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Message from Pastor Bill – October 2009
Promoting A Spirit of Inclusion
We will so appeal to your heart and conscience that we will win you in the process. — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dear Saints:
In the movie Remember The Titans, former adversaries from diverse ethnic backgrounds overcame the pervading spirit of the age, as well as their innate prejudices, at a unique time and place in history. Led by two coaches who promoted and modeled a spirit of inclusion, the 1971 Titans of T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, rolled on to an undefeated season. Coach Herman Boone's methods for bringing the team together included the intentional integration of black and white players on bus rides and in dorm rooms at the team's summer camp, as well as in one-on-one interactive conversations through which each young man had to ask specific questions of the other in order to get to know him better. Soon a common bond was forged among the players, and the team went on to experience the power and pleasure of unity, both on and off the football field. They won Virginia's High School AAA State Championship and finished as runner-up for the national title—the second-best team in the land. They are remembered not only for their football achievements, but also for their willingness to talk to each other, along with their determination to win, brought together a city torn apart by prejudice and hatred.
Similarly, based on our investment in our recent Community Festival known as the Jump Off Initiative, I believe that we are the agents of transformation even in the midst of what we may be going through personally, religiously and even spiritually. As a multi-ethnic church we must bring diverse people together in a countercultural way by our commitment, conversations, and sacrifice. This is done by our willingness to put aside our own personal biases and preferences in order to lead others together as one before the Lord. Like the coaches in the film, we, too must promote a spirit of inclusion in order to experience the power and pleasure of unity within our church. To the degree we are willing to do so, "the manifold wisdom of God will be made known through the church" and expressed before an unbelieving world (Ephesians 3:10). This will result in the salvation of souls and, progressively, the sanctification of the church.
Yes, in the end, the '71 Titans had a legendary run: the team was perfect that year—13-0. But then it was over. Seniors graduated, students moved on, and in a few years there were new coaches. A wonderful movie and a gym renamed after one of the players is about all that remains to help those who lived the dream, as well as others, remember the Titans.
In contrast, those of us attempting to build a healthy multi-ethnic church contribute to a legacy that will last forever! The environment that dedicated leaders help to create foreshadows the coming kingdom of heaven—a place where diverse people will live together forever as one. Such a church is not only a worthy vision to pursue on earth in shaping the model of the Beloved Community but an intended, eternal outcome that we must embrace as God's children embracing love, reconciliation, and justice.
Peace and Power,
Pastor Bill
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