TGC and Future Grace

Last week I took a moment to watch Tim Keller explain what he thought would need to happen for The Gospel Coalition to be successful. As I watched I was struck by a few things.

First, Keller recognized that the organization, and evangelicalism in general, has largely been led by in his words, “old white men.” I believe this is a humble recognition of segregation within evangelicalism that is undesirable. He mentioned that in order for there to be growth, the Coalition must reach beyond the confines of their community and connect with those unlike themselves. One way to reach this goal would be by building relationships with international leaders and the other by raising up and training the next generation of multi-ethnic leaders. Finally he said that these relationships would result in faithfulness to the gospel yet innovation in ministry.

As the credits ran across the video it occurred to me that we are in the future he spoke of. The video, though recently published, was recorder in 2008. I immediately began to think of ways that God has been working to fulfill these expectations and desires.

Foretaste of God’s Grace

International: TGC has launched an international site and though I don’t know how many people have been affected by it, I do know that they have been able to provide Bible’s to ministry workers internationally and have raised money for other international relief projects.  Beyond providing resources, The Gospel Coalition National Conferencefeatures several international speakers including but not limited to Megan Best, Tim Hawkins, and Augustus Nicodemus Lopes.

Multi-ethnic leaders: Though the Reformed African American Network is not affiliated with TGC and though its leaders are not members, there is no doubt that we (I’m an active member of RAAN) have not only experienced the support of TGC but also training, wisdom, and guidance. Men like Ligon Duncan, Thabiti Anyabwile, and Tony Carter (all members of TGC) have invested time to speak with and encourage Jemar Tisby and Phillip Holmes, the leaders of RAAN. I am eagerly anticipating God using Tisby and Holmes to build His church and unite groups across racial lines. I’m thankful they are being invested in by men in their local communities at RTS Jackson and beyond.  And I am eager to hear Shai Linne  as he speaks at the upcoming National Conference.

This is only a small taste, but it is the next generation of multi-ethnic leaders!

The Future

It can be easy to forget that God is at work and much easier to feel the weight of the dividing lines that often result in quarreling and disillusionment.  Discouragement looms large in our quest for unity and diversity.  But let this little glimpse of God’s grace encourage you that God is at work!  Theological debates and societal changes are here to stay (haven’t they always been present at every age), but we can all take comfort in knowing that God’s Word will never return void. God is our sovereign King and He is working in ways we won’t see and may not even experience this side of Heaven.

I look now to the future with great expectation that God is going to break down barriers, unite people groups, fulfill His promises, and save the lost. There is work yet to be done and I am excited. This is also why I look forward to being at The 2013 National Conference in April. I hope you will join me in looking not at the here and now but towards future grace. God is good and His is doing good things among us!

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