God's Politics Blog » Leroy Barber

Lamenting Churches Labeled by Race

Leroy Barber — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:00:48 +0000

So there is something on my mind, and I’m not quite sure how to approach the subject. For a long time the church I pastor has been called a “white church.” We have had many people of color visit and…

I Met a White Man and He Couldn’t Dance

Leroy Barber — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:00:27 +0000

I attended a majority white high school in the late ’70s and since that time my life has been one cross-cultural bowl of spaghetti. It tastes good but is really messy, sometimes sauce all over your shirt.

My first encounter with…

Green My Hood

Leroy Barber — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 15:00:57 +0000

Is it possible to create a new economy in the hood that would create jobs, lower energy costs, reduce the carbon footprint of an urban neighborhood, and allow neighbors to get to know one another at the same time? I…

Natural Disaster or Natural Opportunity?

Leroy Barber — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:30:54 +0000

This week, for the second time in a few years, I found myself walking the streets of a city talking to pastors and people about how Mission Year could help them recover from a devastating storm.

Hurricane Ike was the fourth-largest…

‘A Black Man Would Never Be President’

Leroy Barber — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:17:24 +0000

When I was a kid I remember hearing and declaring that I could be anything I wanted to be, which included being the president of the United States. In my African-American neighborhood and school, it was routinely declared and I…

Two Options for Weathering Economic Storms: Wealth or Simplicity

Leroy Barber — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:00:04 +0000

The present financial crisis facing our nation is sure to touch most of our lives in one way or another over the next few days, months, and even years. It does raise in my mind a couple of questions. Who…

Family Values: Ministry or ‘Just Life’

Leroy Barber — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 19:29:22 +0000

I believe that every dedicated family following Jesus is a great instrument for the kingdom of God. A family serving together is a picture of God’s love and grace. My family has been the greatest part of my life; Donna,…

The Democratic Nomination’s Historic Significance

Leroy Barber — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:03:51 +0000

I have been watching the Democratic National Convention this week, and I think when Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech tonight it is going to be an important historic moment. This is not to tell you who to vote for. That's up to you. But I can't help but anticipate watching a person of color stand in the place he will tonight. I don't advocate voting for him (or not) because he is a black man, but it sure is encouraging to see history unfold. The amount of anguish that comes with [...]