Racial Justice
Committee

 

The kingdom
of heaven is
multi-ethnic

The Bridgetown Church Racial Justice Committee

In the book of Revelation, John describes heaven as, “a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.” This is no homogenous group but instead a colorful collection of humanity. This vision of the future provides insight into the kind of church we should strive to create here and now. 

In 2016, Bridgetown Church began waking up to the myth of a post-racial America. Since then, we have felt the Spirit moving us from being mono-cultural to becoming a multi-ethnic expression of the Kingdom of God. In 2019, leaders of color gathered over multiple dinners with the pastoral team and as they shared their stories, our eyes were opened more to the need for change. And from that, in 2020, we started this journey in a more structured and sustainable way, which is why we have the Bridgetown Church Racial Justice Committee.

 
 

Mission

To cultivate truth and reconciliation within Bridgetown Church in order to sustain a culture of oneness in diversity.

Vision

To be an equitable spiritual family possessing high cross-cultural competency, awareness, and practice within every Bridgetown environment.

Values

  • John 14:6  (NIV) 

    Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

    Definition 

    As the Living Word, Jesus is the embodiment and substance of Truth. We therefore joyfully submit our socio-cultural opinions, perspectives, experiences, expressions, and understandings to the superior knowledge of His will as contained within the canon of scripture.

    Confession

    We are committed to grounding our work in biblical truth and fostering an environment of truth-telling.

  • Colossians 1:19-22 (NIV)

    “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.”

    Definition

    “Reconciliation is an ongoing spiritual process involving forgiveness, repentance, and justice that restores broken relationships and systems to reflect God’s original intention for all creation.” - Rich Villodas, Deeply Formed Life  

    “As an ongoing restorative work of the Spirit; the way of reconciliation involves a journey into conciliation through a multi-phased approach.  This involves gaining understanding through truth telling and mediation, agreement through bargaining and negotiation, and restoration through shared innovation. Ultimately, it is the perpetual spiritual process of conflict resolution both vertically with God, and horizontally with Man.” - JT Thomas, Civil Righteousness 

    Confession

    We believe the ministry of reconciliation is a primary stewardship of God’s people, therefore we are committed to the task of being formed into a reconciling community.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    “Pray without ceasing.”

    Definition

    Prayer is communion with our Creator. When we pray, we engage in loving fellowship with the Maker of heaven and earth.Described in the book of Isaiah as the Man of Sorrows, Jesus is the One who is acquainted with our condition and bears the burdens of the world. We know that through prayer we will be met by Him  in the midst of our pain, petitions, and praises as we work to become a multicultural community. 

    Confession

    Therefore, we will be a people of prayer. Communion with Jesus will order our days, empower our ministry, and carry our burdens.

  • Galatians 3: 26-28 

    “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” 

    Definition
    Oneness is the miracle of two or more distinct persons or groups of people becoming supernaturally bonded into one another, through the work of covenantal love. 

    Confession

    We are committed to unity in friendship and maturing in kinship, as we mirror the relationship between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:7 

    “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other”

    Definition 

    Empowerment is an act of the Holy Spirit in granting authority and giving permission. Every person and people group within the Bridgetown community plays an essential role in the formation of our understanding of the Kingdom of God. As a principle founded in the upside down reality of the kingdom of God, we are committed to sharing and holding power loosely. 

    Confession

    We will be an empowering community: Always looking for opportunities to trust and grow leadership in others and call out their giftings. Our role and personhood is an essential contribution to the whole.

  • Philippians 2:1-4

    “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

    Definition:
    Celebration is the act of acknowledging and commemorating people, cultural moments, and movements of the Spirit. As a community, we see this as an essential spiritual practice for curating family, generosity, and hospitality. 

    Confession: 

    We will be a community of celebration, cultivating deep wells of joy through thankfulness and a culture of honor.

 
 

Cultivating unity

in diversity

Hear stories from within Bridgetown Church

In 2022, Bridgetown Church’s Racial Justice Committee created a series of podcasts sharing the history of different racial minority groups in Portland, as well as highlighting stories of individuals from within Bridgetown Church. Our prayer is that these stories would foster unity, celebrate diversity, and take us one step closer to being the multi-ethnic kingdom of God.

Black History Month

Learn the unique history of the Black community in Portland and hear stories from Black brothers and sisters within Bridgetown Church.

Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Learn the unique histories of the AAPI communities in Portland and hear stories from AAPI brothers and sisters within Bridgetown Church.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Learn the unique history of the Latino community in Portland and hear stories from Hispanic brothers and sisters within Bridgetown Church.

Indigenous Heritage Month

Learn the unique histories of the Indigenous communities in Portland and hear stories from Indigenous brothers and sisters within Bridgetown Church.

Connect With Us

Please reach out to the Racial Justice Community with any questions you may have.