Why aren't there more African Americans in the UPC or the leadership of the UPC??? - Page 16

Digging4Truth · #**151** 10-11-2007, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianoman

You are misunderstanding what I'm saying!

If God has called you to have a multi-cultural church, he will provide the leadership.

If you want more blacks in your church, look for some blacks that are qualified for certain leadership positions. If having more blacks is not a priority for you, don't worry about it! This doesn't mean you're racist!

Having blacks in leadership positions sends a message to other blacks in your congregation and community that you value them.

I'm sorry, but when I attend a church that is over 1/4 black and see NO blacks in leadership postions, it bothers me in my spirit!

No sir... I don't misunderstand you. I just disagree with you.

I don't think God provides people of certain colors for leadership. I think he provides people of certain character for leadership.

Of course... this stems from my opinion that God doesn't keep count either.

StillStanding · #**152** 10-11-2007, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

No sir... I don't misunderstand you. I just disagree with you.

I don't think God provides people of certain colors for leadership. I think he provides people of certain character for leadership.

Of course... this stems from my opinion that God doesn't keep count either.

This is the same excuse that white churches have used for years to justify themselves. It's amazing that God has leaders in black churches isn't it?

You see, leadership is an art and it is learned. Leadership is the art of developing other people. As a leader, you determine who you will help develop into leaders. Character counts, but even character is developed and hopefully parroted from the pastor.

I'm not saying that you MUST put someone in a leadership position because of their color, but I am saying that if everything is equal, you should give the black person the advantage IF you are indeed reaching out to the black community!

Black leadership = I value the black community!

Steve Epley · #**153** 10-11-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianoman

This is the same excuse that white churches have used for years to justify themselves. It's amazing that God has leaders in black churches isn't it?

You see, leadership is an art and it is learned. Leadership is the art of developing other people. As a leader, you determine who you will help develop into leaders. Character counts, but even character is developed and hopefully parroted from the pastor.

I'm not saying that you MUST put someone in a leadership position because of their color, but I am saying that if everything is equal, you should give the black person the advantage IF you are indeed reaching out to the black community!

Black leadership = I value the black community!

Surely if a church with a 1/4 of it's membership was black there would have to be qualified leaders among them?

StillStanding · #**154** 10-11-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Surely if a church with a 1/4 of it's membership was black there would have to be qualified leaders among them?

One would think!

mfblume · #**155** 10-11-2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Surely if a church with a 1/4 of it's membership was black there would have to be qualified leaders among them?

Amen and amen.

berkeley · #**156** 10-11-2007, 01:01 PM

I remember as a 15 yr old young man, inviting my older friend and neighbor to church. She said "...when I go to church, I go to a black church."

I don't agree, but I understand why someone of 'color' wouldn't trust my white preacher and his church full of....

mexicans.

Steve Epley · #**157** 10-11-2007, 01:01 PM

Bishop Haywood was broken hearted of the defection of the white brethren in the 20's. In Bishop Golder's History of the PAW it was a hurt they never got over. That is a dark blot on the American Pentecostal history that in my opinion both groups white and black suffered because of it. Like the sin of segregation in this nation is a national blot.

berkeley · #**158** 10-11-2007, 01:02 PM

We have one family of 'color'. By all appearances they are black. But they are from somewhere in S.A. I think Belize. Not too sure.

StillStanding · #**159** 10-11-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Berkeley

I remember as a 15 yr old young man, inviting my older friend and neighbor to church. She said "...when I go to church, I go to a black church."

I don't agree, but I understand why someone of 'color' wouldn't trust my white preacher and his church full of....

mexicans.

People naturally tend to go to church where they feel comfortable. Whether we like it or not, race is factor in that comfort level.

RevBuddy · #**160** 10-11-2007, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

Bishop Haywood was broken hearted of the defection of the white brethren in the 20's. In Bishop Golder's History of the PAW it was a hurt they never got over. That is a dark blot on the American Pentecostal history that in my opinion both groups white and black suffered because of it. Like the sin of segregation in this nation is a national blot.

Elder:

Oh man, I wish I had said that!!! Very well put...