It’s Not a Moment – It’s a Movement: Equipping United Methodists for Spirit-Led, Justice-Rooted Discipleship

I had the sacred privilege of joining United Methodist leaders from across the connection in the initial gathering of the Antiracism Discipleship Connective. The meeting was a Spirit-led moment of clarity, courage, and deep listening. Leaders came eager to learn, ready to teach, and committed to building a church that reflects Christ’s love and justice.

This initiative is not a standalone project. It is deeply aligned with the strategic priorities of Discipleship Ministries, particularly our commitment to intentional discipleship systems that equip people to live out their faith in everyday life. Antiracism, in this vision, is not a political stance but a discipleship pathway that calls us to confront sin, embody grace, and pursue the transformation of people and communities.

It echoes the renewed mission and vision of The United Methodist Church—a church that is open, inclusive, mission-driven, and globally connected. As our denomination reclaims its identity and future, we believe antiracist discipleship is essential to our witness and vitality.

In this article, Amania Drane offers heartfelt reflections that invite us deeper into this sacred, Spirit-led journey. Her words challenge and inspire us to follow Jesus by forming disciples who are spiritually grounded and explicitly antiracist, who engage the work of transforming the world with courage, compassion, and unwavering love, rooted in the life and mission of Christ.

What I Saw; What I Felt; What We’re Becoming

By Amania Drane

It began with introductions that seemed like testimonies. As I sat in on the first gathering of the Antiracism Discipleship Connective, I was struck by the sacred weight of the "why" of those who attended.

Clergy and laity leaders from diverse United Methodist conferences and ministry settings leaned in, not to teach first, but to listen. The purpose of the connective was to initiate a journey that takes seriously the spiritual, historical, and systemic realities of racism and roots our response in Christian discipleship. We cannot be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ and ignore the existence of racism.

Learning Was Personal and Collective

The group watched two videos, one tracing the origins of race in the U.S., and another exploring the constructed nature of racial categories. Participants found the videos informative and well-suited for use in church settings.

The group noted, however, that much of the content centered on Black and white dynamics, with limited focus on Indigenous, Latino/a, Asian, and multiracial experiences. This gap was seen as a challenge and an opportunity to broaden the lens. This initiative isn't just about theory; it's about equipping churches to tell the truth in love.

Antiracism as Discipleship, Not Just Dialogue

What moved me most was the clarity that emerged. Antiracism isn't a justice add-on or a political agenda. It is discipleship.

Antiracism is about spiritual formation and societal transformation happening together. The Holy Spirit was invoked repeatedly as the guide, strength, and sustainer of this work. We are not doing this work just to feel better. We are doing this because the gospel demands it.

Why It Matters and Why You Should Pay Attention

As I left the meeting, I asked, “What would happen if every church treated antiracism as essential to discipleship?

This initiative dares to imagine that possibility and invites us to participate. Whether clergy or laity, newcomer or long-time advocate, you have space at the table.

Here are the highlights and key learnings that shaped us as we engaged the Spirit’s invitation to go deeper. We hope you join us on this journey:

1. Antiracism must be integrated into discipleship.

Key Insight: Participants affirmed that antiracism is not a side project but a core component of Christian discipleship.

Reflective Questions:

• In what ways is our current discipleship path addressing or avoiding issues of race and justice?
• How can our church's understanding of holiness expand to include the work of racial justice?
• What steps can we take to make antiracist discipleship part of our spiritual formation process?

2. The church has a prophetic role in racial education.

Key Insight: Churches are seen as trusted spaces to teach, tell the truth, and form consciences.

Reflective Questions:

• What are we currently teaching or not teaching about the history and impact of racism?
• How can our church become a place where truth-telling and challenging conversations are welcomed?
• Who in our community needs to be invited into these learning spaces?

3. A historical understanding of race and racism is foundational.

Key Insight: Understanding the historic roots of race and racism is critical for spiritual and social transformation.

Reflective Questions:

• How well do we understand the historical roots of race and racism in our national and church history?
• Whose stories and perspectives have been missing in our teaching and preaching?
• How can historical truth lead to spiritual transformation and social healing?

4. The work is Spirit-led and emotionally demanding.

Key Insight: Listening, lamenting, and transforming require grounding in the Holy Spirit.

Reflective Questions:

• How is God calling us to listen, lament, and repent?
• What spiritual practices can sustain us in the face of resistance, discomfort, or fatigue?
• How can we center the Holy Spirit in our efforts to dismantle racism?

5. There's urgency and openness for change.

Key Insight: The group recognized the challenge and holy opportunity of this moment.

• Reflective Questions:
• What is at stake if we delay or avoid this work?
• What bold action is God calling our church to take now?
• How do we balance urgency with faithful discernment and deep formation?

What Comes Next

The group committed to meeting monthly to develop a framework for courageous conversations and bold action. There was also a call to go deeper between sessions through prayer, study, discernment, and accountability.

Whether you’re a local pastor, a lay leader, or someone who simply wants to grow in grace and truth, you are invited to join us on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 6:00-7:30 p.m., Central Daylight Time via Zoom. If you are interested in joining us, let us know by sending an email to Amania Drane at [email protected]. When we receive your email, we will forward the Zoom link and information about how to join this session and future online gatherings. For any other questions, contact Bener Agtarap at [email protected].

This is not a moment. It is a movement led by the Spirit, empowering us to love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.