- Missio Alliance Essential Reading List of 2015
We can see the injustice and inequality in our lives and in the world. We are ready to rise up. But how, exactly, do we do this? How does one reconcile? What we need is a clear sense of direction.Based on her extensive consulting experience with churches, colleges and organizations, Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil has created a roadmap to show us the way. She guides us through the common topics of discussion and past the bumpy social terrain and political boundaries that will arise. In these pages she voices her call to all believers:"It's time for the followers of Jesus to embark on the prophetic journey that leads to reconciliation and transformation around the world. Many of us may already be aware of the need for reconciliation in our own backyards. . . . We cannot ignore the plight of the people around us and as globalization continues its relentless march onward, we cannot turn a blind eye to the world at large either. We have to face the realities here at home and we must also embrace the stories of people all around the world."Each chapter lays out the next step in the journey. With reflection questions and exercises at the end of each chapter, it's ideal to read together with your church or organization. If you are ready to take the next step into unity, wholeness and justice, then this is the book for you.
Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeil is a dynamic speaker, author and trailblazer with over twenty-five years of experience in the ministry of racial, ethnic and gender reconciliation. She is an associate professor of reconciliation studies in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University, where she also directs the Reconciliation Studies program. She previously served on the staff of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship for fourteen years as a multiethnic ministries specialist. She earned an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary, a DMin from Palmer Theological Seminary and was awarded a Doctorate of Humane Letters from North Park University. She is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Covenant Church and is on the pastoral staff of Quest Church in Seattle. In addition, she serves on the board of directors for Wycliffe USA and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA. She is also the coauthor of The Heart of Racial Justice and the author of A Credible Witness. Brenda lives in Seattle with her husband, Dr. J. Derek McNeil, and their two children.
J. Derek McNeil received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He also earned a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary and holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. McNeil is a leader in the field of psychology, focusing his research on the identity development of African-American males, marital and family therapy and group dynamics. He has traveled nationally and internationally presenting workshops and seminars on these topics. He has worked as a clinician in private practice, a diversity advisor and coordinator, an organizational consultant and as an administrator. McNeil formerly served as an associate professor in the graduate school of psychology at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, and is a consultant and faculty specialist for Salter McNeil Associates. He is currently senior vice president of academics at the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology.McNeil has authored chapters in several books including The Black Family: Past, Present and Future; Men to Men: Voices of African American Males and This Side of Heaven: Race, Ethnicity and Christian Faith.
