Today I reflected on my experience’s at the last two Catalyst Conferences. Headed by today’s most Relevant and Innovative Leaders, it took everything in me through Christ not to be offended by what could be considered as racism or discrimination. God put in my Spirit that I was witnessing …. the lack of “Cultural Exchange”. The first Catalyst Conference I attended was in 2008, a pastor friend blessed me with a ticket, but I could not attend until the last day. I was very excited to say the least and could hardly wait to experience the Cutting Edge Ministry Speakers, Relevant Content and the personal interaction displayed so vibrantly on the web site.

Brothers and sisters from all over the world having fun together in Christ …. It seemed like Heaven on Earth …. but in reality the interaction and fellowship was not there for someone of color like myself.

At the Catalyst 2008 and the recent One day in Atlanta, I noticed the similar scenarios of no one greeting me, no interaction or eye contact. Even after many attempts to initiate a greeting or even dialogue, it was almost futile. I attended the “Filter VIP Luncheon” and thought that maybe now in an intimate setting with leaders, I could finally initiate dialogue and fellowship. I placed my belongings at a table where a couple was already seated, I greeted them with a warm hello with no response. I proceeded to go through the line to get my food and returned to greet my table mates again saying hello, how are you and the person looked right through me  still with no response.

Another leader seated at the table striking up a conversation immediately with the couple he too ignoring my presence. The couple began to share that they were transitional Pastors for the past ten years. The conversation was filled with Programs, Systems, College Ministry, Outreach and such all while still refusing to acknowledge my presence. More leaders began to populate the table with their own conversation angling away from me avoiding eye contact. I began to feel if I had to look straight up, over every one’s head or at my plate. It was very awkward considering we were less that three feet away from each other. Thank God the program finally started, because I could not take the rejection any longer.

I so wanted to say to those at the table …. you speak of relevance, systems, outreach, programs and campuses … I am down for all of that …. but you refuse to speak to or even acknowledge a fellow Brother In Christ after being greeted multiple times, who happens to be of another color …. We are in Ministry …. right?

I am not going to call it racism or discrimination or even get mad, as I very well could. I refuse to let it affect my support of the Catalyst Movement, Andy Stanley and the list of Innovative Leaders who participate. It will not affect my attendance in future conferences, my Filter Membership or return the many bags of product I recently purchased at the recent “Catalyst One Day” in Atlanta. I am  not giving up …. “I am committed to the vision”.

I have been challenged to develop a “Cultural Exchange” Initiative … because it must be dealt with now …. waiting it is not an option.

Teaching and preaching on Diversity is ok …. but it is usually left on the conference floor along with the trash and discarded programs. People rarely take it home to apply it. We must have a true “Cultural Exchange”  and Transformation through Christ.  We must do it for our present and future generations.