A Watershed Event

As we approached the National Leadership Council in October, we realized that we were entering a very fragile environment. Some of the ethnic majority leaders felt that the previous meetings on ethnicity, while helpful, didn't bring us real progress, and in the process had placed guilt and blame on them for the sins of their fathers; we seemed unable to move beyond this point.

The ethnic minority leaders entered this time desiring to see some real change, but with, at best, a cautious hope as they recalled the numerous past meetings that aroused much emotion and in some cases hope, but didn't make substantial change.

In summary, everyone was tiring of this complex and weighty topic, yet everyone knew that we had not done what was needed to get a breakthrough with ethnicity in the U.S. Navigators, and hope was waning. It appeared that this NLC would be the "last shot" we'd get on ethnicity with these U.S. leaders!

So, what did we see God do? We saw an authentic dialogue develop during the NLC that did not minimize the pain of the past, but focused on the challenge and opportunities of the present and future. As we worked in groups, a theme began to emerge in the sharing by the second day. The theme was, "Pulling down the wall." This theme stated clearly and unmistakably that the time had come to pull down the walls of misunderstanding, mistrust, disrespect, and isolation, and rebuild a new wall of understanding, trust, respect, and partnership.

Certainly one of the key indicators of the authenticity of this collective resolve was the response of our ethnic leaders. By the close of the third day Rich Berry, Jane Berry, César Vega, and Debbie Schwartz had all shared with the group their amazement that we had already accomplished more than they thought to be possible.

What was accomplished? A new level of understanding and commitment to action that the ethnic majority leaders communicated with clarity, resolve, and passion. This was not cheap talk; we were seeing brokenness and bold, yet humble commitment. And the ethnic minority leaders responded in like fashion with humility and extended hands ready to work together to create a new future.


On the final morning of the NLC, I listened with humbled heart as the collegiate, military, CDM, b2g, and metro national missions, the ministries and the departments declared their implementation plans for the next 12-18 months.

Perhaps the capstone of the NLC happened during the afternoon session on the final day. After the closing address, which I had the privilege to deliver, Bill Thrall came forward and led the NLC into a series of three spiritual blessings to consecrate our new commitments. The NLT asked God's blessing on a representative group of ethnic minority elders who were present. Lastly, the ethnic leaders asked God's blessing on their ethnic majority brothers and sisters as partners in the vision.

As we closed the NLC, Alan Andrews, Director of U.S. Navigators, said, "We have crossed the Jordan, now we have to go in and take the land."

Rich Berry said, "It's taken a long time, but now I feel we are all on the same side of the problem!"