Gail Dudley
The Audacious Advocate
Find Me / Follow Me ~> Threads + Instagram @GailDudley & my website: www.GailDudley.com
- WHAT? - What is the 1-Question leaders must ask in order to #ReimagineFutureChurch?
When is the church acknowledge the division among individuals who have faced marginalization and disenfranchisement in the realm of human rights across diverse cultures and ethnicities, and what steps will the church take to bridge this gap
- SO WHAT? - What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate / explore / discuss / pray into?
So what? What makes this an urgent need for leaders to contemplate, explore, discuss, or pray about? The division among people is growing every day, and church growth has stalled in many cases. Isn't it time that we address the elephant in the room? Women and millennials are turning away from the church because of the growing divide related to human rights and women's rights. Millennials are engaging in conversations about those who are marginalized and disenfranchised, whether it be people living in poverty, the reversal of affirmative actions in colleges and universities, while others can can continue to benefit from legacy privileges. Additionally, Black leaders are being unjustly attacked. Women are grappling with rights being taken away, even when their individual lives are on the line. We must have the conversation. The Bible says, 'If my people who are called by my name...' Isn't it time to humble ourselves, acknowledge the wickedness within, turn away from it, pray, seek God's face, and forgive? We must initiate the conversation and engage in some inward examination of ourselves.
- NOW WHAT? - What action do you recommend we initiate?
[The following is from my latest book INSPIRE: A Call to Action that will release within the next in Spring 2024]
To enlist your team and others to move forward with addressing the mentioned issues, you can take the following action steps:
- Define Clear Objectives:Clearly articulate the objectives and goals of addressing the growing division, focusing on human rights, women's rights, and other related concerns. Ensure that everyone understands the purpose and urgency of the initiative.
- Hold Awareness Sessions:Conduct awareness sessions within the church community to educate members about the issues at hand. Provide relevant information, statistics, and real-life examples to underscore the gravity of the situation.
- Create Open Forums:Establish open forums or discussion groups where members can express their thoughts, concerns, and experiences related to the growing divide. Encourage open dialogue and active listening to foster understanding.
- Engage Leadership Support:Seek support from church leadership by presenting a compelling case for addressing these issues. Emphasize the importance of unity, inclusivity, and social justice in alignment with biblical principles.
- Empower Task Forces:Form task forces or committees dedicated to specific areas, such as human rights, women's rights, and racial equality. Empower these groups to research, propose solutions, and implement initiatives within the church community.
- Promote Education and Training:Offer educational programs and training sessions to enhance understanding of human rights, diversity, and inclusion. This can include workshops, seminars, and resources that promote empathy and cultural competence.
- Collaborate with External Organizations:Reach out to external organizations that specialize in social justice and community engagement. Form partnerships to leverage resources, expertise, and support in addressing the identified issues.
- Encourage Small Group Discussions:Foster small group discussions within the church community to provide a platform for deeper conversations. Create a safe space for individuals to share their perspectives and experiences.
- Implement Inclusive Policies:Work towards implementing inclusive policies within the church that promote equality and fairness. This can include reviewing and updating existing policies to reflect a commitment to social justice.
- Promote Advocacy and Activism:Encourage church members to participate in advocacy and activism efforts that align with the church's values. This can involve supporting or organizing events, campaigns, or initiatives that address social issues.
- Monitor Progress and Celebrate Success:Establish metrics to monitor progress and regularly evaluate the impact of implemented initiatives. Celebrate successes, both big and small, to reinforce the positive change occurring within the church community.
- Continuous Communication:Maintain open and transparent communication channels throughout the process. Keep the church community informed about ongoing efforts, progress made, and the importance of collective commitment to these issues.
By taking these action steps, you can engage your team and the broader church community in a purposeful and impactful journey toward addressing the challenges associated with the growing division and promoting a more inclusive and just environment.
- PRAY THAT…
Heavenly Father,
We humbly come before you, seeking your face, as we turn from our wicked ways. Lord, we acknowledge the division among your people who have faced marginalization and disenfranchisement in the realm of human rights across diverse cultures and ethnicities. We recognize the urgency of this matter and seek Your guidance, wisdom, and grace to navigate these challenges.
Lord, help us to look within ourselves and see where we may contribute to the division even if it is not intentional. Lord, may we seek forgiveness in times like these.
God, grant the church the courage to confront the realities of division and to embrace a path of unity and understanding, and may it start with me. May Your Spirit inspire leaders and members alike to take intentional steps toward bridging the gaps that exist within our community.
Guide us, Lord, in discerning the specific actions needed to foster reconciliation and inclusivity. Illuminate our hearts and minds as we strive to create an environment where every individual, regardless of background, feels valued, heard, and embraced.
Empower the church to be a church of love and justice, actively working to dismantle barriers and promote equality. May our efforts be guided by Your Word, and may we be agents of positive change in the lives of those who have been marginalized.
We pray for strength and perseverance as we embark on this journey of healing and unity. Help us, Jesus, to exemplify your teachings in our actions and words, fostering a community where all are welcomed and cherished.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
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A focus on material social justice goals rather than eternal spiritual goals will lead to all kinds of political actions, but ignores the thing that Jesus came to accomplish - the eternal life of all humanity. Jesus did NOT come to promote and advance political solutions to make a better earthly society. Action to help the physical needs of humanity is the RESULT of a changed heart, not the SOURCE of salvation.
Hello Freddy and Gail...
I am glad to know you both and benefit from your different ministries.
Freddy - I agree that "A focus on material social justice goals rather than eternal spiritual goals will lead to all kinds of political aactions but ignores the thing Jesus came ot acomplish" but, in Gail's case the word "rather" does not apply.
She always moves toward/gets to, the eternal spiritual goals, even if she begins with what some consider trends or issues. From my expeience with her ministry, Jesus is never ignored nor given a secondary role.
IMHO, we can have different starting points, especially if those starting points bless those with less access-opportunity-power, as long as we work toward the same destination; a life-changing encounter with Jesus (Acts 4:12).
You are both welcome to give me push back... (:>)
May the Spirit enlighten the Church in best practices of integrating compassion/justice in our evangelism!