How to Build a SCUAD in Your Church

Presented by the US International Churches of Christ SCUAD June 2020

Social, Cultural, Unity and Diversity Team

Principle

For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups.Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. Ephesians 2:14-16 NLT

Purpose• The SCUAD is a spiritual team tasked

to advise the leadership of the local church. The advice would be in methods and strategies on how to navigate spiritually through current issues that affect our congregation and our community, such as cultural, racial and diversity issues.

• The SCUAD may also plan and organize cultural, racial and diversity events to promote unity.

• At the direction of the ecclesiastical leadership the SCUAD may train small group leaders in the church in areas of culture, race and diversity.

Church Goal● Modeling the example of Acts 6● Led and Initiated by the church

leadership● Eyes and ears for seeing the needs of

the members and communicating them to the Evangelists, Elders, Teachers

● Partners with the Church Leadership to meet those needs.

● Church becomes a Light to the World.

So the word of God spread. Acts 6:7

SCUAD Immediate Goals

ListenEducateEngageUniteModel

Reproduce

Ultimate Goal

Oneness in Jesus

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:3

SCUAD Expectations

• Attend Meetings -• Often to start, then move

to 1-2x month • 1 Year Commitment• 8-10 members

SCUAD Expectations: No-Fly Zone

• Personal Agendas• Disrespect • Personal Attacks • Unspiritual Thinking• Unhealthy confrontation• Argumentative spirit

SCUAD Expectations: Safe fly zone

• Safe place for all• Open, honest and humble conversation• Affirming every comment• Constant Prayer • Lift Up Jesus• Unify in the Holy Spirit • Be the light in a dark world

SCUAD Qualities

• Members of the local church• Known to be full of the Spirit and

wisdom. Acts 6:3• Passion for this cause• Commitment to the group• Diversity:

• Race & Background• Gender• Gifts & Roles• Experience• Professions• Ages

SCUAD Organization

Suggestions:

• Participation in events• Leadership - qualified as a Family

Group Leader• Chair• Assistant Chair• Communications• Note Taker

• Working Teams – assigned as issues arise with specific tasks, deadlines, etc.

SCUAD Selection

• Church Leadership Full Backing• Church Leadership selects and appoints

SCUAD Leaders and members• Future team members may be added as

needs arise.

SCUAD Rules• Spiritually Minded, Focused on Jesus• Be Fully Present• Speak from the “I” Perspective• Listen, Listen, Listen

• Accept Conflict As Part of Growth• Take Risks• Embrace Discomfort• Become Comfortable with Silence

• Suspend Judgment of Self and Others• Be Clear and Concise

• Be Respectful, Treat Others How You Want to Be Treated• Honor Confidentiality (What’s Said In The Room Stays In the Room)

• Honesty with Humility

• Teamwork

SCUAD Rules

Such a Time As ThisWhy Has God Chosen Our Church To Pioneer This Endeavor?

CHURCHES WITH FUNCTIONING SCUADS

2 Cities Church, Minneapolis, MNBroward Church, FL

Columbia, SCDallas, TX

Denver, CORise Church, Indianapolis, IN

North River, Atlanta, GA

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your

love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body

and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. Ephesians 4:2-4

US ICOC SCUADicocdiversity@gmail.com

Dr. Ben Barnett, Atlanta, GATammi Barnett, Atlanta GA

Michael Burns, Minneapolis, MNJames Campbell, Miami, FL

Robert Carrillo, LA, CADarren Gauthier, Chicago, IL

Chris Jacobs, Denver, COScott Kirkpatrick, Columbia, SC

Kendall Knight, Atlanta, GAStephen Mitchell, Broward, FLDana Perkins, Tacoma, WA

Dr. Richard Rodriguez, Broward, FLMia Brantley Wright, Columbia, SC

RESOURCES

icocdiversity@gmail.com

Michaelburnsteachingministry.com

Dr. Richard Rodriguez, Unsealed Indictment

Gordon Ferguson, Black Tax and White Benefits

DisciplesToday.org Race & Culture Section

YouTube: Disciples Today ICOC Race & Culture Playlist