One of the questions I frequently get is - What is New City doing in the area of racial diversity in the church? Having been a part of a church plant several years ago (before I really knew what a church plant was) in which most Sundays my family was the fairest skinned of all, I know that breaking down THAT wall is one of the hardest of all! While some of the problem rests in racism from both sides, the issues are really much more complex than just color and a fear, hatred, or dislike of other colors. Culture, preferences, and upbringing are just a few non-racist obstacles that keep churches segregated.Last night at the 567 I had one of those 'moments.' You know - when BANG! something comes to you like a light switch being turned on - a WOW! moment - a HOLY COW! moment - a THIS IS REALLY COOL! moment. Last night was the second night of a kickoff with Platinum Sound and Media where they will use the 567 to showcase many of their recording artists. It was primarily a night of R & B - and it was sweet. The talent was amazing. I looked around the room and saw a diverse group of colors and ages smiling, singing, clapping, and enjoying the art of music. And in our midst was not only a diversity of color and age - but a spiritual diversity as well - one of the keyboard players I had met a couple of months ago, he is a Christian who plays in his church, Andrea and Trace and family (from Platinum) are Jehovah's Witnesses, there were unchurched, there were New City folks, and many I didn't know.
And then the MOMENT - HOLY COW! in a small way it is happening! WOW! for a couple of hours at the 567 race didn't matter at all - we were a mixed up group of people unified over good music.
THIS IS REALLY COOL - this is MY OFFICE - this is our church - this is beautiful!
I don't know where all this will go - what all will be changed, but I am awed with the work of God in our midst and constantly amazed at the opportunities presented to New City Church. I have never seen anything like this!
What is New City doing in the way of racial diversity in the church? Come by on Tuesday night for Poetic Peace, or check out Thursday's in October as Platinum Studios continues R & B Nights @ the 567 and see for yourself!
