How do we prepare ourselves to be genuine partners across racial lines? Not by asking people of color to educate us—but by white people doing our own internal work first.
Rooted & Ready is a 6-week small group experience exploring our history of racism and complicity as white Christians, developing self-compassion practices for responding to racism in daily life, and preparing for genuine relationship. This isn't about guilt or shame. It's about honesty, formation, and readiness.
The program combines historical teaching, Wesleyan theology, and contemplative practices. We'll examine how Christianity became entangled with whiteness, learn Methodist-specific history from Wesley to the Central Jurisdiction, and develop skills for staying grounded when we encounter racism.
Pastor Andrew is developing this curriculum as part of his continuing education work in racial reconciliation. He wanted to offer it first to his home congregation—to learn alongside you what's most helpful and to see if it might eventually serve other churches in our district.
The program runs April 18 through May 16, 2026:
Participants commit to attending all six sessions.
Register by April 12 using the link below to indicate your interest and availability. Contact Pastor Andrew at andrew.conard@mcphersonfirst.org or 620-503-9884 with questions.