Comments on: The (White Male) Church Planters Conference

By: Aaron L.

Aaron L. — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 19:12:13 +0000

Pretty cool to checkout the lineup and not only see diversity and women leaders strongly represented this year, but you're speaking as well. :) That a boy.

By: Tim Wilson

Tim Wilson — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:15:46 +0000

The average church planter in the world is an 18 year old Chinese woman.

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 15 May 2009 14:02:34 +0000

Larry, I couldn't agree with you more. I would have also added that Shaun should go and show those other leaders that he is a powerful leader as well. You have a lot to offer people Shaun, but now you will never know if you could have impacted those church plant leaders.

Even though you come at it in a nicer way, I do feel that your post only caused more separation between whites and non-whites. In some it may breed hate. I will tell you what I tell my precious 6 year old son…that kind of hate is the same that hung our precious Jesus Christ on the cross. It has to stop and as a man of God you have to help pave the way…people are watching!

By: rickonline

rickonline — Fri, 08 May 2009 01:04:18 +0000

Shaun,

I just read this, and as a {white} youth pastor at a 99.9% black church – these sorts of things bother me as well. My pastor and I talk often about how un-diverse the church. As you look at simple things such as book covers, stock pictures, etc – why is it usually only brady bunch looking kids that make the cover? (I work with MANY white churches, and their REAL students don't even look that "brady bunch." )

It bothers me. I fight for diversity. God is ALLLLLL about diversity – and so am I! How many people in America do you think have an idea of Heaven that involves everyone speaking English, singing Christ Tomlin songs, and using MacBook pros?

Father, forgive us….

By: Steve Patton

Steve Patton — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 06:38:41 +0000

I’m mmmmmmmaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaddddddddddddd late to the party here and I’m not trying to stir up old discussions BUT its here so here I am. LOL! Anywho, I had a similar discussion on my blog about 6 months ago and WOW – similar response.
I lead at a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic church in Newport, RI of all places and I feel your sentiment to the fullest. But as I see what some of these people are doing with there conferences, churches, etc, I’m reminded of a conversation I had with my father-in-law. We were talking about people who want to build multi-cultural ministries and they were frustrated by the lack of minority representation at their churches. He asked someone, “how many black friends do you have?” Response was mumbled for a while before they said “a few.” He then started asking them “What is their wife’s name? Where do they live? How old are their children? What’s their favorite meal?” The answers got even more mumbled. Then he said, you don’t have black people (or any other minority) in your life, so how do you expect to reach them?”
Now, this doesn’t mean that these men and women were racist. It just means that they don’t actively seek relationships with people too different from themselves, so how do they expect to reach people different from themselves?
I could go on for days but this is your blog, not mine. You’ve got a fan in New England homie. You’re going to keep it going if I say so or not, but I’ll say it anyway – keep going bro.

By: toddm

toddm — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 19:00:12 +0000

At the line of diversity & segregation and your effort to blend the two, use wisdom so to not ruining your ability to be successful there. Boycotting, accusing, assuming, etc. does not promote change. Find your way in, then change IT from the inside out, otherwise you become a critic like everyone else. I love the vision, just dont become what you hate. The best way I can describe this point is you would never yell a drunk who doesnt know the freeing, life giving Jesus Christ as Savior, you would love him to salvation Lord Willing and allow God plus your influence to work on his alcoholism. If your gonna change culture…. You gotta reach culture. Those men are mighty weapons like you, you could learn alot from them too. Stop yelling about the culture, Change the culture.

By: Kelli

Kelli — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:43:54 +0000

I appreciate you for bringing this topic to light. As an African American woman, I often feel “lost in the shuffle” when it comes to conferences I’d love to go to or send my husband to. Too often I feel that minorities are not represented well unless the activity is put on by a predominantly black denomination or group. I’d love to learn from many people, but race is still a huge factor in ministry.

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:11:37 +0000

maybe God has but the ball in your court to start something Shawn.
That is a lot to do but you have the spur udner your saddle, the actions in on your blog and your have the people’s ear.
pray about it. see what God says.

By: Shaun King

Shaun King — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:20:53 +0000

Hey Shawn,
Thank you so much for your very kind and generous response. We aren’t judging you or your great conference by color. We are making a very real observation.
I actually attended the conference last year and learned a lot. I am sure that everyone that attends this year will learn a ton too. I actually love the speaker lineup you have and could tell that thought went in to forming it.
We also know that you charge way less than other conferences and are generous to spouses. Shawn – we know that you are a good guy, that Mountain Lake is a good church, and that you all do awesome work. I will make these thoughts known publicly.
I just want you to know that outsiders that see the speaker lineup feel that the lack of ethnic diversity in a national conference like this is problematic. Your kind comment to me revealed what I think the problem is – diversity does not happen on accident Shawn. Particularly in settings that are not naturally diverse, we have to actually decide we want it and work toward it.
I accept that you do not think of speakers in terms of black, brown, white, etc., but we must understand that diversity brings about a greater perspective.
Finally, you don’t need a Black man to speak about inner city ministry or hip hop, you can have a Black man, or a Latino man, or an Asian man speak about the same core topics that you have any random White guy speak on – vision, finance, marriage, portable solutions, etc.
Thanks for your time man.
-Shaun

By: Cyndi

Cyndi — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:13:26 +0000

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/episodes/by-topic/african-american/december-19-2008-interracial-churches/1734/