Rev. Matthew Harrison Addressing the Black Ministry Family Convocation
Yesterday and today, we visited the Black Ministry Convocation taking place at the JW Marriott Hotel in Houston, Texas. Yesterday, LCMS World Relief and Human Care people presented on urban ministry and deaconess ministry. Rev. Carlos Hernandez discussed congregational renewal in an urban environment, while Deaconess Grace Rao presented on deaconess ministry.
Today, Rev. Matthew Harrison had the privilege to address the Black Ministry Family Convocation. He discussed the challenges African American Lutherans had in being recognized and integrated into the LCMS. In his discussion, Rev. Harrison quoted from Matthew and Mark on how Simon of Cyrene carried Jesus' cross. Simon of Cyrene was from Libya, Africa. Rev. Harrison noted that the Lord Jesus in his wisdom chose an African to bear his cross to help spread Christianity through the world, and so that when someone said, "You don't belong." The Africans could respond, "We bore his cross when Simon of Cyrene carried the cross of Jesus." Indeed, the cross of Jesus includes everyone -- no person is excluded or eliminated. Rev. Harrison also spoke about the BRTFSSG and how it was a tragic mistake for the Synod to consider eliminating the Board for Black Ministry Services.
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