Diversity, Equity, Justice

Our Diversity, Equity, and Justice Committee exists to:

  • Pursue Justice: Actively work to address systemic inequalities within our church, community, and beyond, advocating for fairness and restoration for marginalized groups. Micah 6:8
  • Build Equity: Identify and remove barriers that prevent full participation, belonging, and flourishing for all people in our church family. Isaiah 1:17
  • Foster Unity: Create a culture of deep relationships, where people from all walks of life are united in Christ and empowered to live their God-given potential. Ephesians 2:14

Rooted in the Heart of Jackson

Our Place in the Story

Found Church sits in the center of downtown Jackson—a city with a legacy etched in the pursuit of freedom. From being a critical hub on the Underground Railroad (with nearby sites like the Michigan Central Railroad Depot) to its complex role in Michigan’s industrial and social evolution, our streets have long been a landscape for the struggle for equity.

We believe God intentionally placed us at 141 E. Michigan Ave not just to occupy a building, but to be a sanctuary of reconciliation. In a city where historical dividing walls have often dictated who belongs where, we stand as a third option. We recognize that the racial and economic realities of Jackson today are part of a longer story—one that requires us to “act justly” (Micah 6:8) within the very footprint of our downtown neighbors.

Being downtown means we are neighbors to everyone—from the business owners on Michigan Ave to those seeking shelter and support at local missions. We see the diversity: Jackson is a beautiful mosaic of White, Black, and Hispanic heritage (U.S. Census 2023). We see the need: With nearly 25% of our city neighbors navigating poverty, our presence here is a commitment to economic justice. We see the hope: We are part of the revitalization of Jackson, ensuring that as our city grows, no one is left behind.

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier…” — Ephesians 2:14

At Found Church, we aren’t just looking back at history; we are partnering with Holy Spirit to write a new chapter for Jackson—one defined by faith, freedom, and a love that knows no boundaries.

Learning to Love Our Neighbors

Unity doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a posture we practice. To ‘learn to do right’ (Isaiah 1:17), we must listen to voices and stories that stretch our understanding. We’ve curated these books, videos, and guides to help our church family move beyond awareness into a deeper, more empathetic love for every member of our Jackson community. Dive in, stay curious, and let’s grow together.

The Third Option

  • The Premise: In a culture of “us vs. them,” we often have blind spots that prevent us from seeing the image of God in others. Pastor Miles addresses the racial divide by moving beyond taking sides to find a biblical middle ground.
  • The Takeaway: This 4-part video series explores how the healing power of Jesus Christ offers a “Third Option” for reconciliation, providing a roadmap to honor every person’s dignity and heal our divided nation.

The Color of Compromise

  • The Premise: While we often celebrate the dream of racial harmony, Jemar Tisby highlights the urgency of now. He surveys the history of the American church, revealing how people of faith have historically worked against racial justice.
  • The Takeaway: By understanding the roots of systemic injustice within the church, this study provides an in-depth diagnosis of our current divide. It suggests concrete ways for believers to tear down old barriers and foster true equity.

The Cross and the Lynching Tree

  • The Premise: Theologian James H. Cone explores the powerful connection between the cross of Christ and the history of lynching in America. Both symbols represent human suffering met by a divine “thirst for life” that refuses to let death have the final word.
  • The Takeaway: This landmark work grounds the Black experience in the hope of the Gospel. It challenges us to see how God is present even in the face of injustice, explaining how faith can remain meaningful and resilient amidst centuries of struggle.

How to Be an Antiracist

  • The Premise: Dr. Ibram X. Kendi challenges the idea of being not racist, arguing that we must instead be actively antiracist. He reshapes the conversation from internal feelings to the external policies that govern our society.
  • The Takeaway: This foundational work points toward liberating new ways of thinking about ourselves. It asks us to imagine what an equitable society looks like and provides the tools to play an active role in building it.

Insider Outsider

  • The Premise: Bryan Loritts shares his personal journey as a Black man navigating the world of predominantly white evangelicalism. He uses the metaphor of an “accent” to explain that while we all speak the same language of faith, we often carry cultural and theological biases—our “accents”—that we don’t even realize we have.
  • The Takeaway: This book is an invitation to the art of listening. It helps readers identify the unseen pitfalls that keep Sunday morning segregated and offers a hopeful, biblical vision for how we can move toward a church where no one feels like a stranger and everyone truly belongs.