A coalition of pastors from across the denominational, racial, and economic spectrum
committed to work toward unity, reconciliation, and justice.
committed to work toward unity, reconciliation, and justice.
New on the blog:
Opportunities for pastors to engage in solutions for community and police relations
Opportunities for pastors to engage in solutions for community and police relations
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God is doing a new thing!
The Grand Rapids Association of Pastors (G-RAP) came together in frustration, and were united through grief. In January, 2015, in frustration over the adversarial relationship between police and the African-American community, a group of Grand Rapids pastors met to discuss what they could do. This meeting attracted leaders across the denominational, racial, and economic spectrum. We committed to work towards justice, unity, and reconciliation in Grand Rapids. But the first step was to get out of our known circle of pastoral relationships: to get to know each other. This getting to know each other stage deepened after the murder of nine people at a prayer meeting at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. We came around the local AME churches and gathered in prayer and support. African-American pastors trusted the group enough to share their fears and vulnerabilities. “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19). G-RAP is continuing to commit to God’s new thing by uniting our voices, reconciling across dividing lines, and working together for God’s justice. We have seen the fruits of this new thing in the diverse spectrum of supporters spanning race and class lines and in the willingness of the new police chief to listen to and work with pastors. We are continuing to work out God’s call to us, seeking ever more practical ways to come together and to work for God’s justice in our community. Any Christian pastor committed to work towards the goals of unity, reconciliation, and justice is welcome to join this new thing that God is doing. It is springing up – may we all soon perceive it together. |
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, April 18 * 1:00 - 3:00pm * ALPACT meeting * ALPACT works with law enforcement, community and civil rights groups to identify and address issues affecting police and community relations in West Michigan. * At the Kent ISD, Education Services Building, Cedar Room. 2930 Knapp Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 – Parking Lot #11. Thursday, April 19 * 11:30am - 1:00pm * G-RAP meeting * location to be determined. April 22, 2018 is Youth Justice Sunday From Mary King, Executive Director of the Michigan Council on Crime and Delinquency: "We hope you will join congregations and faith leaders across the state to express how their values support improving the way Michigan protects youth involved in the justice system. Learn more at https://www.RaiseTheAgeMI.org/YouthJusticeSunday Participants in Youth Justice Sunday will receive an Action Packet filled with ideas for incorporating youth justice into your message as well as resources to inspire members to put their faith into action. It is free to participate and can be tailored to best meet the interests and format that works for your faith community." Thursday, April 26 * 9:00am - 4:30pm * Justice + Unity: Toward the Healing of a Fractured Church * This is a Spring 2018 Talking Points Conference at Cornerstone University; a CityFest "One West Michigan" event. A one-day conference to explore the themes of racial justice and ethnic unity in Scripture: this conference will focus and the Black or African-American experience. GRAP pastors, Mika Edmondson, Nathaniel Moody, and Dave Beelen are speakers and panelists. *At Christ Chapel, Cornerstone University. * Registrations received on or before April 19, 2018, include lunch and conference materials. Regular Rate: $40 Student Rate: $25 * To register, click here. Wednesday, May 16 * 1:00 - 3:00pm * ALPACT meeting * ALPACT works with law enforcement, community and civil rights groups to identify and address issues affecting police and community relations in West Michigan. * At the Kent ISD, Education Services Building, Cedar Room. 2930 Knapp Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 – Parking Lot #11. Contact us if you have an event relating to faith, justice, unity, or reconciliation in Grand Rapids. Help us fill up the calendar! |
