Creating change sometimes means looking at the other side of the problem first. Pastor James White shares his experience of crossing lines of division and challenging the framework of his world. Reverend White's passion for authentically teaching the Bible and leading people to understand how understanding race, culture, and diversity can help build systems of belonging where everyone can thrive. Let's learn.
Guest bio
James White has served as senior pastor of Christ Our King Community Church since its founding. He is a gifted expository Bible teacher, speaker, historian, thought leader, author, and culture creator. He is a native of Virco, North Carolina and a graduate of East Carolina University. After graduating, he joined the full-time staff of Cru, officially known as Campus Crusade for Christ.
Through his work, life, and leadership, God truly cultivated his calling to be a gracious leader. As a marketplace leader, he serves as executive vice president of the Center for Social Impact at the Northern YMCA in Minneapolis. Additionally, he is a senior research fellow at the Sagamore Institute. He is a sought-after consultant, speaker, and facilitator for several organizations and companies on issues related to cultural transformation through diversity, equity, and inclusion.
James' life continues to be shaped and graced by a 36-year “covenantal partnership” with his wife, Cynthia, and three adult children.
notes and quotes
• “[The realities of my racial identity and faith] They are always intertwined because the Bible is a tool of freedom and hope in many ways. ”
・“God often does something with anonymous and unknown people, but then he creates something. He does something…and the only way God can explain it is God.”
• “A lot of my Bible teaching comes from not wanting to distort what God is actually saying, and really honoring both deliverance and the expectations that the gospel and the Bible actually have. ”
• “Change happens when we build systems that allow everyone to thrive.”
Links mentioned
• Learn more about James' work at the Equity Innovation Center of Excellence.
• Visit the VOICES website and sign up for email. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.
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• Check out testimonials from Daily Bread Ministry.
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Scriptures mentioned
Matthew 5:38–39
