Reflecting on Inclusion, Racism, and Building a Welcoming Community
Introduction: Paul’s Remarkable Gifts and Humble Heart
Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders in the early church. He was incredibly gifted—well-educated, passionate, and tireless in spreading the message of Jesus. Yet, what stands out most about Paul isn’t just his achievements or knowledge. It’s his humility. Despite all he accomplished, Paul never gloried in his own wisdom, works, or privileges. Instead, he constantly pointed back to Jesus and reminded others that it’s faith in Christ, not human effort or status, that matters most.
Paul Refused to Glory in Knowledge or Privilege
Paul had every reason to boast. He was a respected scholar, a Roman citizen, and a leader among his people. But he chose not to. Paul wrote, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” He wasn’t interested in ranking himself above others. He knew that pride and self-glory could easily creep in and distract from the heart of the gospel. Paul’s humility was profound—he saw his gifts as opportunities to serve, not to elevate himself.
Modern Church Challenges: Racism and White-Centered Theology
Today, the church faces real challenges around inclusion and diversity. One of those is the tendency for white-centered theology—that is, perspectives and practices that revolve around the experiences and priorities of white people, often unintentionally leaving out voices of color. This can create an environment where people of color feel unacknowledged, excluded, or even unwelcome. When the church focuses on a narrow set of experiences, it risks perpetuating power structures that hurt and divide the body of Christ.
Impact on People of Color: Feeling Unseen and Unheard
When the church doesn’t acknowledge or listen to people of color, it sends a message: “Your experiences don’t matter here.” This exclusion isn’t just about theology—it’s about community. People of color may feel invisible, their gifts overlooked, and their stories ignored. This isn’t what Jesus intended for His church. His message was—and is—for everyone. Paul’s humility reminds us that no one should be elevated above others based on privilege, race, or background.
The Call for Humility, Open Dialogue, and Inclusivity
So, what can we learn from Paul? We need humility, just like he had. That means being willing to listen, to learn, and to admit that we don’t have all the answers. It means opening up dialogue about tough issues like racism, privilege, and exclusion. It means actively seeking out and welcoming the perspectives of people of color, recognizing their value and unique contributions. Humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves—it’s about thinking of ourselves less and making room for others.
Paul’s Example: Faith in Christ, Not Self
Paul always pointed to Jesus, never to himself. He taught that our worth comes from Christ, not from what we know or what we’ve done. Imagine if our churches followed that example—if we let go of the need to be right or to be first, and instead focused on building one another up. That would create a space where everyone feels valued, heard, and included.
Practical Steps for a More Welcoming Church
- Listen deeply: Invite people of color to share their stories and listen without judgment.
- Examine traditions: Reflect on whose voices shape your church’s theology and practices, and seek ways to broaden them.
- Challenge exclusion: Speak up when you see exclusionary behavior or attitudes—kindly, but firmly.
- Celebrate diversity: Recognize and affirm the gifts and perspectives of all members.
- Commit to growth: Make ongoing dialogue about inclusion and racism a regular part of church life.
- Conclusion: Embracing Paul’s Humility for True Community
Paul’s humility isn’t just a character trait; it’s a call to action. If we want our churches to reflect the love and justice of Jesus, we must follow Paul’s example—rejecting self-glory, welcoming everyone, and building a community where every person is seen, heard, and valued. Humility opens the door to real dialogue, real change, and real unity. Let’s choose that path together.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 