LEARNING ABOUT FAITH, RACE & CULTURE

The Fearless Family of Churches believe there is unity in diversity through the power of the gospel. By following Jesus and fearlessly making him known, we want to strive to become an anti-racist family of churches that is inclusive of people of every race, culture, and socio-economic standing.

Are you looking to learn more about faith, race and culture? Our team has compiled a list of resources for individuals and families of all ages and stages of life!

Once a month, we will gather together to actively seek out ways to learn and connect through experiences that teach us about what it means to be Jesus followers as related to faith, race and culture.  We will share different ethnic food, invites special guests, have interactive conversations and experiences and provide a safe space to ask questions and grow.

Art Of Inclusion: learning about faith, race & culture

Experiences aimed at helping participants learn and grow in relationships with others who are different from themselves culturally and ethnically. Each month, members will have the opportunity to go through an experience with the group and debrief afterwards.

1. Learn: from a group of diverse people about their everyday experiences living as people of color in West Michigan
2. Listen: in way that brings understanding of how cultural differences impact communication, information, and experience
3. Love: the differences that ethnicity and culture bring to the Kingdom of Jesus
4. Live: into diverse relationships, experiences and perspectives intentionally.

After every experience, members will discuss the following three topics:

1. What did you learn that you didn’t know before? What was new to you?
2. How did it make you feel to participate?
3. What is your next step?  Who will you talk to about this experience? What are you going to do with what you’ve learned?

Resources

Our team has individually and as a group reviewed many books, videos, and resources. We also know our community here at the Fearless Family of Churches and the resources that would best serve to meet members where they are. We have primarily selected resources that (1) individuals from our team had reviewed personally, (2) are accessible for those new to the conversation about racism and DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion); (3) that will assist in helping members already on their journey with understanding racism grow deeper; and (4) that align with the Biblical principles that our church adheres to. We have also selected some resources that are not from a Biblical perspective but which — in our estimation — provide helpful insights into other cultures and people that will help members learn about the experiences of those different from themselves.