Racial Justice
Committee
Introduction to 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 are excited to announce the Bridgetown Church Racial Justice Committee.
Why do we exist?
To empower Bridgetown Church to pursue racial equity, be a conduit of cultural transformation, and cultivate an environment of unity in diversity.
How will we get there?
Create a sustainable structure for fostering racially, ethnically, and culturally inclusive and equitable practices within all aspects of Bridgetown Church through leadership and partnership.
Who are we and how do we work together?
Our work will be guided and informed by our beliefs and commitments to:
Inclusiveness: We respect each other, value diversity, and are committed to equity and equality. We are on this journey, as brothers and sisters in Christ, because of the love that we have for each other and for God.
Mutual Learning: We value honesty, authenticity, and accountability and view learning as a journey. We approach new ideas with open hands and humble hearts. We recognize that love and truth are at their best when they are hand in hand.
Embrace: We commit to being each other’s secure confidants where love hopes the best, grace is extended and received, and we embody healer and caregiver intention.
Faithfulness: We value consistency in prayer, presence, and peacemaking. We are committed to staying faithful to Jesus and the writings in the old and new testament’s, holding to their moral and spiritual vision of good and evil and human flourishing.
Togetherness: We believe that we experience and see God more holistically when spaces reflect a multiethnic, multicultural, and multigenerational community, and are bound together in love by the Holy Spirit.
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Christa Nutor Odele (Co-Chair)
Teaching Subcommittee Lead
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Tiffany Flores (Co-Chair)
Communities Subcommittee Lead
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Jonathan Tremaine Thomas (Co-Chair)
Bridgetown Staff; Justice, Reconciliation, & Mercy Fellow
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Tre' Giles
Bridgetown Staff, Pastor of Justice & Mercy
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Deidre Burton
Women Subcommittee Lead
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Gabriel Flores
Communities Subcommittee Lead
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Bella Zelaya-McCarthy
Youth Subcommittee Lead
Connect With Us
Let us know if you would like to connect with any of the members on our Racial Justice Committee. Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
Leadership
Teams
Bridgetown Church is led by staff and volunteer leaders who provide practical and pastoral care within the life of our church family.
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The Board of Directors are comprised of elders and non-elders and are the governing body accountable for the business operations and liabilities of the 501(c)3 organization of Bridgetown Church.
Board of Directors -
The Deacons at Bridgetown Church help care for the practical needs of people, administratively and pastorally stewarding the work of the Spirit and the church.
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The Elders of Bridgetown Church are the spiritual authority over the church as laid out in 1 Timothy 3v1-7, Titus 1v5-9, 1 Peter 5v1-4, and Acts 20v17-35. Their role is to guard and give shape to direction, doctrine, and discipline.
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The staff is a team of paid leaders who are committed to the pastoral, administrative, and overall care of the life of Bridgetown Church.