Racial Reconciliation Article Highlights NNYM CEO
NNYM is in the unity business. We believe in the collaboration of youth leaders, the partnership of ministries, and the reconciliation of God's people. So, when the National Association of Evangelicals created the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Collaborative, our CEO Randy Davis participated in their first UNDIVIDED cohort.
The NAE's Winter 2024 edition of Evangelicals Magazine features the story of this cohort, and highlights Randy's experience and perspective on this important work. We are delighted to partner with the NAE in this initiative and humbled to be highlighted in this way.
Jesus Was On A Mission Of Reconciliation
The ministry of reconciliation is not unique to the challenges in our culture, nor rooted in any social or political position. Jesus came to earth on a mission of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 takes this one step further and calls each of us, as followers of Jesus, to take up this same mission.
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Our Pursuit for Unity Begins With Dignity
Our commitment to reconciliation is rooted deeply in the word and heart of our Savior. Christians believe in the dignity and value of all people. We lament that so many people have been devalued and treated without dignity because of the sinful brokenness in our world.
And we strive to follow the example of Jesus who so often went out of His way to recognize and honor those who had been marginalized, overlooked or treated unjustly.
A Commitment To "Every" Rooted In Hope
At NNYM, we are committed to the Kingdom value of welcoming and celebrating "every tribe, every tongue, every nation and every people" (Rev 7:9-10). As the NAE article highlights, this is no easy thing, and there is no simple solution. Every one of us has so much to learn from God and from each other, and teachable leaders remain committed to the journey.
And it is a journey filled with great hope for followers of Jesus. Because it is not up to your wisdom or mine, but the power of God. The most impossible part of reconciliation is already accomplished. If Jesus can heal the brokenness between us and God, how much more is His power exceedingly sufficient for the brokenness between us and each other.
May God give us courage, wisdom and grace. There is a long journey ahead and much work to be done. We take each next step with hope rooted and anchored in Christ, through whom all things become new.
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Seth Baker is a youth ministry veteran and serves on boards and ministry teams that inspire God's people to unity and faithfulness. He is passionate about faithful theology, values integrity and communications clarity - and would love to talk to you about ministry leadership, family, or ultrarunning.