Episode #5 of “Behind the Curtain” Ministry Podcast is here!
Youth pastor David Singleton and I talk about the different narratives of the white and black cultures and how this relates to the Church. We discuss the Baltimore riots, racial segregation in churches, the differences between suburban and urban youth ministry, and steps we can take to be the Church Jesus intended. David has been the youth pastor at Crossroads Church in Lansing, MI for the past year and prior to this did urban youth ministry in Philadelphia, PA / Camden, NJ as well as Watts and Compton (Los Angeles), California. David is also a spoken word artist and performs his poem “Dad Was Locked Up.”
Here’s where you can listen to my interview with David:
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Resources mentioned in the episode:
Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America by Michael Emerson and Christian Smith
Blog article mentioned: My faith hero John M. Perkins on Racism, Reconciliation & the Church
Shameless Plug mentioned in the podcast: If you’d like to support David’s salary (which is completely fundraised from outside our church) you can do so with a tax-deductible gift via Crossroads Church’s PayPal account. Simply put “David Singleton” in the special instructions box:
Related posts:
He is:
Author of Beyond the Battle: A man's guide to his identity in Christ in an oversexualized world
Host of the The Flip Side Podcast
Join an online men's small group led by Noah and team at BeyondTheBattle.net
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Great interview. Thank you David for sharing your perspective on complex issues. Around the 13 minute mark you guys are discussing the use of the “race card” and typical responses. I agree completely that most people already have their mind made up one way or the other before even hearing the full story. My question for you is: What would be an appropriate response when you feel someone is interjecting race into a situation where race does not seem to be a factor?
My initial response when my black friends share their negative racial experiences is to assume they have a legit complaint but what about times when I feel they’re blaming race for a non race-related issue? For example, 2 weeks ago, a black friend of mine was pulled over for going 23mph over the speed limit on the highway. He received a ticket for going 5mph over and was outraged at this “racist” police officer, stating that he would have never received a ticket if he was white. He asked me what i thought of the situation. In your opinion, what would be an appropriate response?
It might not be your place or the best idea, unless he is a really close friend, to confront him about pulling the race card (I probably would as I’m in a better position to be heard).However, I always suggest that honesty is the best policy, you should be honest and tell him what the police officer did from the outside looking in seemed fair to you. You may could even ask what would have been a fair way for the police officer the handle the situation to get his wheels turning.
It’s always uncomfortable disagreeing with a friend especially when they are upset regardless of the issue. Just remember to be gentle and realize that we all can be shortsighted sometimes.
Hope that Helps!
David