Join Dr. Hahrie Han, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins and Director of the SNF Agora Institute, as she discusses how local churches can bridge racial and political divides. Drawing from her research on a Cincinnati mega church, she reveals the transformative power of cross-racial relationships within faith communities. Dr. Han emphasizes engaging with challenging questions of race and politics directly, fostering deeper connections and shared experiences that unite diverse groups. Discover actionable insights to promote healing and community through church initiatives.
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Quick takeaways
Local churches can play a vital role in healing political and racial divisions by fostering cross-racial relationships and community engagement.
Facing questions of race and politics openly transforms divisive issues into shared experiences that unite communities within the church.
The After Party project equips Christians to act as healing presences, emphasizing the importance of relational connections in overcoming societal challenges.
Deep dives
Exploring Belonging and Voting
In an upcoming event, Curtis Chang will join David French to explore the question of whether Jesus cares how individuals vote. This event aims to engage the audience in a deeper understanding of the intersection between faith and political engagement. Tickets are available for purchase, highlighting the event's accessibility for interested participants. By addressing the implications of faith on civic responsibility, the discussion aims to encourage listeners to contemplate their own beliefs in the context of their voting choices.
The After Party Initiative
The After Party project aims to equip Christians to act as a healing presence amid increasing political division. The initiative focuses on leveraging the potential of local churches to foster dialogue and understanding among congregants. A video course designed for various small groups within churches is one aspect of this multi-pronged project. This initiative highlights the importance of local churches as platforms for community engagement and reconciliation during turbulent times.
Creating Healing Through Worship
To support the After Party's mission, a new set of worship songs has been created to inspire congregants toward a life of healing and service. The songs developed in collaboration with Porter's Gate are intended to be used in various worship settings, allowing churches to express their commitment to addressing division. This musical initiative serves as a way to enrich the spiritual lives of church members while reinforcing the core message of healing and unity. Through meaningful worship, congregations can embody their mission to navigate societal challenges together.
Understanding the Role of Local Churches
Professor Hari Han emphasizes the significant potential local churches hold to heal divisions in society. Her work focuses on how organized church communities can cultivate sustained engagement in fostering racial reconciliation and healing. By examining the experiences of individuals involved in church programs, it becomes clear that relationships nurtured within these communities are essential for navigating complex social issues. Through dedicated participation, church members can become actively involved in addressing these challenges, reinforcing the church's role as a transformative force.
The Importance of Authentic Relationships
A critical insight from the discussion is the necessity of fostering authentic relationships in overcoming political and racial divisions. Small groups within churches provide a unique environment where individuals can share personal experiences and perspectives beyond divisive labels. This emphasis on relational connections encourages deeper understanding and empathy among congregants, allowing them to engage in difficult conversations more openly. By creating safe spaces for dialogue, local churches can serve as catalysts for healing and unity within their wider communities.
Host Curtis Chang is joined by Dr. Hahrie Han, a political scientist at Johns Hopkins University and the Director of the SNF Agora Institute, to explore how evangelical churches relate to racial and political issues. Drawing from her research on a multi-ethnic evangelical church in Cincinnati and insights from Redeeming Babel's "The After Party" project, Dr. Han reveals how cross-racial relationships within faith communities can help heal racial division and foster deeper belonging. Listeners will discover why facing questions of race and politics head-on, rather than reducing them to political buzzwords, can transform divisive issues into shared experiences that unite communities.
Listen to Songs For the After Party, get sheet music, lyrics, and prayers for your church.