31 Christian Journal Prompts for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity

How to Love and Accept All People

The importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity in the church cannot be overstated. As Christians, we are called to love and accept all people, regardless of their background, race, ethnicity, or gender. When we create spaces that are diverse and inclusive, we create an environment where everyone can feel valued and respected, and where everyone can bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. This not only fosters a sense of belonging but also promotes a deeper understanding of God’s love for all of humanity. In essence, it’s about creating a church that truly reflects the kingdom of God.

Here comes journaling. In exploring themes of diversity, inclusion, and equity in the church, individuals can reflect on their own experiences and biases, examine their beliefs and assumptions, and explore how they can better live out their faith in a way that promotes equality and justice by journaling practices. Journaling can also be a safe space to explore difficult emotions and questions related to these themes, as well as to document personal growth and progress in addressing them. By intentionally using journal prompts focused on diversity and inclusion, individuals can deepen their understanding of these issues and their role in promoting positive change within the church community.

Why Diversity Matters in Church

The Bible contains several passages that affirm the value of diversity and inclusion in the church. One of the most well-known is Galatians 3:28, which states, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse emphasizes that in Christ, there is no hierarchy or division based on social status, ethnicity, or gender. Instead, all believers are equal and united in Christ.

Other passages that promote diversity and inclusion include Revelation 7:9, which describes a great multitude of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God, and James 2:1-9, which cautions against showing favoritism or discrimination based on outward appearance or social status.

Overall, the Bible affirms that all people are created in the image of God and have inherent value and worth. As Christians, it is our responsibility to work towards creating a community that reflects this truth and welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences. Christian journaling can be a powerful tool for exploring these themes and challenging ourselves to grow in our understanding and practice of diversity and inclusion in the church.

Journal Prompts for Exploring Diversity

1. How has your background shaped your perspective on diversity?
2. What are some stereotypes or assumptions you have about people from different cultures or backgrounds?
3. What steps can you take to be more inclusive and welcoming to those who are different from you?
4. What are some assumptions or stereotypes you hold about people who are different from you? Where do these beliefs come from, and how do they impact your interactions with others?
5. Reflect on a time when you felt excluded or marginalized because of your race, ethnicity, gender, or other aspects of your identity. How did this experience shape your perspective on inclusion?
6. Think about a time when you witnessed someone being discriminated against or mistreated because of their identity. What did you do in response, and what could you have done differently?
7. Describe a person or community that challenges your assumptions or biases about diversity. What have you learned from them, and how has your perspective shifted?
8. Imagine a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other aspects of their identity. What steps can you take to work towards this vision in your own life and community?
9. Reflect on a Bible passage that speaks to the importance of diversity and inclusion (e.g., Galatians 3:28, Revelation 7:9). How can you apply this message to your own life and relationships?
10. Consider the ways in which your church or faith community could become more inclusive and welcoming to people from diverse backgrounds. What changes would need to be made, and how can you contribute to this process?
11. Think about a time when you were challenged to step outside of your comfort zone and interact with someone who was different from you. What did you learn from this experience, and how can you apply these insights to other areas of your life?
12. Reflect on your own experiences with diversity: Write about a time when you felt excluded or marginalized in a church setting. What happened? How did it make you feel? What would have made the experience more inclusive?
13. Explore your biases and assumptions: Write about a group of people that you have biases or assumptions about. What are these biases or assumptions based on? How do they affect your interactions with these individuals? What steps can you take to challenge and change these biases?
14. Consider different perspectives: Write about a controversial issue in the church (e.g. LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial reconciliation, women in leadership) from a perspective that is different from your own. What can you learn from this perspective? How can you work towards understanding and respecting those who hold different beliefs?
15. Evaluate your church’s practices and policies: Write about a practice or policy in your church that may be exclusionary or discriminatory towards certain groups of people. What steps can you take to address this issue? Who can you speak to about making changes?
16. Take action: Write about concrete steps you can take to promote diversity, inclusion, and equity in your church. How can you use your gifts and talents to make a difference? What partnerships or collaborations can you form to achieve your goals?

Inclusion in the Church

There are several practical ways that churches can be more welcoming and inclusive to diverse communities. One way is to intentionally diversify leadership, including hiring staff members from different backgrounds and cultures. Another way is to regularly celebrate and acknowledge the cultural diversity within the church, such as through multicultural worship services or events.

Additionally, churches can actively seek out and engage with diverse communities in their local areas. This may include partnering with organizations that serve marginalized populations, hosting community events, or providing resources and support to those in need.

As individuals, we can contribute to creating a more inclusive church by examining our own biases and attitudes toward diversity. Journaling can be a helpful tool for this reflection process. Here are some prompts to consider:

1. Think about a time when you felt excluded from your church community. What made you feel that way? How did it affect your relationship with God?
2. Imagine that you are a new member of your church. What would make you feel most welcomed and included? What steps can you take to create that kind of welcoming environment for others?
3. Reflect on your own biases and prejudices. How might they be affecting your interactions with others in your church community? How can you work to overcome those biases and become more inclusive?
4. Consider the different cultural backgrounds and experiences represented in your church community. How can you celebrate and learn from those differences?
5. Think about the ways in which your church leadership can be more inclusive. What policies or practices could they implement to create a more welcoming environment for all members?
6. Write a letter to a person or group who may feel excluded from your church community. What would you say to them to make them feel welcome and valued?
7. Reflect on the teachings of Jesus about inclusion and love for all people. How can you embody those teachings in your interactions with others in your church community?
8. Consider ways in which your church can reach out to and serve diverse communities in your area. How can you work to build bridges between your church and those communities?
9. Reflect on the ways in which you can use your unique gifts and talents to promote inclusion in your church community. How can you contribute to creating a more diverse and welcoming environment?
10. Consider the ways in which your church can become an ally for marginalized groups in your community. How can you use your voice and your resources to promote justice and equality for all people?

Equity in the Church

Equality and equity are often used interchangeably, but they actually have different meanings. Equality is treating everyone the same, while equity is ensuring that everyone has what they need to be successful, regardless of their starting point.

In the church, this means that equality is giving everyone the same opportunities and resources, regardless of their background or circumstances. However, equity recognizes that different people have different needs and starting points, and may require different levels of support and resources to achieve the same level of success.

Prompts for reflection on how individuals can work towards greater equity in the church could include:

1. How can we ensure that all members of the church have equal access to opportunities and resources, while also acknowledging and addressing any systemic barriers that may be preventing some members from fully participating?
2. How can we actively work to create a more inclusive church environment, where everyone feels welcome and valued regardless of their background or identity?
3. What steps can we take to address issues of inequality and injustice in the church, such as discrimination or exclusion based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors?
4. How can we use our own personal strengths and resources to support and uplift marginalized members of our church community, and work towards greater equity and justice for all?
5. In what ways can we challenge our own biases and assumptions about diversity and inclusion, and actively seek out new perspectives and experiences that broaden our understanding and empathy for others?

Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity in Church Community

Diversity, inclusion, and equity are crucial elements for a healthy and thriving church community. As Christians, we are called to love and accept all people regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or any other identity marker. Journaling can be a helpful tool for exploring these themes, examining our biases and attitudes, and working towards greater understanding and compassion.

It can also provide a safe space for processing our thoughts and emotions as we navigate difficult conversations and challenging situations. As individuals, we can work towards greater equity in the church by actively seeking out diverse perspectives, advocating for those who are marginalized, and addressing issues of inequality and injustice. Let us continue to use journaling as a tool for growth and self-reflection as we strive toward creating a more inclusive and equitable church community.