There is much conversation about unity in the body of Christ and that’s a very important, biblical concept. In fact, the idea comes from Jesus, Himself, and from His prayer in John 17, where He prays that His followers be one so that the world will know that He is from the Father.

Much of the conversation about unity in Christ’s body addresses doctrinal, denominational, and other organizational divisions. However, a key part of “oneness” is often ignored. That is racial unity — the body of Christ coming together in racial/ethnic diversity, respect, and equality.

A gathering of Christ-followers (ekklesia) should look like Heaven. The book of Revelation describes Heaven as having people from “every kindred and every tribe.” When Christians meet together based on race or ethnicity, they are just as divisive (if not more so) as meetings based on doctrine or denomination.

There is a famous statement that says: “Sunday morning at 11:00 o’clock is the most segregated hour in America.” That statement is a serious indictment against Christianity in America. It shouldn’t be ignored, but believers should take bold, humble, and sacrificial action to remedy that accusation. We should intentionally cross racial lines and begin to embrace, honor, and submit to our brethren in Christ of all races/ethnicities.

So how can we get started. First, don’t wait for others to cross the racial line to come and meet with you. You cross it and go meet with them. Second, we need to learn all we can about the causes of the racial divide in the body of Christ so that we can begin to overcome it.

I have written a book to help with that: Off the RACE Track–From Color-Blind to Color-Kind. It is a Christ-centered book full of practical ways that the body of Christ can come together across racial/ethnic lines. It’s also takes a clear look at some of the difficult history that created such a divide. If you are serious about oneness, reading it can be a solid first step to racial healing in the body of Christ. It’s available at this link.