A CONVERSATION ABOUT RACE w/ SANDRA + MICHAEL WINFREY

EpISODE 101

Hosted by Ashlie Reynoso + Keith Carson w/ Special Guest SANDRA + MICHAEL WINFREY

IN THIS EPISODE

• Why Mission Hills Church | 1:56
• Get Involved! | 3:45
• “The Talk” | 7:54
• Love in Action | 11:30
• Get Outside of ‘The Bubble’ | 17:05
• Bias | 20:10
• Diversity Barriers | 32:47
• Sandra’s Experiences | 39:40
• Mission Hills Church has opportunities | 44:35

INSTANT TAKEAWAYS

1 | Heaven is not going to be segregated

After attending several well know black churches in Texas and Georgia, the Winfrey’s find themselves in Highlands Ranch, Colorado searching for a church to attend and a way to connect with their local community. We get a sneak peek into their decision-making process in selecting Mission Hills as their church home. They made the early decision to not let attending a predominately black church be a requirement, focusing heavily on the teaching, and their desire to be part of a church that is impacting the community.

2 | Get INVOLVED!

The Winfrey’s heartbeat is to serve. They embody ‘become like Jesus and join Him on mission.’ Since walking into Mission Hills the Winfrey’s have served in various aspects of local and global outreach. From organizing Live on Mission (formerly Love in Action) one-weekend service event to leading mission trips to Rwanda. Sandra and Michael have had unique opportunities to connect with people who do not look or believe the same as they do and embrace those as ways to grow as people and in their faith.

3 | Bias Are Everywhere

Sandra and Michael share honestly about their experience as people of color today. Openly admitting, bias are everywhere and everyone has them, the Winfreys share stories of times they have experienced both conscious (explicit) and unconscious (implicit) bias. Michael reminds us that many times people are unaware of their actions/bias and it is our job to make people aware but then it is up to them to make some changes. Sandra shares of experiences that have made her feel uncomfortable and require her to be bold. We are grateful for their insight in these key areas!

SHOW NOTES

Welcome to Conversations About Race, a (sometimes awkward) conversation about race, what the Bible says about it, and how we can respond. If you do not already know this wonderful Mission Hills couple, we can’t wait for you to meet Sandra and Michael Winfrey. They are kind. They are authentic. They love the Lord. And they have a heart to be on mission with Jesus. The next 60 minutes will give you a unique perspective of parenting kids, serving a community, and doing life as a family of color in a white suburban community and church. The Winfreys will share vulnerably and encourage all of us to get involved in this conversation.