OUR GREATEST MISSION CHALLENGE & OPPORTUNITY

Pursuing The Mission of the Church in our Multi-Cultural World!

Presented by The Northern Illinois District Task Force on Racism

Purpose of this presentation• Bring awareness of a key issue affecting ministry in LCMS congregations.• Share a picture of our changing communities• Share God’s Word that speaks to the mission He has put before us.• Share resources and suggestions for follow through.

Facing Demographic Realities2010 National Census Data

Illinois Wisconsin Iowa Indiana

Population 12,830,632 + 3.3%

5,686,986 +6%

3,046,365 +4.1%

6,483,802 +6%

Caucasian 64% -3% 83% +1% 89% -0% 82% +1%

Black 14% -1% 6% +17% 3% +43% 9% +15%

Hispanic 16% +32% 6% +74% 5% +84% 6% +82%

Asian 5% +38% 2% +46% 2% +45% 2% +74%

Facing Demographic RealitiesChicago Land 5 Counties - population 8,007,890

Lake County

Cook County

DuPage County

Kane County

Will County

Population 703,462 5,194,675 916,924 515,269 677,560

White 65% -3% 44% -11% 70% -9% 59% +11% 67% +17%

Black 7% +8% 24% -9% 4% +52% 5% +24% 11% +43%

Hispanic 20% +51% 24% +16% 13% +49% 31% +65% 15% +142%

Asian 6% +77% 6% +24% 10% +29% 3% +145% 4% +176%

Facing Demographic Realities• 2008 U. S. Census – “Minorities one-third of the population.” “-projected to be 54% of the population by

2050”-”By 2023 Minorities will comprise 50% of the children”

Soon-Chan Rah, The Next Evangelicalism

Facing Demographic Realities

• Lutheran Church- Missouri Synod 5 %

95%

The Word speaks clearly“Making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him,, things in heaven and things on earth.” Ephesians 1:9-10 (ESV)

The Word Speaks Clearly

• “..and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”

Ephesians 3:9-10 (ESV)

The Word Speaks Clearly• ”My brothers, show no partiality as you hold

the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. “ James 2:1 (ESV)

The Word Speaks Clearly

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call-- one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all.” Ephesians 4:4-5 (ESV)

• What other Scripture passages come to mind which emphasize the universality of God’s redemption in Christ?

2009 Northern Illinois District Convention Resolution

• Resolution 2-01A- “Pursuing the Mission of the Church in our Multi-Cultural World”

Pursuing the Mission

• Gospel for all• NID Communities include “all”• RESOLVED

– Congregations respond to Gospel call to reach all– We repent of any failures to reach out– Use resources to reach across ethnic lines– Thank God for the diversity of His creation

Barriers to Becoming an Ephesians 3:10 Congregation

“Racism and the Church”1994 report of the LCMS CTCR

1-Denial2-Untenable Assumptions

*The “good will assumption”*Non-specific preaching of Law and Gospel will root out racism.*There is a “quick fix” to the problem of racism.*Racism in the church will be solved by “education.”

“Racism and the Church”1994 report of the LCMS CTCR

3- Paternalism

4- Different Meanings and Frames of Reference

5- Fear of Differences

6-Fear of Change

Jesus Breaks Down the Barriers

• Ephesians 2:11-22- He is our peace, breaks down dividing walls of hostility.

• Galatians 3:28- Restores unity intended from the beginning.

• Ephesians 4:1-6- He empowers us to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM Action Suggestions

• A resource for your further thinking

– What Next Steps might be helpful?

– NID “One Lord One Faith Task Force” offers a variety of presentations and workshops.

Resources

RESOURCES

• Divided by Faith, Emerson & Smith

– A “racialized society”– A limited view of evangelism, e.g.

the “homogenous principle”

Resources

RESOURCES

• A Bible Study Resource for your use – With leaders

– With ongoing Bible study groups

Time to Reflect

• What questions have we raised for you in this presentation?

• What questions might they raise among the people in your home congregation?

What’s next?

We’d like to hear from you.

Can we be of further assistance to you and your congregation?

Please make use of the Response Form We are handing out.

CLOSING THOUGHTS• Thank you for the opportunity to share our heartfelt concern.• We hold you and your congregation in prayer

that their witness to the Gospel clearly demonstrates an openness to all of God’s people., for to that he has surely called us.