In his years as a student, Mahatma Gandhi spent time reading the biblical gospels. He came to believe that Jesus’ teachings provided the solution to the oppressive caste system to which the people of India were subjected. One Sunday he visited a nearby church intending to speak with the minister about becoming a Christian. However, when he entered the building, the usher at the door refused to give him a seat, suggesting he go worship with his own people. Gandhi left and never returned, saying to himself, “If Christians have caste differences also, I might as well remain a Hindu.”
There’s little doubt and discrimination can have dire consequences, not only in the lives of individuals, but also in the mission of the church. In fact, as James points out, all forms of favouritism are antithetical to who God is and how his people are called to live.
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Josiah has served the Oakridge Bible Chapel family as one of its elders and one of its pastoral staff members since September 2018, before which he ministered as an associate pastor to a local congregation in the Canadian prairies. Josiah's desire is to be used by God to help equip the church for ministry, both while gathered (edification) and while scattered (evangelization). He is married to Patricia, and together they have five children—Jonah, Henry, Nathaniel, Josephine, and Benjamin.
