Jim Davis and Mike Aitcheson welcome Jason Cook to share some of the unique relational dynamics of navigating white evangelical spaces as a black pastor. Between super-awkward questions, cringeworthy moments, and just downright painful interactions, Jason offers a glimpse into his own experience and encourages believers to grow in hospitality toward those outside their own cultures. The group discusses:
- An introduction to Jason Cook (1:17)
- Growing up in traditional black churches in the South (2:18)
- Pivotal moments coming to faith (4:30)
- Leading multi-ethnic churches in segregated cities (7:12)
- Awkward moments as a black Christian in majority-white evangelicalism (13:07)
- Navigating racial caricatures (17:08)
- Painful experiences as a black Christian in majority-white evangelicalism (24:19)
- The long suffering of black people in the American South (31:10)
- Accepted as a black athlete; rejected as a black man (35:01)
- Unearthing cultural prejudices (44:43)
- Interracial marriage and biracial children (46:24)
- Leading in a church when other leaders have completely different worldviews (54:07)
- Civil rights, Right to Life, and communism (59:57)
- Being yourself as a black man in largely white evangelicalism (1:08:02)
Explore more from TGC on the topic of race.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- How is it different for minorities to navigate predominantly white spaces verses how whites navigate these same spaces? What does this look like in the church?
- How can the church give space to other cultures to pursue the vision of a multi-ethnic church? What might keep a church from doing this?
- What are typical struggles churches face when moving toward multi-ethnic leadership? What gives rise to these struggles? How do churches support and submit to voices and cultures different to theirs?
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The Gospel Coalition