Pastor Theologians, The Gospel, and the
Ministry of Racial Conciliation
Benjamin D. Espinoza
Benjamin Espinoza (MA, Asbury Theological Seminary) is a PhD student
at Michigan State University. His research explores theological education,
leadership, vocation, and diversity in churches and seminaries. He is a fellow with the Center for Pastor Theologians and serves on the board of the Association of Youth Ministry Educators.
Abstract: Evangelicalism has a historically tenuous relationship with racial
conciliation. As our nation becomes increasingly diverse, we must rethink our approaches to racial conciliation. The purpose of this article is to give pastor theologians a vision and plan for developing a rich ministry of racial conciliation. The paper will situate racial conciliation as a gospel issue that demands a response. Next, the article will explore how scholars have reflected on the source, nature, and solutions to racism. Finally, I develop key practices and implications that will assist pastor theologians in being agents of racial conciliation in both ecclesial and academic spaces.
Key Words: Race, evangelicalism, pastor theologian, racial conciliation, social justice, gospel