What an amazing time we are living through! Pandemic, International protests about our nation, racism and conflict between families over our response to the times. And yet we are the church trying to survive.

I have received a lot of good-natured criticism in the last two weeks for speaking out on this subject. And to make it more fun God has allowed critics from both the left and the right. Many times, it is life-long friends who are authentically standing for the truth as Christian Conservatives. And then it’s from their kids who are just as sincere pushing for change on the left. In the midst of this I have said repeatedly that black lives matter and how we are trying to live it out as a Christ-followers. As we work together, we are continuing to be the Family of Christ - the Church.

For those who haven’t listened to me in the last few weeks or read my post to 23,000 people on social media I say again … The situation right now in our country is one where a huge percentage of our population is hurting, and they don’t feel safe. It would be as if a wife comes to her husband and says, “I am hurting, and don’t feel safe,” and wants to know if she matters to her husband. And the husband says, “All wives matter.” Of course, all lives matter to Christ Followers but our neighbors and friends need to hear us say that black lives matter. So, we say it boldly. I know that makes many others feel insecure and you also matter to me. But it is time to speak out to a segment of our population that has endured 300 years of slavery and injustice. They need to feel a part of the family. What a joy it is to be criticized by both sides it gives a strange sense of balance to this unusual experience.

I care about you and I do enjoy hearing your convictions and I am battling as usual to help the church to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” It’s not easy but it is adventuresome.

Your friend for the rest of my life,
Pastor Tim White