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Greg Smith

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Expanding My Horizons (#1829)

2019/10/05 By Greg

During the fall semester, I’m teaching an adult Sunday School class at First Presbyterian Church (Fort Worth, TX) on Future Faith. Each week we are exploring one of the ten challenges Wesley Granberg-Michaelson identified in his new book: Future Faith: Ten Challenges Reshaping Christianity in the 21st Century.  

Last Sunday our topic was “Embracing the Color of the Future.” This message was challenging for us to consider.

  • The Presbyterian Church (USA) is more than 90% white (90.6% as of 2017).
  • First Presbyterian Church is more than 95% white (95.5% as of 2017).

Fort Worth is in Tarrant County, which is the nation’s 15th largest county. It is also a majority minority county.

To Be Continued

We were unable to finish our discussion of this topic in a single session. Thankfully, we will continue to explore the topic tomorrow.

An Invitation

In preparation for our second session, I encouraged all class participants to do some homework. I invited them to consider participating in local festival on Friday evening.

photo by Greg Smith

A few months ago FPC entered into a collaboration with the City of Fort Worth Human Relations Commission and Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church – a predominantly African American congregation. That initial experience led the two congregations to enter into a partnership covenant last month called Circles of Christ.

This name highlights our unity in Christ, even though we may have identities in a variety of circles within our overall unity. The purpose of the partnership is to amplify our love of God and our love of neighbor (Matthew 22.34-40) through a shared partnership of worship, service, fellowship and education. The hope is that through this partnership we will build and maintain mutual relationships that strengthen our faith and witness to our community the love, peace, reconciliation, and justice of our Lord.

Mt. Moriah MBC invited FPC to attend the 10th Annual Tarrant County Harambee Festival.

My Learning Experiences

Last night, my wife and I joined a few dozen others from these congregations and several hundred community members for the Seafood,
Chicken and Blues Fest that kicked off the two day Harambee Festival. (Harambee is a Swahili word that means “all come together.”)

photo by Greg Smith

Earlier in the week, I attended a special SHOP (Sweet Hour Of Prayer) service held at The Lot Downtown in Mansfield, Texas. That event was convened by the Rev. Dr. Michael A. Evans, Sr. who serves as the Senior Pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church. On a night when many were still processing the Amber Guyger verdict, Dr. Evans shared the stage with numerous black and white pastors and other faith leaders who read Scriptures and offered prayers for Christian unity.

photo by Greg Smith

So What?

I’m increasingly aware of the privilege I posses as a white straight cisgender man. I know I have much to learn, and believe that the two experiences offer glimpses into my current efforts. While simply showing up is as step in the right direction, it must also be followed by more steps that lead to developing meaningful relationships.

I welcome hearing about your own growth and the ways your congregation has, is, or is working towards fostering meaningful partnerships.

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Greg Smith

Greg is a follower of the Way of Jesus who strives to make the world a better place for all people. Currently, he serves as Chief Executive Officer of White Rock Center of Hope and as Interim Senior Pastor of Advent Lutheran Church. He has served ten congregations, taught religion to undergraduates for eight years, and helped three organizations provide quality healthcare to underserved populations. (Read More)

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