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.
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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
Saturday, October 13 * 9am - 4pm * 2nd Annual West Michigan Restorative Justice Conference * Explore how Hope, Healing, and Radical Reconciliation is possible—and restorative justice attainable—for those affected by incarceration. Lunch will be provided, and attendees will have time to visit booths of local organizations and non-profits to see how they contribute to restorative justice efforts in the state. For example, the Civitas Lab will feature a new application they created consisting of an interactive map of re-entry resources provided for those affected by incarceration. Speakers include Dr. Nicholas Woltersdorff, Father David Kelly, and Rev. Dominique Gilliard. This conference is free, though registration is required. Click here to register and to get more information. Tuesday, October 16 * 7pm * 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Urban Cohort Program* Join Grand Rapids Theological Seminary at Cornerstone University's Christ Chapel for an evening of worship and gratitude for what God is doing through this decade-long blessing. This commemorative night features a keynote address from Dr. Charlie Dates, senior pastor of Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago, Ill.; incredible music; recognition of Urban Cohort participants; and a reunion reception. This is a free event, but tickets are required. This event has reserved seating, allowing you to select the location of your seat(s). Click here to register and to get more information. At Christ Chapel at Cornerstone University, 1001 East Beltline Avenue NE. Thursday, October 18 * 11am - 1:30pm * Monthly GRAP meeting * We will hear from and pray for Grand Rapids' new City Manager, Mark Washington. * At City Life Church, 574 Division Ave S. * Lunch will be provided; please RVSP here so we can plan for enough food. Contact us if you have an event relating to faith, justice, unity, or reconciliation in Grand Rapids. Help us fill up the calendar! |