Church Quote by Michael Emerson
“I think whites are used to being in power, so when whites think we ought to have integrated churches they think, "People ought to come to our church. What can we do to get them to come?"”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on race and religion, 2020
White dominance leads to a paternalistic approach to integration, focusing on attracting others rather than sharing power.
In simple terms: Powerful groups often try to draw others in without sharing authority.
Key Takeaway
Shift from attracting to sharing power.
Themes
race
power
integration
church
leadership
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
social
political
When to use this quote
- community building
- interfaith dialogue
- racial reconciliation
- leadership training
Key Concepts
colonialism
paternalism
social dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we move from attracting to co‑creating spaces?
- What barriers prevent shared leadership?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook systemic inequities and resist genuine partnership.
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![“T]he church is not a place. It's not a building. It's not a preaching point. It's not a spiritual service provider. It's a people - the new covenant, blood-bought people of God. That's why Paul said, 'Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her' (Eph. 5:25). He didn't give himself up for a…” quote by Mark Dever](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7a4/mark-dever-3175_blood_t-he-church-is-not-a-place-it-s-not-a-bu_3297.jpg)
