I often struggle in environments where I do not feel equipped or qualified by way of education, articulation of speech, knowledge, and life experiences. At times, I can be extremely extroverted, known as a social butterfly. However, in intimidating environments, I become awkwardly introverted and uncomfortable. I worry that I do not belong.
I have often wondered how to engage with people of other religions or beliefs. I am an Evangelist to my core, always wanting to tell someone about the goodness and love of Jesus Christ. But those conversations always come by way of someone feeling hopeless or helpless. In responding to their feelings, I am called to offer a word of encouragement, a scripture, prayer, or to extend an invitation to a worship service. However, how do you speak to someone of another faith when the person isn’t feeling hopeless? The only dialogue I had ever known was conversion.
Who would have known, it is as simple as saying “Hi, my name is Denika.”They respond with their name and an organic conversation just sparks. It is as simple as asking someone, “What is the weather today?” I have come to learn that every relationship you encounter is not about converting someone to Christianity. Many encounters are to build relationships for other purposes outside of the church walls, such as community involvement or projects to be accomplished beyond the scope of religion.
My favorite part of the fellowship was the group discussions. We could ask questions about other religions or faiths without bias, judgment, or discriminatory remarks. We were all like little kids learning from one another. We didn’t necessarily agree with one another, but we respected our peers. It appeared that each time we met, we became more vulnerable—we shared more and more about ourselves and our faith.
Do not get me wrong, there were a few shocking discoveries about others’ beliefs. But instead of scrutinizing someone, I would just think, “Duly noted; now I am aware.”
Going into other religious spaces was not easy for me. I tried to play it cool, but my spirit wrestled. However, if I take a note from the book Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor, I can view it from another lens. Going into other religious spaces allowed me to peek over my neighbors’ fences and see their devotion and love for God. Even though I was uncomfortable, I can still honor the fact that they were able to display God’s love to us through their hospitality.
For me, the little parts of the fellowship made my experience more comfortable. Something as simple but as powerful as setting the rules and guidelines for the cohort on how we would honor and respect one another and each other’s opinions set the tone. I had to make a decision within myself to optimize the experience so I would not be judgmental or self-righteous. Therefore, as we engaged more and more, I held onto three shared commonalities: our belief in God, our love for humanity, and our shared goal to respect each other’s differences.
We never know how one opportunity will impact another opportunity. During my participation in the ICJS Congregational Leaders Fellowship I was invited to go to Oxford, England with The Dietrich Bonhoeffer Institute to share in a discussion of “The Resurgent of Racialized Christian Nationalism.” Thanks to my fellowship director Christine Krieger informing me ICJS has articles and podcasts on their website on Christian Nationalism, I was able to utilize the resources from the website to inform myself for the discussion.
As an African American female entering into this discussion with minimal knowledge and experience on the topic, I was intimidated before going to Oxford. Nonetheless, I believe being engaged with the ICJS fellowship prepared me for that moment. I was not afraid to ask hard questions and challenge a person’s ideology, despite their educational level or sphere of influence—all with respect of course.
The opportunity to be a part of this amazing cohort allowed me to be bold and to confidently use my voice internationally. I made some new friends. I learned that my voice matters, despite who is at the table; despite the diversity; despite the educational backgrounds; and despite their religious beliefs. God qualified me to be there to make an impact—to use my influence and to inspire others as they inspire me as well.
Denika Lovett is a member of Word of Life Christian Community Church and was a member of the 2023 ICJS Congregational Leaders Fellowship. Learn more about the ICJS Congregational Leaders programs here.
Opinions expressed in blog posts by the ICJS Congregational Leader Fellows are solely the author’s. ICJS welcomes a diversity of opinions and perspectives.