September 2019
The DNA of a church is the transmission of the inherent traits of a church. Children inherit DNA from their parents. What did Santa Clara First Baptist Church inherit from Lord Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church?
DIVERSITY & INCLUSION ARE PART OF OUR DNA
Diversity and Inclusion (D & I) are part of our DNA. We are a house of prayer for all nations and of all nations.
"Then He taught, saying to them, 'Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations?'" (Mark 11:17)
Santa Clara First Baptist Church inherited the welcoming and hospitable spirit from God our Father, and from Jesus our Lord and Leader.
Now let us discover what D & I mean in the incarnational ministry and in the Body of Christ.
DIVERSITY
Not only do we need to recognize physical diversities, but spiritual diversities as well, for building up and for powerful transformation. The Holy Spirit said in the Holy Scripture, "I do not want you to be ignorant." (1 Corinthians 12)
Ignorant of what?
That there are:
Diversities of gifts.
Diversities of ministries.
Diversities of activities.
INCLUSION
We recognize, value, and use different gifts, ministries, and activities to build up the Body of Christ, and leverage diversities to cause powerful transformation and change.
Again, when people ask, Who are you?", let us make it clear that:
We are one body with many members.
We honor every member of that body. There is no lesser or greater in honor.
We are united in Diversities and Inclusion, and they drive the church toward powerful transformation and change.