The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation

Miles McPherson, founder of The Rock Church in San Diego, speaks out about the pervasive racial divisions in today’s culture and argues that we must learn to see people not by the color of their skin, but as God sees them—humans created in the image of God.

Miles McPherson has had enough of shying away from a major problem in America today: racial tension. It’s a topic that's widely recognized, yet rarely acknowledged. Sunday morning is the most segregated time in America today, and our preference for clinging to those who are like us leads to big problems in our country as a whole. Even Christians—who, if they claim to follow God, should be the people most outspoken against racism—fall short, and many of us feel obliged to choose sides. Us vs. them. Cops vs. protestors. Blacks vs. whites.

The Third Option is a plea on behalf of a brokenhearted God who, Scripture teaches, is frustrated with those of us who claim to believe in Him but are really “faking the faith.” McPherson argues that we must rise above the issues that divide us and be part of something bigger. The Third Option challenges both believers and seekers to fully embrace God’s goodness and power.

As senior pastor of Rock Church in San Diego, he doesn’t shy away from core issues that have caused a great divide both within the church and across the country. He believes that instead of choosing one of two sides, there is a third option—one that’s proven to bring people together, mend relationships, and promote genuine peace in communities. Miles exposes common misconceptions that keep people at a distance and encourages us to engage with those who look different from us and expand our world.

Full of practical takeaways and exercises to help us understand the points of view of others, this book inspires, encourages, and equips us to make positive changes in our country—starting with ourselves.

Miles McPherson is the Senior Pastor of the Rock Church and Academy in San Diego, California. He attended the University of New Haven, where he majored in engineering. McPherson was the university’s first player to achieve All-American honors in football and be drafted into the NFL, and he played in the league for four years. After his life spiraled out of control, he gave his heart to the Lord. He graduated from Azusa Pacific School of Theology with a Master of Divinity in 1991. He founded The Rock Church 2000, and currently more than 14,000 people attend its five weekly services. The church has five campuses throughout San Diego County and over 200 volunteer-led outreach ministries that donate over $4 million of volunteer service every year. He and his wife Debbie have three children and reside in San Diego.