Following Up with the Fellows: Joe

By: Joe Whiteside

In the past few months, because of my work with the Inclusive Collective, I have found my heart opening to so much I never understood before. 

Specifically, it has been opened to participating in and appreciating Church traditions unlike mine. I come from a very white, Southern-Baptist background and it has been challenging (as well as deeply inspiring!) to witness and understand my fellow fellows, as it were, as they organize and act in Christ-centered social justice; often doing so in ways I would not have thought of or didn't realize were needed. Additionally, I've really learned just how much goes into planning and executing a ministry objective. This is invaluable knowledge I'm glad to have been given. Heart-wise, I've also learned how to listen more fully and openly to others. 

Participating in this fellowship has revealed for myself some areas in my head and my heart where I am not as naturally open-minded as I'd like to believe I am. My church, LaSalle Street Church, makes an effort to experiment with how we do church in the US by drawing from so many wonderful, valid traditions, often traditions I am wholly unaware of (and sometimes uncomfortable with, as they are so new to me). I carry back with me a reminder to keep an eye on what really matters though. 

Are we worshipping? 

Are we loving? 

Are we Christlike? 

So long as the answers are all yes, I can get down with it.

Something else I would like to point out about this group is all of the wonderful collaboration and community I've been able to experience. Getting organized like this, even while working on separate projects, has given me insights as well as hope for myself and I hope I've given the same for them. 

There are other people who want what we want. 

Nobody has to be alone in making Christ-centered change for the world.

I feel so blessed to be a part of the Inclusive Collective and especially to have had my eyes opened to the Divine in places I've not found God before. And knowing that God is in all helps me to carry on with myself and with others, to carry on in Kingdom-work, recognizing and understanding truly that it's all about bringing people to the table and helping them experience and understand Christ's love via good works done in His Name, for His Name, through His Name.

For all are God's Children,

And God's Children are for all.

In Peace,

Joe Whiteside