Over the last week, I’ve had a lot of time to watch the news, reflect on the events in Charlottesville, Virginia, and consider what my role as a church leader and your role as a minister or pastor should be. I’ve also had a lot of time to pray. Over and above any political commentary, news broadcast or Facebook post, God’s Word is clear: Racism has no place in the body of Christ.

I encountered this issue directly while pastoring in Mesquite, Texas. The city itself is racially diverse and racially charged. And our congregation reflected the demographics of our neighborhood. I remember one time doing our video announcements in Spanish to attract Hispanic people in our city and make them feel welcome. I was not ready for the negative pushback I received from English-speaking members, though. I saw it for what it was — blatant racism.

Soon after, one moment after another seemed to share the national spotlight bringing attention to systemic racism and the racial divide that permeates our communities. However, I mostly kept silent on these issues. Because of my hesitation, I missed out on opportunities to comfort African American members of our congregation who were hurting. They didn’t need a political statement from me. They needed my care as a pastor.

Calling Out Sin and Calling for Justice

What we’re seeing now is blatant racism. It’s time to call this scar on American society what it is — sin. There are times when the media, our friends and neighbors, and even our elected officials want to jump to conclusions and make blanket statements that, upon further review, prove to be untrue or unhelpful. Let me be clear, however. What we saw a week ago in Charlottesville is not one of those moments. This was pure evil on display.

Racism is one of the only sins that we quickly respond to with a “What about … ?” We would never say of adultery, “What about the wife who wasn’t meeting her husband’s needs?” We would never say about addiction, “What about the stress that drugs were alleviating for her?” But when it comes to racism, we give a response that is seemingly unbiased but, in reality, is just an excuse.

A subject this important means that we, as leaders, need to get it right. America has a racism problem, pure and simple. We need to be crystal-clear about the role of the pastor in this area. Silence is no longer an option.

No more excuses. The gospel message is loud and clear that race should never divide us when Christ unites us. To think otherwise is a sin. As ministers, we must lead and lean into justice in our communities. Here are just a few of my thoughts on how we can do that.

Speak

If God has given you a platform, it is not just your right to use it, but it’s your duty. Preach on this subject. Confront racism, both around the country and in your church. Call it out, call it sin, and lead with courage on this topic. You should be more concerned about answering to God when it comes to what you failed to speak out on than you are about what others may think.

Race should never divide us when Christ unites us.

As a pastor, I used to avoid speaking to current events and societal flareups in an effort to stay positive and not offend. I’m pretty sure I was wrong. I’m certain we need pastors who are willing to lead people through the cultural milieu and societal pain points now more than ever.

As ministers of the gospel, we have an opportunity to bring hope and healing to the people and places we lead. And as ministers of reconciliation, we have an obligation to speak out about injustice in the world that would strip people of their God-given equality and terrorize them for the color of their skin.

Act

It’s really simple. Just get involved. Become an active minister of reconciliation in your community. That may mean joining the local chamber of commerce to have your voice heard. Or it may mean volunteering at a local nonprofit that is helping to end racism. The point is that you need to do something about it. It’s no longer acceptable just to send money “over there” when there are people hurting right here who need your response.

God has positioned you strategically for such a time as this. Roll up your sleeves and get involved where you are. Become woven into the fabric of the community so you are a trusted voice in times of tension. It’s important to know and understand the racial makeup of the community you’re in and work to make sure your church matches that reality. As spiritual leaders with a prophetic voice, we have the opportunity and obligation to be a uniting force in our communities.

Start somewhere. Start with making sure you are personally engaging others who don’t look like you in friendship, intentionally putting people on stage who represent the diversity of the community, and building a team that likewise reflects that diversity. Good intentions will not solve the problem; we must act.

Actions speak louder than words. Our inability or unwillingness to respond can sometimes be a bullhorn. Ignoring these issues during your weekend services could actually erode your credibility as a spiritual leader. Remember, the goal is not just having church; the goal is transformation of the people and places we lead. Courageously call racism and politicism what they are, and then lead people to love and Kingdom allegiance by your example. Be doers of the Word, not followers of the world.

Pray

I’ve listed this last because it’s the most important. Nothing can replace the power of prayer in the life of a pastor. But it takes more than just a private, individual prayer to enact justice. We need ministers who are leading in regular corporate prayer on these subjects, asking for our people who are called by God’s name to get on their knees and repent for the sin of racism.

Prayer is an amazing way to weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn. It shows that we recognize sin for what it is and we are no longer willing to stand for it. We don’t always have to agree with one another to love one another and show solidarity in pain. But we do have to recognize the pain that many in our congregations are feeling.

Leading and leaning into justice must first begin with us. This is why prayer is so essential. I believe in the power of the gospel over the problems of the world. When we unite over these issues instead of dividing over disagreements, the world will see that same power. To get there, we must return to powerful prayers.