Leroy Barber - Red, Brown, Yellow, Black, White--Whos More Precious In Gods Sight?: A Call for Diversity in Christian Missions and Ministry

Names of some individuals, organizations, and places have been changed.

Copyright 2014 by Leroy Barber

Jacket design by JuLee Brand

Dr. Howard Thurman, Sound of the Genuine (excerpted from commencement address at Spelman College, Atlanta, Ga., May 4, 1980. Used by permission of Spelman College.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Letter From Birmingham Jail (an open letter to clergy written April 1963). Copyright 1963 by Martin Luther King, Jr., copyright renewed 1991 by Coretta Scott King. Reprinted by permission of the Estate of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jesus Loves the Little Children http://childbiblesongs.com/song-30-jesus-loves-the-little-children.shtml.

Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984; all rights reserved, by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan.

Scripture quotations marked MSG are taken from The Message. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

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ISBN 978-1-4555-7493-3

E3

Leroy Barber, out of the depth of his love for God and others, offers a direct, patient, and sustained critique of the failure to recognize or address issues of race or structural injustice in Christian ministry and missions. This book surfaces tensions of race that exist, but are largely ignored. They are uncomfortable, at times frustrating, and often hit too close to home. The historical detail and pastors heart with which it is written, however, will force the reader to wrestle, repent, and reevaluate beliefs, practices, and commitments. For some it will liberate and encourage and for others it will painfully shatter illusions of reality and privilege. Dont read this for entertainment, but out of a desire to reclaim the beauty and justice of Christian missions and the hope we can more fully reflect the love of God for all his children in both the ends and means of justice work.

Ken Wytsma, president of Kilns College, author of Pursuing Justice: The Call to Live and Die for Bigger Things

An insightful resource for Christian leaders with a vision for multicultural communities! Drawing from a diversity of voices from the black, Asian, Latino, and First Nations communities, this book provides both practical steps, prophetic observations about culture, and historical context for the current reality of the North American church. These are insights born from a life lived in the trenches! A helpful voice for both the urban ministry setting and the broader missions community!

Nikki Toyama-Szeto, Senior Director of Biblical Justice at International Justice Mission, coeditor of More than Serving Tea

OUCH! This is as hard-hitting a book as you will find in the annals of Christian mission literature. In your face (if you are a white male), convicting (if you are a white-led ministry), and remarkably practical (whether you are majority or minority). If you want to get serious about racial reconciliation and justice, this book will take you into the heart of the issue.

Bob Lupton, founder of FCS Urban Ministries, author of Toxic Charity

This is a hard-hitting, inspirational, challenging book that looks at the unintentioned racism and arrogance in many of our Christian settings, especially in missions. Barber shares his personal experiences and the stories of others and includes some interesting historical insights. It is a book grounded in the Christian faith and Biblical frame. It opens our eyes (especially as white persons) to our mistaken ways, calls us to repentance, but most importantly challenges us to work in specific ways to change the way we work together and encourage leadership.

Mary Nelson, President Emeritus, Bethel New Life, Inc., Chicago

Rev. Leroy Barber is telling the truth in this book in ways that make me weep, rejoice, and pray. Like Dr. Martin Luther Kings Letter from a Birmingham Jail, Rev. Barbers passionate and courageous witness has the power to change the churchif the church will receive it. All believing Christians who are committed to participate in Gods mission, of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, need to read this book and pay attention.

Rev. Alexia Salvatierra, coauthor, Faith-Rooted Organizing: Mobilizing the Church in Service to the World

In his new book, my good friend Leroy Barber exposes the need for the Church to fully embrace Biblical diversity in all of its dimensions. The integrity of our witness as agents of love, reconciliation, and justice in our world depends on our commitment to this bold vision.

Noel Castellanos, CEO, CCDA

More than a history and a sociological analysis of racism inherent in many missionary efforts, Leroy Barber speaks out of the hurt and disillusionments of a black man serving as a leader within ministries dominated by whites who held funding and decision making power.

Tony Campolo, professor of sociology, Eastern University

Let me warn you: This is not a feel-good book. Its uncomfortable and challenging but also very necessary and prophetic. In Red, Brown, Yellow, Black, White Leroy Barber has written a book that I believe has the capacity to impact the future of the Church and how we engage in the broad work of missions and ministrieslocally and globally.