In this episode of As In Heaven, hosts Jim Davis and Michael Aitcheson welcome Irwyn Ince to discuss biblical strategies for affecting lasting change on both an individual and a church level when it comes to race and justice. Ince offers ways to strive toward gospel centered unity and diversity that he argues goes all the way back to the Trinity. Ince shares practical insights for churches that want to grow in their impact and reach their communities. The three address:

• An introduction to Irwyn Ince (1:45)
• Unity, diversity, reconciliation, and the Trinity (4:36)
• Unity is not conformity (7:33)
• How to help develop unity (10:48)
• A scriptural approach (14:56)
• Coaching those who want to help (19:08)
• How to talk about events capturing the nation’s attention (26:22)
• Navigating language (38:56)
• Taking substantive, long-lasting action (44:00)
• Engaging as a family (49:45)
• Engaging as a church (54:44)
• Roadblocks for the church (1:00:58)
• Engaging in the community (1:06:40)
• Encouragement for churches who want to impact their communities (1:11:16)

Explore more from TGC on the topic of race.

 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. How does the diverse-unity of the Trinity impact our view of the imago dei? How does this manifest itself in the pursuit of community?
2. If there are concerns about the way the church is living out God’s vision for a diverse-unified community, how should a Christian respond? What qualifies should define this sort of engagement with church leadership?
3. What is the Bible’s vision of justice? How does that play out in a social context? How then can we understand and use a term like social justice?
4. Do you think your church manifests the diverse-unity that Dr. Ince talks about? What steps can you take in your church to pursue the Bible’s vision of diverse-unity? How does this look at a leadership level? A personal level?