Those who are prepared to follow you stand positioned to further the good works of the church, organization, or institution. But to realize such positive trajectories, it is up to us as leaders to do the work of preparation.
My father was not in ministry. He was a lifelong salesman, selling industrial locking systems to institutions. Yet I’ve come to realize that frequently his tips are relevant to ministry.
God is looking for worshippers who sincerely love him, and are not “fair-weather” worshippers. God is looking for authentic worshippers, who will give praises throughout all the vicissitudes of life.
The message is simple and clear: According to the Golden Rule, torture is wrong. According to the Golden Rule, torture is always wrong. The Golden Rule is the highest moral principle of humankind. It is worthy to guide you in figuring out what is right or wrong.
Churches today remain the most segregated organizations that exist, more than any other institution in America. Racism, which divides society to keep dominant power structures intact, has taken deep roots in the church in ways that are subtle, hidden and twisted. Instead of inclusive and countercultural communities, there exist highly exclusive, business-as-usual spirituality clubs or spiritless social justice groups.
The time has come for those who cloak discrimination in religious language to stop. The day is surely coming when the Supreme Court will be forced to address the question of free exercise more broadly. And when that day comes, a bright light will shine on an ugly fact. Let us then be children of the light, and put out signs that say loud and clear, “No discrimination allowed.”