During our March council meeting, council members picked up a topic that has been unresolved since the question was first raised nearly two years ago. In July 2013, in the aftermath of George Zimmerman being acquitted of the murder of Trayvon Martin, several church members participated in a vigil for racial justice that was described as "sponsored by" FCCBC in local media. This was concerning to other members who did not feel that it was a fair representation of the entire church to say that FCCBC had sponsored this event. In response to their concerns, in the nearly two years since, church leaders have been careful to avoid having FCCBC be named as a sponsor in community events, and we did not have a process for signing on or affiliating with local events.
Until now.
At our council meeting, Rev. Ott raised concerns about the pendulum swinging too far the other direction: our church's name and identifying information has been conspicuously absent from too many community events in recent months that clearly align with our vision. The most recent example is that church members created a small group book study based on Waking Up White, then invited the author to come to FCCBC to address the greater community. In spite of this direct connection, our name was nowhere to be found on any of the promotional materials - a pretty clear example of "hiding our light under a bushel!"
Two of our four strategic priorities are to become an inviting church and to embody difference faithfully. There are many unique and wonderful things about us that make us attractive to those seeking a church home, but if we don't celebrate the vital things we are doing, particularly including our commitment to racial justice and LGBTQ inclusion, it will be harder for us to distinguish ourselves from any of the other 120 churches in the greater Battle Creek area. (That's right - there are 120 churches in Battle Creek! What sets us apart?)
In response to the concern that we need to be able to get our name out there in a responsible way that fits with our vision and values, council members introduced, discussed, and passed a motion that staff and council members are able to affiliate FCCBC with community events and causes that align with our strategic priorities. Finally, after nearly two years of murkiness, we have a new process by which church "sponsorship" may be given. Thanks to the FCCBC council for helping bring good resolution to this important question.
Two of our four strategic priorities are to become an inviting church and to embody difference faithfully. There are many unique and wonderful things about us that make us attractive to those seeking a church home, but if we don't celebrate the vital things we are doing, particularly including our commitment to racial justice and LGBTQ inclusion, it will be harder for us to distinguish ourselves from any of the other 120 churches in the greater Battle Creek area. (That's right - there are 120 churches in Battle Creek! What sets us apart?)
In response to the concern that we need to be able to get our name out there in a responsible way that fits with our vision and values, council members introduced, discussed, and passed a motion that staff and council members are able to affiliate FCCBC with community events and causes that align with our strategic priorities. Finally, after nearly two years of murkiness, we have a new process by which church "sponsorship" may be given. Thanks to the FCCBC council for helping bring good resolution to this important question.
Hear, hear!
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