Equipping the Church to build shalom across racial lines.
THE RACE & CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
The Race & Christian Community Initiative
Imagine Christians continuing Christ's redemptive work by collaborating across racial lines to foster shalom between individuals, communities, and systems damaged by racism. RCCI works toward this vision by equipping Christians in Greater Boston to engage issues of race in ways that honor the image of God in all people and nurture the righteousness and justice Jesus desires for our communities.
We focus on coming alongside white people who are a part of or have been shaped by the evangelical tradition. But our biblically-based discipleship is open to all. We desire to see people of every race experience — and contribute to — healing from the sin of racism.
If you believe that racism is a problem and Jesus is a part of the solution, journey with us. Let’s learn together!
The impact of racism is present throughout our communities. Whether it’s racial disparities, unjust practices, or ongoing tensions, the sin of racism dishonors the image of God and counters Jesus’ vision for righteousness and justice. God calls the Church to be a source of healing and transformation. We have work to do to respond to that call.
White people especially need to learn how to engage issues of race in ways that reflect the example of Jesus and give evidence of his redemptive power in their lives. They need to develop the knowledge, skills, and posture to be engaged and effective members of a reconciled and reconciling community. RCCI is committed to journeying with white folks for the benefit of the whole body of Christ.
When the Church is addressing the sin of racism effectively, we are better positioned to nurture healthy communities, be a faithful witness to Jesus, and continue his redemptive work. Join us to be formed into a people who can more freely and fully live into the call of the Church!
Stay in touch by signing up for RCCI's newsletter or following us @RCCIBoston on Facebook and Instagram.
Check out this video from RCCI’s 2018 ministry launch party to get a feel for the ethos and energy of our ministry.
“For [Jesus] himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” - Eph. 2:14, NIV
Our Values
We see addressing race as a part of Christian discipleship that helps people faithfully follow Jesus in a multiracial world. RCCI:
Is rooted in scripture: God’s word is our guide for daily life. While the Bible doesn’t mention race as we currently understand it, it speaks abundantly into matters like unity, diversity, shalom, justice, repair and healing that can guide our response to racism.
Speaks truth in love: We love the Church! And out of our love for the Church we speak truth in love, with grace and on to transformation.
Invests in community: At RCCI, we don’t just connect in community, we live into the truth that we are members of an interconnected, interdependent body of Christ. This should be evident in how we relate, honor people’s context, and equip them to serve more effectively in their home community.
Submits to the accountability of people of color: White people have racial blindspots and people of color are better positioned to see and determine the response to racism. We take the posture of a learner and follower, seeking to be accountable to people of color and submit ourselves to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Learn more here.
Nurtures holistic formation: RCCI doesn’t just impart head knowledge. We invite participants to bring their whole selves so we can experience freedom and healing in heart, mind, body, and spirit. Our goal is to nurture deep formation and the ways of being that bear the fruit of faithful action in the world.
Journeys with you toward change: Deep transformation doesn’t happen in a moment, and it takes time to form the practices, postures, and skill sets to live this out. We’re committed to guide and walk with you, to help you apply what you’re learning, and provide the real-time discipleship needed to live this out in your context.
Our Driving Questions
As a spiritual formation ministry that roots itself in scripture and desire to help Christians live out their faith, everything we do comes back to the following questions:
What does the Bible say about issues related to race?
What does this mean for the Church?
How can the Church live this out in a way that offers a faithful witness to Jesus?
Hear a testimony from a local pastor of how RCCI discipled him so he could disciple others.
Options for Learning with Us
RCCI provides discipleship pathways that are rooted in scripture and designed for holistic formation. Which offering is the right next step for you?
Workshops: Do you desire to understand how scripture speaks into issues related to race? Learn about joining or hosting an RCCI workshop series. Click here for more information.
Sermons & Speaking Engagements: Sermons, Bible studies or story telling sessions can be great entry-ways or next-steps in exploring issues related to race in your community. Click here for more information.
Learning Communities: RCCI hosts cohorts for white people shaped by the evangelical tradition to help them learn about and engage in self-work related to race. This offers the knowledge foundational to more effective action taking. Cohorts explore the biblical and theological foundation for engaging issues related to race, how racism manifests today, and how to respond as an outworking of our faith. Click here for more information.
Experiential Education: We partner with leaders of color to provide experiential learning opportunities that nurture shalom-centered spiritual formation. Click here for more information.
Consulting and Mentoring: Let’s explore your ministry context and learn how to address race together. Be it receiving thought-partnership over a cup of coffee, designing discipleship pathways for your congregation, or going deep with 1:1 discipleship, Megan would be delighted to walk with you to live out your faith. Email mlietz@egc.org for more info.
Check out our resource page for articles, resource lists, and handouts exploring the intersection of race and faith.
Meet Our Leader
Megan Lietz, Founding Director of RCCI
Megan has a deep love for the Church. She desires to see it experience shalom and be an agent of shalom in the world. As a teacher, practitioner, and practical theologian, Megan works to see Christians spiritually formed to faithfully, fully, and freely follow Jesus in a multiracial world.
Growing up in a rural, white community, Megan never imagined living in the city or working toward racial justice. But through living and serving in predominantly Black communities, she developed a heart to build shalom across racial lines and help the Church do the same.
Megan is the Founding Director of the Race & Christian Community Initiative (RCCI) and serves on the leadership team at Abundant Life Church, a predominantly Black congregation that has been her church home for over 20 years.
She holds a Bachelor in Youth Ministry from Gordon College, Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell's Center for Urban Ministerial Education and a Master of Sacred Theology from Boston University, where she studied power dynamics in multiracial congregations.
Raised as a white evangelical and deeply formed by Christians of color, Megan’s love for these communities compel her to walk with God’s people as they pursue the self-work, form the lifestyles, and take the action to pursue biblical reconciliation.
When not at work, Megan enjoys reading, outdoor exercise, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two children in Dorchester, MA.
Explore Our Resources
