The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) formally gave birth to our Reconciliation Ministry at its International Convention in 1968, in response to the civil unrest of the times. In 2001, a denominational vision was adopted that included becoming a Pro-Reconciliation / Anti-Racist church. Its mission spoke to a “journey toward wholeness by empowering members of the Church to address the sin of systemic racism through intentional dialogue, inclusive worship, and experiential education”. In the face of the tragic and wrongful deaths of several of our black sisters and brothers, including Breonna Taylor right here in Louisville two decades later, Beargrass began its own intentional journey toward Reconciliation.

The Beargrass Reconciliation Team is led by Dr. Chris Rakestraw. Its journey over the past 18 months has encompassed much dialogue, education, and worship, to include: denominational training by DOC Reconciliation Minister Dr. April Johnson in November, 2022; a follow-up training by her last July 30, preceded that day by a powerful message from the Beargrass pulpit by Rev. Dr. William Barber, leader of the nationwide Poor Peoples Campaign; a worship celebration of Black History Month here in February; and a congregational visit to the local Roots 101 African American Museum that month.

It is truly a blessing to be part of a congregation composed of faithful souls who feel so strongly about what God is calling us to be and to do in this area….many of whom opened their hearts to God’s calling decades ago.

Corinthians 5:18-20 NIV tells us: All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. All are invited on this journey.

For more information on the Reconciliation Ministry, and to serve, please contact us.

Written by Mike Puckett