Evangelicals, for the most part, lack meaningful relationships with unbelievers, hindering opportunities to share the Gospel. This issue is particularly significant given our community's diverse nature and vast ministry potential.
by Dr. Tim Orr
Having served in Columbus since 2006, I've had the opportunity to engage with the church and non-believing communities. One of my primary concerns is the apparent disconnection between these two worlds. Evangelicals, for the most part, lack meaningful relationships with unbelievers, hindering opportunities to share the Gospel. This issue is particularly significant given our community's diverse nature and vast ministry potential.
Despite notable progress in recent years, Columbus is still evolving in its ability to function as a cohesive, diverse community. The challenge lies in our natural inclination to form groups, categorizing individuals as "like me" or "not like me." This tendency fosters the formation of in-groups and outgroups, where preferential treatment is granted to those perceived as similar.
While being part of an in-group provides comfort and familiarity, those in the outgroup are often viewed with suspicion or indifference due to perceived differences in habits, perspectives, and values. This lack of familiarity breeds stereotypes and hampers genuine understanding and connection.
Tim Keller astutely observes that people generalize and stereotype the outgroup without meaningful interaction, reducing individuals to mere representations of their group identity. This tendency perpetuates division and inhibits genuine engagement and dialogue.
Recognizing the importance of embracing diversity in our community, I am embarking on a project to foster pluralism. Pluralism goes beyond mere tolerance. It urges individuals to actively engage with those outside their immediate circles while maintaining their core beliefs. It necessitates a commitment to respecting and protecting each other's freedom of conscience without necessarily endorsing differing beliefs or behaviors.
This project is vital in a climate of scarce civil discourse and rampant polarization. By facilitating connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, culture, and socio-economic status, we can transform perceived differences into opportunities for learning and growth.
To this end, I am initiating the development of Diversity Circles in Columbus. This program will provide a platform for participants to learn how to engage with opposing viewpoints, promote inclusivity, and advocate for acceptance and equality in our communities.
I will provide further updates as this project unfolds. In the meantime, I humbly ask for your prayers, seeking God's wisdom to bring this vision to fruition. I hope that Evangelicals will embrace deeper relationships with the unbelieving community, allowing them to share Jesus's love authentically.