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“ Slavery is the real issue ” Behind all this talk about racial reconciliation is the real cause which has caused the controversy and which is constantly raised by those requiring a change in others. The cause of offense is slavery. But the only reconciliation that needs to take place is to return to the scriptures and for professing Christians to be reconciled back to what scripture teaches about slavery and the verses that nobody ever talks about, even though they are absolutely clear. Social and spiritual conflict will continue until people are reconciled to what scripture teaches.
Highly recommend Derek Carson's forthright sermon called Considering Slavery which has 2 parts. That is one step instead of 14 steps.
Allie (5/5/2018)
“ Great Sermon! ” God grows His church and it is and will be diverse. Rev says people from every tribe, nation, kindred, and tongue will worship in heaven. God saves whom he will and we don't need to worry about ethnic groups. We are told in the gospels to make disciples of the nations. Pastors according the epistles are to preach the word in season and out. All this racial reconciliation stuff is a bunch of nonsense and not according to scripture. This is taking away from the gospel.
Terry (5/5/2018)
from Oklahoma
“ Excellent Discussion ” Pastor Sean, staff and guests;
Without question this maybe the most insightful, on point and significant discussion regarding racial reconciliation I have heard these last few years.
I wish this is how the panels at T4G had gone. Pastor like you I left Louisville with the question of what next - a problem had been identified, it seemed that I was the problem just because of my ethnicity but no solution offered. I think that Dr Duncan was closest to a solution.
I am blessed by your approach in this discussion, frankly by the approach and attitude of all involved.
I do have s question like you and most of your staff I am former military (recently retired CSM, 32 years) and like you we have lived /worked in an environment where we didn’t deal with others based on ethnicity we were all equal - how much does that affect our ability to empathize/sympathize with brothers and sisters on both sides of the issue who don’t have that experience?
Key (5/4/2018)
from NC
“ Great Sermon! ” It seems that my previous comment was cut off. To continue...
Justice means getting what you deserve without favor. “Social Justice” means getting what you don’t deserve because you are favored. Today this term is used effectively to further divide people into subgroups as “victims”. Which is why some felt the need to tell you that because you have white skin that you now have to take responsibility for slavery, because they have been told they are “victims” under this umbrella of “social justice”. As an African American I have experienced more condescension because of this “victimhood” association than I have experienced racism. This notion, that because I’m brown skinned I somehow need extra help, or must be treated like a “victim” is I think the greater point of concern. To give a practical example of this: let’s say my son gets accepted at Yale, people may question if he was accepted because of his skin color or because he actually deserves to be there. Something to keep in mind when choosing leaders at berean who are ethically different from you. My point is: continue to preach the word and I think you will find diverse leaders and will keep trending toward a diverse congregation.
Key (5/4/2018)
from NC
“ Great Sermon! ” Great discussion. I’m glad you felt lead to address it from your perspective. Your candidness is refreshing. To your question: As the pastor what changes need to be made to welcome and promote more diversity?
1. You are stepping in the right direction by addressing issues of diversity, with people of different diversities.
2. In the podcast you addressed the lack of diversity within leadership at Berean, I agree, don’t compromise doctrine to find it, but know that when you do find it, it will go a long way to promote a more diverse congregation.
3. First off, praise and worship songs at Berean is a blessing, hymns and many songs are inspirational and turns the heart towards Gods goodness and prepares us to hear the word. Simply put, I think the same things can be achieved with more diverse styles of praise and worship music.
My last point is on the discussion about injustices we experience today such as police brutality of black etc being addressed from the pulpit. I think if you preach the word of God as you do these issues will be addressed. Furthermore, the Bible speaks much of Justice, but we must use caution against another term that a lot of these issues get thrown underneath today (and is creeping into the church) and that is “Social Justice”. Justice means
Allie (5/3/2018)
“ Great Sermon! ” Pastor Sean I really appreciated your part in this podcast. I don't know you, but your thinking and questions you asked were right on and showed your discernment. As a black american and fellow believer you were right and on it even about not bringing social issues into the pulpit UNLESS the text warrants it to drive a point in the sermon as an application. I am glad you questioned being lectured about presupposed sin in your life as a church leader from people who don't know you and then never told you what to do about it. God is clear in his word what sin is how to repent and the works to perform in keeping with repentance. Think about it. About 12K people were told at that conference that they were bigots towards blacks because they were white and the blacks in attendance were told they were victims since they were black. Pastor Sean keep preaching the Word. We need the scriptures preached by our local pastors who know us. The Spirit will work it out in our lives as it relates to others. We will love our brothers in Christ. If we don't we are liars and the truth is not in us according to Apostle John. That simple. TGC is not the vatican for evangelicals. Keep up the good work you are doing. Don't waiver. May God be with you and strengthen your hand.
Pastor Sean Harris has been the Senior Pastor for Berean Baptist Church and Academy in Fayetteville, NC since 2006. He served as a member, lay teacher and deacon at Berean from 1987 until he became the Senior Pastor. As the Senior Pastor, he oversees Berean’s ministry to over...
