Mission and Vision

We wrap up our series of foundational posts by revisiting the mission and vision of BTSF:

Mission 

"Ye shall know them by their fruit,"
(Matthew 7:16)

             At BTSF, our mission is to facilitate justice and understanding across racial divides by offering essays, resources, and forums for discussion, in a manner that is accessible and respectful to all involved.
             We strive to increase the visibly of healthy and holy racial discussion, and to attempt to educate in a manner that may forestall hurtful statements of ignorance that often impede interracial discussion. In particular, we strive to be an open space for white folk (and others traditionally in roles of privilege) to ask tough questions, learn our racial history, gain an understanding of systematic injustice, and to become empowered agents for change, both within ourselves and for our communities. 

             By approaching racial justice and reconciliation from a Christ-minded perspective, we access the relational model that Jesus sets forth, and gain an understanding of the greater impact for the Kingdom that is at stake. We recognize that racial brokenness hinders our witness to the world, and is counter to God's will for His people. Therefore, we

...yet what 'Strange Fruit' we have.
(Billie Holiday)

hope in God's promises for a redeemed and reconciled world and are grateful for the opportunity to play a role in their fruition. 

Vision

The ideal of heaven:

"After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)

Being lived out on earth:

"Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."           (Mathew 6:10)

Brought about by justice-minded reconciliation:

"to loose the chains of injustice, and untie the cords of the yoke" (Isaiah 58)

Guiding Principles:

• Racism is a real and pervasive force dividing God's Kingdom.
• A divided body of Christ hurts our witness to the world, hampers our personal relationship with God, and perpetuates our global sinful brokenness. 
• Rich diversity is important to God and is part of His vision of a redeemed Kingdom. 
• The Church has made egregious errors in our racial history, the consequences of which we continue to bear. 
• The Church continues to perpetuate racial divides today, causing pain that often goes unrecognized and unacknowledged.
• However, the Church also has incredible potential to usher radical racial reconciliation through the model of Jesus Christ, and to be a balm of justice & hope to the world. 
• It is especially important for those traditionally in positions of power and privilege to educate themselves and to take action to redeem broken relationships & systemic injustice.  
• By God's grace, we have the opportunity to not only right our own wrongs, but to drastically advance racial healing, and to enter into powerful relationships to reshape the world's understanding of who God is and His desires for us as a community.

At BTSF, we hold the above statements of principle, mission, and vision to be central to our purpose and essential to our progress. Though not all contributors need adhere to these principles, they serve as a central template with which to conduct our discussions. Many of the concepts stated here have been fleshed out and discussed in previous posts.

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