Church Response to Recent Injustices & Protests:

Dear Gracepoint North , 

Our hearts are heavy and our souls are mourning from witnessing the brokenness and sin in our world. In recent weeks we have seen the brutality of racism, as the lives of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd had been unjustly taken. We want to recognize the long history of these injustices, and the ongoing cries of our black neighbors which needed to be heard. As a church, we are committed to being rooted in the Bible and loving one another as Christ has loved us (John 13:34) and we fully realize the weight and significance of that calling. The love we are called to do should not exclude anyone based on the color of their skin. We also know that the church is not perfect. We are not excluded from the effects of sin, which is why it is important to call out the sin in our lives and continue to strive toward growth and spiritual maturity in Christ (Colossians 1:27-29). We will strive to be the light in this dark world and exemplify the love of Christ to all those we come into contact with (Matthew 5:14-16). We encourage the church to take the time to get close to people unlike us, and listen to their stories. Real change happens in real relationships where we learn together and repent together. 

We are also heartbroken that the rioting and looting has taken away from the more central message of the protest. They are hurtful to our neighborhoods and community businesses. We mourn and pray for those who are being affected by them, and our church seeks to help in the efforts for restoration. 

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14 – 16. 

As a church: 

• We believe that everyone is made in the image of God with equal value and dignity (Genesis 1:27-28, Galatians 3:28). Therefore, we lament the deaths of our fellow image bearers, and weep with those who have lost their loved ones. 

• We recognize the pervasiveness of sin and how sin leads to ideologies and systems that lead to oppression. Every ideology and system that values any group or individual as superior over another, ignores the heart of God and Jesus’ command to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31). 

• We are called to stand up against injustice (Amos 5:22-24, Micah 6:8) and to protect the innocent (Proverbs 31:8-9, Jeremiah 22:3). We are reminded that throughout Scripture God calls us to show particular care for those who are the most vulnerable (Matthew 25:31-46). As a church we should not forget our prophetic calling to speak out against sin. 

• We are to seek reconciliation and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18:21-35), as we have received it. Christ not only calls us to love and protect the innocent, he also calls us to love our enemies and to pray for those who harm us (Matthew 5:43-48). Instead of repaying evil with evil, he calls us to bless each other and seek peace and unity (1 Peter 3:8-9). 

• We are to repent. There is so much to learn about our own biases against each other. God reminds us that the same sin is real in all of us, and we are called to examine our own hearts before casting judgment on others (Romans 3:9-20, Matthew 7:3-5). 

• We have a hope that never fails. Christ died for sinners, and ultimately conquered evil and death (Romans 5:8, 8:37), and promises a day when He will make all things new (Revelation 2:5). We are too long for the day when his perfect justice will be upheld, and when his power will bring this darkness into the light. 

God bless you all,

Gracepoint North Leadership

June 4, 2020