Brave Spaces: Listening to Black Voices

An Introduction to Our Newest Series, “Do Black Lives Matter?

The prophetic call for justice arises from the voices of those experiencing oppression. This is to say that while cries for peace, freedom, dignity, and equality might come from those who advocate for oppressed people, the most poignant message resounds from the downtrodden themselves. Such was the case in the Civil Rights Movement in the US. In fact, every April we remember the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His murder in 1968 was the result of his leadership in voicing the concerns of African Americans. Violence perpetrated upon prophets is a key sign that competitive and hierarchical societies resist upsetting the status quo. Indeed, in my early adulthood, most white evangelicals I knew denounced protests against injustice and supported oppressive structures, including apartheid in South Africa.

The status quo favors the elite and those who enthusiastically support them but reinforces societal inequities. Consequently, there is always the need for godly people to challenge unjust systems. Astute Bible readers know that one key theme carried throughout the Scriptures is that God is passionate about justice. Many African American biblical interpreters, along with those from among other minoritized groups, have long believed and taught that God is a liberator. We invite all who claim to be God’s followers to denounce injustice and to advocate for the freedom of oppressed and otherwise marginalized people. Of course, we all might speculate about the timing of liberation (It doesn’t always happen at the moment we hope for it), or the extent of it (Some people are freed while others are not), but nevertheless, God is the LORD who brought Israel out of Egyptian slavery and who commissioned prophets to decry injustice.

~ Rev. Dr. Dennis Edwards, “Listening to Black Voices Experiencing Oppression”

Sustaining Women in Ministry Cohort Applications Due July 10th!

We are thrilled to launch a second 6-month cohort in September 2024 to come alongside, equip, and encourage women in the church and ministry. Any woman who is leading in a full or part-time role in Christian ministry is eligible and encouraged to apply. For more information, visit www.missioalliance.org/womenscohort.

Applications are due Wednesday, July 10th!

Apply Today!

Prioritize Rest and Reflection through Why Stay

“When you rest, you catch your breath and it holds you up, like water wings.” -Anne Lamott

We all know we need times of rest and reflection, but in the midst of our busyness, it can be challenging to prioritize. Missio Alliance has created our Why Stay retreat for the express purpose of offering the reflective renewal you need to be upheld and ask crucial ministry and vocational questions. Registration is now open for our next Why Stay Retreat, October 28th – November 1st at Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, CA.

Early Bird Registration (with $50 savings!) ends Monday, July 8th!

How do we lead as Christ-followers in the midst of a divisive political environment?

This free webinar will offer 3 practices for pastoring and leading faith communities in the midst of extreme partisanship, along with tangible discipleship methods that inform our postures for cultivating respect and understanding even while disagreeing. Bring your questions to this brave conversation and learn alongside fellow practitioners!

Formation / Mission / Witness

Why Haven't We Made More Progress? | Nicole Doyley

"Black Americans have produced some of the most impressive thinkers, orators, scientists, athletes, musicians, artists, and leaders. For centuries when given just a tiny seed of opportunity, we have taken that seed and produced a hundred-fold return. We showed up with excellence."

Culture / Justice / Theology / Witness

Flourishing and Cruciformity: Paradoxical Tensions in the Christian Life | Sahr Mbriwa

"When I think of human flourishing as an African American educator and Christ-follower, it is primarily with theological anthropology in mind — the tension between the cross which is a symbol of death, and our creaturely longing for the good life. It is the search for a Christ whose death was not only effective unto salvation after death, but even now engages brokenness and despair, with power."

Browse All Our Articles

White Awake: How to Move from Passive Participant to Agent of Reconciliation (Webinar) | Author and Pastor Daniel Hill with Host Shane Blackshear: $4.99

Daniel Hill will never forget the day he heard these words: “Daniel, you may be white, but don’t let that lull you into thinking you have no culture. White culture is very real. In fact, when white culture comes in contact with other cultures, it almost always wins. So it would be a really good idea for you to learn about your culture.” In this webinar, Daniel unpacks (1) what it means to be a part of a “dominant culture,” (2) how participating in “dominant culture” threatens to undermine our attempts at reconciliation, and (3) practical steps your church can make to recognize dominant and non-dominant cultures in gatherings, programming and leadership.

Download Now!

Read deeply and listen thoughtfully to BIPOC folks, particularly those from marginalized and oppressed communities. Slowly, prayerfully, empathetically, with as little defensiveness as you can muster, in particular if you are a dominant culture individual with power and privilege. Seek to befriend with no agenda other than to listen and love well. Our site is chock full of articles and other resources from BIPOC Christian leaders. Our friends at IVP have two great initiatives as well: (1) Their “Meet Our Authors of Color” section of their website, and (2) their “Every Voice Now” podcast. Both are excellent!

- Chris Kamalski, Editorial Director