ABCD for Reconciliation and Oneness
Ministries like yours are lovingly immersed in communities where brokenness is acutely felt. When catalytic events like the Ahmaud Arbery trial occur, they evoke unique reactions from members of our staff and from many of our patients. Leaders like you are positioned to be agents of healing and oneness in our clinics and neighborhoods. But outside of healthcare delivery, most of us are not sure what to do.
There continues to be an escalation of public events that keep the pain and reality of racism and disparity in the front of all our minds. The Board of CCHF is made up of practitioners who work in clinics like yours. As we prepare for a new year, the CCHF Board offers 4 actionable principles - “A.B.C.D.” - as a framework to help leaders be ready to promote Biblical reconciliation, oneness and compassion when opportunities like these arise:
- Awareness & Acknowledgement
Leaders must be aware of what is happening in the local community, state, country, and world. A culturally aware leader is aware of external happenings that have the potential to impact the morale of staff. Scripture admonishes believers to keep watch (Matt 24:42). Theologian Karl Barth wrote, “Keep the bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.”
Prayer is a powerful tool for believers; however, it is the most underutilized. James said, “The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). Take time with your leadership team and staff to pray about the happenings in society
People want to know how much you care before they care about how much you know. One way of showing care for staff is by creating an emotionally and psychologically safe place where staff can express how they feel without the threat of repercussions.
The pre-cursor to obtaining a safe space is acknowledgment. How one’s awareness of current social issues is conveyed to staff can be both direct or indirect. A leader should directly or indirectly acknowledge that they are aware of the social issue, that the pain of those affected are seen, and that those who are in leadership are concerned and willing to advocate for their staff. If a staff person is not assured that the issues that directly affect them are relevant to their leaders, then they won’t feel “safe”.
- Deliver the Gospel (Be faithful. Isa 42)
Only the gospel can make a difference. Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16). Christ is the solid rock on which we stand and are sustained. Ending every meeting with a short Gospel message can be transformational for your staff and health center.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16 ESV).
Being Prepared
Being prepared, and letting our co-workers, peers and patients know that we are prepared, will help us bring healing, peace and oneness to communities that are in pain. Creation groans for the righteousness, peace and joy that is found in Christ and his kingdom. If we can help, we are here for you.
On behalf of the CCHF Board
James Brooks, Board Chair
Takesha Leonard, Chair of the Diversity Committee
Steve Noblett, CEO