At Marsh Creek Community Church, we believe Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is ultimately a work of reconciliation - fixing broken things and restoring wholeness. Since we also believe racism is sinful and racial injustice is a symptom of brokenness, we know that working toward racial healing and justice is inherently Gospel work. Our response to accepting the challenges associated with this work is the Marsh Creek Racial Healing and Justice ministry.
Our ministry recognizes Jesus' example by seeking to understand and restore what is broken, including historical atrocities and inaction, disparate lived experiences, ignorant and willful apathy among individuals and groups, interpersonal relationships, and systemic inequalities. Through our unwavering love of God and compassion for our neighbors (Matthew 22:36-40), we pray for Jesus' mercy, joy, and Spirit in our hearts as we work to bring His kingdom here as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10), and restore his vision for our beautiful mosaic of humanity (Revelation 7:9-10).
If you have questions about this ministry at Marsh Creek, please feel free to reach out to us.
WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORK AT MARSH CREEK:
Racial Healing and Justice Cohort: Using a multi-faceted curriculum that utilizes intentional learning, group discussions, and the video-based online platform Seminary Now, our 11-week cohort allows Marsh Creek to discover why Scripture-based principles are essential to engaging our community with deeper humility and compassion in the area of racial healing and justice. These principles and the examples of Jesus are central to this active learning environment, showing participants how racism and racial injustice are more than just cultural issues; they are Jesus issues. Whether experienced in this work or just getting started, our cohort is an excellent place to develop shared language, unified discipleship values, authentic relationships, and genuine partnerships with diverse community members, congregations, and local ministries.
The cohort received approval from the Marsh Creek Leadership Team in 2023. Our inaugural group began in January 2024 and successfully concluded in March 2024. Participants included our Lead Pastor, Marsh Creek staff, and Marsh Creek Leadership Team members. The development and implementation of this Cohort could not have happened without the leadership and input from Brandyn Campbell, founder and president of Brandyn Campbell Communications. We encourage all who are interested in this work to reach out to Brandyn and/or seek out established and reputable resources in your communities.
If you have questions or are interested in more information about this cohort, please get in touch with us.
Online RH&J Book Club [COMING SOON]: Exclusively for Marsh Creek congregation members seeking to grow in their empathy, understanding, and love for our neighbors. Participants will read a pre-selected book and engage in weekly conversations together via the online Zoom platform. More information, including dates, registration details, and book selection will be shared the summer of 2024.
RH&J Conversation Library [COMING SOON]: MCCC will purchase two copies of pre-selected books discussing racial healing and justice. Our congregation members can check-out the two books together, keeping one and giving the other to a friend or family member. We’ll include bookmarks that help guide conversations and expectations, but the actual dialogue, settings, and learning outcomes are self-defined. More information, including pre-selected book titles, will be shared in summer 2024.
Mission Reconcile, operating in New Orleans, Louisiana and seeking to work with churches and faith communities nationally, is a faith-based racial reconciliation nonprofit specializing in connecting "majority one-race churches - predominantly black churches and predominantly white churches" to "facilitate organic relationships by talking about race and racism." In January 2024, Mission Reconcile contacted Marsh Creek as a loving gesture to honor Black History Month and offered their Conversation ON program for select Marsh Creek members. The program allows participants "to connect and learn together through actionable dialogue and conversation addressing racial and social justice." Mission Reconcile offered “Conversation ON: Race & The Church” at the end of February 2024 and facilitated a highly personalized and customized experience for our participants that combined engaging discussions, powerful learning examples, and spiritual growth opportunities.
Marsh Creek is eager to welcome future partnerships with Mission Reconcile. We remain humbled and grateful for the generous offer and encourage other congregations to seek their skill and expertise.