When a coalition of Evangelical Christians got together to commemorate the 50 years since the assassination of the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. A well known and so called "White Evangelical" pastor, was called upon to speak on the topic of  the "Inconsistencies of White Evangelicals on Race Issues." 

In the 30 minute talk Pastor Matt Chandler of The Village Church in Texas, speaks to his own folks - biblically, intellectually, compassionately & emphatically - proclaiming that some of their conduct is not in steep with the truth of the Gospel. Not so much because they are hateful, but rather because they have been ignorant. 

He calls on the "White Evangelical" pastors to speak the "Gospel Truth", specially on the issue of race, even if it brings them angry emails from their church members. He acknowledges that for many white pastors this might affect their employment or "good standing" at the local church, yet he boldly proclaims that there is no other way forward.

He calls on them to look at the bible for guidance, from Genesis 12: "...all nations of the earth will be blessed," to Rev:7 "...people from every tribe toung and Nation on earth...".  Chandler reminds us that "ethnic harmony is one of the great themes of the bible".

I love how he points out that he is not talking about "fools", presumably those who do not want to improve on the issues of racism and hate. But rather he is talking about God fearing Christians; who are immature because of their ignorance. An immaturity he claims, "that talks, when it should listen, and is silent when it should speak."

Catch Pastor Chandlers message here...

This conversation is an important reminder to those of us WHO ARE NOT, "White Evangelicals" either ethnically, or theologically. That we are called to love them, as fellow workers for the Kingdom. And even if at times we must rebuke them, our principle calling is to disciple them. 

Although Pastor Matt, is talking to "his constituency", we need to hear this as a message for us as well. If their shortcoming is ignorance, then our response can't just be anger, it can't just be offence. Our response needs to be, the Divinely revealed, and lovingly delivered truth of the gospel. Brother Matt, rightly put that burden on the evangelical pastors, but we are all called to help share the load.
Onix Sosa