The Student Action Diversity Committee (SADC) is a student-led ministry at Rochester College that seeks to foster diversity in the areas of race relations, socio-economic difference, and differences across Christian tradition. Under the guidance of
Although SADC has organized events to celebrate cultural diversity such as Black History, Hispanic Heritiage, and Womens History, the group makes it clear that they are not a “minority group” or a “social club,” but rather a group of ministry-minded students committed to figuring out what their unique role is in God’s story. These ideals led to the development of the House of God Sessions during the start of the 2006-2007 school year.
The House of God Sessions are a five-part series of interpersonal meetings which bring together 4-6 ministers from different denominations to have a candid discussion about issues important to the body of Christ. The sessions areheld before a live audience of students, faculty and members of the surrounding community.
“Lots of Christians disagree about a lot of important things. These sessions aren’t about reaching some sort of agreement. Our biggest hope was that people would learn to respectfully listen to an opinion that is different from their own and possibly allow that opinion to help grow their faith,” explained Calvin Moore, one of the student leaders of the SADC.
The guest ministers discuss topics that each denomination has classically disagreed upon. While there were certainly differences of opinion regarding such questions as, “Is waterbaptism necessary for salvation?” and “What is the meaning of communion?,” those in attendance usual find that there are more commonalities than they thought.
“This was a very good idea. We’re all supposed to be one body, yet we’re so splintered. It is so good to be able to sit down, eat, and discuss these kinds of things with my brothers and sisters in Christ, Jew or Gentile,” states Rabbi Glenn Harris one of the panelists and rabbi for Congregation Shema Yisrael.
Upcoming House of God Sessions Include:
November 5, 2007
LOST: A Candid Conversation with those Outside the Church about those Inside the Church
January 14, 2008
BIG CHURCH/small church: A Conversation about Church Growth and Evangelism
February 25, 2008
The Problem: A Conversation about Pain, Suffering and God
March 31, 2008
Free Will/No Will: A Conversation about Free Will, Predestination and the Sovereignty of God
Ministers from the Metro Detroit community that are interested in participating for the 2008 conversations should email studentactiondiversity@gmail.com or visit http://sadcrc.wordpress.com.
Rochester College is a private Christian institution of higher learning located in Rochester Hills. For more information visit www.rc.edu.
