishes what you're talking about - the roman catholic church.

Sadly, it does not seem to be the Presbyterians. I wish it were otherwise (being one myself). I know that there needs to be a culture change, badly.

I think that the Baptists are doing some of the best work in this regard. I would prefer they all be reformed, and I have more than a few friends that have heard a gospel of legalism from Baptist pulpits, but many many more come to know Jesus as a result.

In short my answer is "I have no idea." lol.

If Miguel hasn't figured it out yet, the PCA is all about church growth by avoiding niggers and spics. But they can't admit it, so they use code like college educated, intellectual, etc.

If you're dark skinned and ebonically challenged like Miguel is ("Do Jesus love college educated more?") the PCA will talk all day about how they want to reach you, and then do their best to avoid you.

Hmmm, anonymous, do you have as ideas as to why Roman Catholics are better at this?

Don't let syncretism get you down! Sounds like you and Miguel ought to knock on New City Fellowship's doors for worship, or even if you don't, come to a work day or two (Saturday September 8 is the next one) and walk regularly up and down the blocks of Vinita Park! I'm not anaonymous, but one reason that Roman Catholics are better at this is probably the parish model, though it (as a consequence?) probably struggles to overcome metro class/wealth-based segregated housing patterns.

Yes, the parish model is part of it. But also, the focus of worship is a mysterious meal with Jesus, not a 30 minute sermon that requires a college education to wade through. And the focus of life is on service (can lean towards legalism, obviously) and not on reading the latest dissection of somebody's theology. I'm not catholic, btw, but I do respect how people of all races and education find a home there.

Perhaps a higher view of each of the two foci would be better for both of us, anonymous! Each is its own mystery. How true that many or even most evangelical protestants definitely need to grow some Gospel legs and arms in addition to hearts and minds. Also, for us right now race and class are the idols/barriers with the most Gospel potential for the weakness in which His power is made perfect.

I struggled with this as I would go to church and found everyone like me(it was like going to church at Schnucks in Clayton). Now, being in a church with a women's shelter in the winter and being located in the city, I am challenged to think about my faith as more than intellectual assent but in sheep and goat terms. Who will I clothe, feed and love because I believe the gospel is truth. The focus on service that was mentioned is the motor for all of this. I love where I live and the guys I work with(no college educations and baggage we talk about alot) but cars, lawnmowers, tools and time are taken often. What keeps me pursuing all of this is Hebrews 10:32-34 "32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one." This is the best resource I have found. Love this discussion, keep fighting for this new community

Boy, Christians are a trip when it comes to niggers. Most of them talk all day about wanting to embrace diversity, but when it gets down to brass tacks, they do all they can to avoid niggers. Then we have people like Kevin B, who actually do live around some of us, and he says it's wonderful except that the niggers keep taking his stuff.

And you wonder why we don't trust evangelicals?

I wish, Phil, that it wasn't the case that there is so much crime in my area but it is a reality of living in an urban center that is poor. I am the minority where I live by 80/20 but i think alot of our problems are due to economics regardless of race(i am confident they would happily steal your car/scooter/radio and not care what your race was). Trust is gained, I think, by staying here and taking care of your house and helping a neighbor and showing hospitality to those on your street.

PCA is for doctors, lawyers, and pharmacists. The Evangelical Pres. Church is more diverse (and allows the Charismatic).

Kevin B say that niggers like to steal, and when confronted about it, he says its "reality". But maybe if superior white men like him hang out long enough with niggers they can help us learn not to steal. Evangelicals are really non racist that's for sure.

Phil, could you do me the courtesy of responding to my whole statement. The time i use reality is in talking about the stealing being more of an economic issue than race. I DID NOT SAY " it's the reality of living around blacks." A poor urban center, regradless of race, will have higher theft. I get the sense that nothing I will say will sway you and that you simply might just hate me because I am white. I am sorry that this might be the case but I'm not leaving my neighborhood and still loving my neighbors regardless of race.

Anthony,
I read your blog all the time man and was wondering why this Phil M dude posts crazy stuff and no one says anything. Help me understand man. I am just a concerned brotha that's all. Love your blog and cant wait for the acton conference in September.

Holla,

Hmmm, Aaron, I'm not sure. I think because he comes across as posting "crazy stuff" most people ignore him. But you're free to say as much as you want. You don't have to wait on someone else to do it;)!

What's good Mr. Bradley? Great post. I sit and ponder these things frequently. I struggled so much with this. Being raised in Benton Harbor, MI and having family members murdered sensely and being effected by the Crack boom of the 80's made me want to leave the inner city and have a Cosby lifestyle. After being robbed at gun point, having your house being broken into, and 70% of your uncles, and cousins on Crack does not motivate a person to want to stick around. However, after the truth of the Gospel I started to realize that sin was sin, suburban sins just happen to be less criminal, while inner city ones usually leads to poverty, jail time, and early deaths. With that said, the very thing I was running from my heart now burdens for. I see the problem as you mention in your blog, but what do you think the solution should be?