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Color-Courageous Discipleship: Follow Jesus, Dismantle Racism, and Build Beloved Community
Discover a Christ-centered approach to antiracism that will empower you to be transformed as you transform your world.
“A clear biblical theology for why racial solidarity is integral to discipleship—one that is not influenced by the right or the left but by Jesus!”—Dave Ferguson, lead pastor of Community Christian Church
So you’re for Jesus and against racism. But racism is such a fraught topic—can’t we just talk about Jesus?
Michelle T. Sanchez has discovered through her own journey that it’s impossible to separate racial discipleship from our relationship with God. When we choose to courageously resist racism, we discover opportunities to encounter Christ in fresh and exciting ways.
Color-Courageous Discipleship is our guidebook to a deeper connection with God through the adventure of racial discipleship. Grounded in the gospel, this practical and thought-provoking book
• reveals multiple ways that the racial dynamics of our society have already formed us
• explores what it means to biblically and proactively address racial inequity for the sake of God’s glory
• equips us to engage in challenging conversations about racial reconciliation with grace and truth
• offers hope, creative answers, and a path forward both individually and as beloved community
Whatever your race or background, Color-Courageous Discipleship invites you to experience more of Jesus as you pursue racial righteousness in his name.
“A clear biblical theology for why racial solidarity is integral to discipleship—one that is not influenced by the right or the left but by Jesus!”—Dave Ferguson, lead pastor of Community Christian Church
So you’re for Jesus and against racism. But racism is such a fraught topic—can’t we just talk about Jesus?
Michelle T. Sanchez has discovered through her own journey that it’s impossible to separate racial discipleship from our relationship with God. When we choose to courageously resist racism, we discover opportunities to encounter Christ in fresh and exciting ways.
Color-Courageous Discipleship is our guidebook to a deeper connection with God through the adventure of racial discipleship. Grounded in the gospel, this practical and thought-provoking book
• reveals multiple ways that the racial dynamics of our society have already formed us
• explores what it means to biblically and proactively address racial inequity for the sake of God’s glory
• equips us to engage in challenging conversations about racial reconciliation with grace and truth
• offers hope, creative answers, and a path forward both individually and as beloved community
Whatever your race or background, Color-Courageous Discipleship invites you to experience more of Jesus as you pursue racial righteousness in his name.
304 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
23 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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December 6, 2024
an educator on the intersection of discipleship, anti-racism, and racial justice, and a practical guide on living out all three - looking to Christ as our example and to the Spirit as our sustainer.
highly recommend talking about this one WITH people and practice building beloved community as you do.
special thanks to my church for choosing this as our first wednesday night book study and to the people I had the privilege of discussing with and learning from each week.
highly recommend talking about this one WITH people and practice building beloved community as you do.
special thanks to my church for choosing this as our first wednesday night book study and to the people I had the privilege of discussing with and learning from each week.
November 1, 2022
Color-Courageous Discipleship: Follow Jesus, Dismantle Racism, and Build Beloved Community
BY MICHELLE T. SANCHEZ
WATERBROOK, 304 PAGES
What is this “antiracism” thing I keep hearing about? Are you saying I’m a racist if I’m not antiracist? How am I culpable for what somebody else did? Is antiracism biblical? Is all this focus on race a secular agenda hijacking the gospel? Is it biblical? How do antiracism and discipleship fit together? I feel lost and overwhelmed with what I’ve learned about racism, what do I do now?
These are real questions people have asked me. They deserve real engagement, and I seek to engage them in a manner that is clear, understandable, and rooted in Scripture. As a white male who is deeply committed to town and county ministry, I have served churches in settings that are overwhelmingly white majority. I have only begun my own journey in exploring race in the context of discipleship in the last few years—I’m definitely not an expert. So why am I reviewing this book?
In Color-Courageous Discipleship,Michelle Sanchez, executive minister of Make and Deepen Disciples, puts herself out there. It’s painful to read that as a child she was called “an Oreo” and didn’t feel like she fit in with either Black or white culture. She demonstrates that discipleship around race is not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage. Courage to ask questions that may seem stupid. Courage to feel awkward. Courage to know you will probably offend someone unintentionally. Courage to admit that there are things you don’t know that you don’t know. And courage requires vulnerability.
I am still early in this journey around race and discipleship, and I have often found it to be overwhelming. Until now I had not found an accessible book that was rich in depth on race, with a sound biblical and theological underpinning for practical discipleship. I wondered if I was just ignorant of the literature, but Sanchez confirmed my frustration: “Why this book when so many others have been written? As a discipleship practitioner, I have also been enriched by reams of excellent books on discipleship. I have also read many enlightening books on race. My intention is for this book is to take us on a deeper dive into the many life-transforming connections between the two.”
Color-Courageous Discipleshipprovides clear data showing the effects of systemic racism in the U.S., without overloading the reader, and offers an excellent theological treatment along with specific actions of discipleship. Summing it up, she tells us, “My project has been to freshly connect antiracism principles to the fundamental principles and dynamics of Christian discipleship.” She notes that we all have already been discipled concerning race—what is needed is re-discipling. Sanchez helps us do this in the book’s three parts.
The first section provides an “invitation to pursue a racial discipleship journey grounded in Christ.” “Grounded in Christ” is at the heart of this journey, because “racism is, at its core, a spiritual problem”; therefore, it requires a spiritual solution. I find it helpful, refreshing, and hopeful that this spiritual problem, requiring a spiritual solution, is linked specifically to spiritual practices. Without spiritual practices we are left to pursue this arduous journey on our own strength.
Part 2 fleshes out four paradigm shifts of discipleship: awakening (opening our eyes to the reality of inequality); wardrobe change (taking off our biases holding us back); healing (being healed before we are agents of healing); and the creation of beloved community (experiencing Christ-shaped solidarity).
Part 3 is about specific spiritual disciplines. We get “a look at uncommon ways of practicing four spiritual disciplines that commonly occur in Scripture.” Reading Scripture, praying (with an emphasis on lament), pilgrimage, and fasting are all addressed. Although evangelicals place a strong emphasis on reading Scripture, we don’t often ask what cultural assumptions we bring to the text, and we often don’t realize the effect our cultural norm of individualism has on how we read Scripture. And many people question why they should repent for something they personally didn’t do. In response, Sanchez notes that regardless of one’s direct culpability “at minimum, today’s disciples can express remorse for unjust actions taken in the past that continue to impact the present. From this perspective, it may also help to remember that repent means ‘to pivot.’ Repentance is most essentially about intentionally choosing to go in a different direction.”
Color-Courageous Discipleship offers clear definitions of key words and concepts that are often charged and frequently misunderstood (with a succinct user-friendly glossary at the end of the book). Sanchez explains that being antiracist is “about making the needful move from passive to proactive in our resistance of racism” and antiracism is “becoming aware of and uprooting personal prejudice and bias plus working to dismantle systemic practices that lead to racial inequalities in society.” Compelling personal stories, short interviews of other fellow pilgrims of color-courageous discipleship, suggestions for further reading, and discussion questions all help create a book that is rich in resources and accessibility.
In my experience of pastoral ministry, we have a critical need for frank but inviting explorations of power dynamics. Sanchez poignantly states, “Brothers and sisters, if there is only one next step you take after reading this book, please make it a power audit—the ongoing practice of identifying the power that you hold.”
I’ve often encountered white people who are concerned about the ongoing horror of systemic racism, who are asking, “What do I do now?” Sanchez shows us a picture of what transformation into a disciple of Jesus who is color courageous looks like and how spiritual practices can shape us in this journey.
I recommend this book to all who are new to this conversation. Sanchez is particularly clear that the journey of antiracist discipleship is for everyone, and I recommend this book for all. I especially recommend it to anyone who wants to engage in the journey but needs a guide to help them to step out in vulnerability and examine their own privilege and power. I pray that members of the body of Christ receive this gift, in its fullness, by joining in the pilgrimage of becoming increasingly color-courageous disciples.
This review was first published at
covchurch.org/2022/10/20/christ-shape... on 10/20/22 by the Covenant Companion.
BY MICHELLE T. SANCHEZ
WATERBROOK, 304 PAGES
What is this “antiracism” thing I keep hearing about? Are you saying I’m a racist if I’m not antiracist? How am I culpable for what somebody else did? Is antiracism biblical? Is all this focus on race a secular agenda hijacking the gospel? Is it biblical? How do antiracism and discipleship fit together? I feel lost and overwhelmed with what I’ve learned about racism, what do I do now?
These are real questions people have asked me. They deserve real engagement, and I seek to engage them in a manner that is clear, understandable, and rooted in Scripture. As a white male who is deeply committed to town and county ministry, I have served churches in settings that are overwhelmingly white majority. I have only begun my own journey in exploring race in the context of discipleship in the last few years—I’m definitely not an expert. So why am I reviewing this book?
In Color-Courageous Discipleship,Michelle Sanchez, executive minister of Make and Deepen Disciples, puts herself out there. It’s painful to read that as a child she was called “an Oreo” and didn’t feel like she fit in with either Black or white culture. She demonstrates that discipleship around race is not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage. Courage to ask questions that may seem stupid. Courage to feel awkward. Courage to know you will probably offend someone unintentionally. Courage to admit that there are things you don’t know that you don’t know. And courage requires vulnerability.
I am still early in this journey around race and discipleship, and I have often found it to be overwhelming. Until now I had not found an accessible book that was rich in depth on race, with a sound biblical and theological underpinning for practical discipleship. I wondered if I was just ignorant of the literature, but Sanchez confirmed my frustration: “Why this book when so many others have been written? As a discipleship practitioner, I have also been enriched by reams of excellent books on discipleship. I have also read many enlightening books on race. My intention is for this book is to take us on a deeper dive into the many life-transforming connections between the two.”
Color-Courageous Discipleshipprovides clear data showing the effects of systemic racism in the U.S., without overloading the reader, and offers an excellent theological treatment along with specific actions of discipleship. Summing it up, she tells us, “My project has been to freshly connect antiracism principles to the fundamental principles and dynamics of Christian discipleship.” She notes that we all have already been discipled concerning race—what is needed is re-discipling. Sanchez helps us do this in the book’s three parts.
The first section provides an “invitation to pursue a racial discipleship journey grounded in Christ.” “Grounded in Christ” is at the heart of this journey, because “racism is, at its core, a spiritual problem”; therefore, it requires a spiritual solution. I find it helpful, refreshing, and hopeful that this spiritual problem, requiring a spiritual solution, is linked specifically to spiritual practices. Without spiritual practices we are left to pursue this arduous journey on our own strength.
Part 2 fleshes out four paradigm shifts of discipleship: awakening (opening our eyes to the reality of inequality); wardrobe change (taking off our biases holding us back); healing (being healed before we are agents of healing); and the creation of beloved community (experiencing Christ-shaped solidarity).
Part 3 is about specific spiritual disciplines. We get “a look at uncommon ways of practicing four spiritual disciplines that commonly occur in Scripture.” Reading Scripture, praying (with an emphasis on lament), pilgrimage, and fasting are all addressed. Although evangelicals place a strong emphasis on reading Scripture, we don’t often ask what cultural assumptions we bring to the text, and we often don’t realize the effect our cultural norm of individualism has on how we read Scripture. And many people question why they should repent for something they personally didn’t do. In response, Sanchez notes that regardless of one’s direct culpability “at minimum, today’s disciples can express remorse for unjust actions taken in the past that continue to impact the present. From this perspective, it may also help to remember that repent means ‘to pivot.’ Repentance is most essentially about intentionally choosing to go in a different direction.”
Color-Courageous Discipleship offers clear definitions of key words and concepts that are often charged and frequently misunderstood (with a succinct user-friendly glossary at the end of the book). Sanchez explains that being antiracist is “about making the needful move from passive to proactive in our resistance of racism” and antiracism is “becoming aware of and uprooting personal prejudice and bias plus working to dismantle systemic practices that lead to racial inequalities in society.” Compelling personal stories, short interviews of other fellow pilgrims of color-courageous discipleship, suggestions for further reading, and discussion questions all help create a book that is rich in resources and accessibility.
In my experience of pastoral ministry, we have a critical need for frank but inviting explorations of power dynamics. Sanchez poignantly states, “Brothers and sisters, if there is only one next step you take after reading this book, please make it a power audit—the ongoing practice of identifying the power that you hold.”
I’ve often encountered white people who are concerned about the ongoing horror of systemic racism, who are asking, “What do I do now?” Sanchez shows us a picture of what transformation into a disciple of Jesus who is color courageous looks like and how spiritual practices can shape us in this journey.
I recommend this book to all who are new to this conversation. Sanchez is particularly clear that the journey of antiracist discipleship is for everyone, and I recommend this book for all. I especially recommend it to anyone who wants to engage in the journey but needs a guide to help them to step out in vulnerability and examine their own privilege and power. I pray that members of the body of Christ receive this gift, in its fullness, by joining in the pilgrimage of becoming increasingly color-courageous disciples.
This review was first published at
covchurch.org/2022/10/20/christ-shape... on 10/20/22 by the Covenant Companion.
May 7, 2023
This is an excellent, straight-forward, and instructive resource for better understanding the responsibility of those claiming to adhere to the Christian faith to lead the anti-racism movement by actively and compassionately working to build the beloved community. This would make a great selection for a small Bible study group or Book Club. Informative and challenging, this book lays out the path to applying faith to actively dismantling individual, corporate and systemic racism in all its forms.
February 17, 2023
There wasn’t a ton in this book that was new, but I really appreciated learning more in the chapters on lament and pilgrimage. I also thought Tisby’s afterward was a helpful perspective. This book is the sustained practice of Antiracist, not the short acting energy drink.
December 12, 2022
I've read a fair amount of books around racial justice, antiracism, etc. What's unique about Color Courageous Discipleship is the way Sanchez integrates it into discipleship. This book is incredibly biblical and shows every Christian why this needs to be an essential part of their walk with Christ. The other unique feature that stood out to me was Sanchez's ability to approach these volatile topics with the care and tact of a shepherd. She disarms the topics in a way that anyone can receive them, while at the same time not shying away from the hard and needed truths. I'd highly recommend this book for anyone just beginning their color courageous journey, and for someone who is well-read and looking for fresh insights and angles on how to approach this path.
April 5, 2023
Be challenged by Michelle T. Sanchez in her book, Color-Courageous Discipleship, and explore how the conversations we often avoid might be the key to our spiritual growth.
________________________________________
Reading Level: Easy to Moderate
This book is written for adults seeking to wrestle with their own understanding of how racism can affect our engagement with discipleship.
Faith Engagement Level: Easy/Moderate to Digest
The younger the believer the better (i.e. this book will be easier to digest for new Christians). Those of us who have been believers for a long time may have a harder time reorienting our faith experience than those who have the privilege of engaging in this teaching early in their faith journey. This book also includes a guide for small group discussion, and a glossary to enable the reader to engage with the text more deeply.
Reader Age Recommended: Ages 13+
This book references moments that will be hard for some readers to engage – including George Floyd’s Death, the Jewish Holocaust, Residential Schools, and the Chinese Exclusion Act. These topics are addressed in a way that is sensitive, but parents of younger readers will want to give space for conversations to support their teens as they read this work.
*There is a student and children’s version of this book available for younger readers – although, I have not personally reviewed those resources, and cannot speak to the age levels, etc. .*
WHY SHOULD I READ THIS BOOK?
If you can’t name the ways that an individual’s experience of race or ethnicity might affect the way in which they experience the Gospel, and discipleship, it’s time to pick up this book. Systemic racism exists in the church as much as it does in other realms of our culture – and this book is a great place to start in your journey of discernment, dismantling, and discipleship.
Many times, when we talk about reconciliation and faith, it can come across as ‘White people need to do better.’ Unlike these experiences of reading and development, this book sets out with a clear message that the work of Color-Courageous Discipleship is the responsibility of all believers. The author, describes her work in this way: “Imagine my surprise when I , as an African American woman, was reinforcing racism in different ways myself! We all need awakening, transformation, healing, and fresh vision for a new day” (P.18 of 245).
As a point of note, Michelle T. Sanchez begins this conversation with a careful explanation of the uniqueness of Race and Ethnicity with a focus on the way each is handled in Scripture. In light of the biblical use of these words, the author constructs a beautifully rich definition of ethnicity:
“Ethnicity is a God-ordained cultural identity
that God delights in as a means of bringing glory to Himself
and enrichment to His kingdom.”
(P. 22 of 245)
This definition is contrasted by her interpretation that race is a human system that highlights differences, power, and division. Essentially, if God delights in our cultural identities, and race is a human fabrication that only amplifies division, our work as believers is to follow Jesus, dismantle racism, and build community (p. 28 of 245).
One of her central chapters also deals with the trauma and shame that often affects individuals seeking to embrace color-courageous discipleship. With Scripture as the foundation for her discussion, she leads a faithful conversation with readers and guides us through the experience of what is healthy and holy in our Kingdom building – both as individuals who represent minority or majority populations. Trauma and shame can be experienced on either side – and can be powerful pieces in our stories of redemption.
________________________________________
WHAT DID THIS BOOK CHALLENGE ME TO DO?
Chapter One deeply challenged the way in which I interpret the concepts of race, ethnicity, and the building of culture in Scripture. Michelle T. Sanchez wove together concepts which existed on the fringes of my mind, and gave me a distinct call to action. Her perspective as an expert in Christian discipleship and faith development blends the stories of individuals, the terminology of culture, the words of Scripture in a way that challenges the reader and empowers you to action.
The remaining chapters of the book focus on specific challenges, paradigm shifts, and spiritual practices that will shape the way in which we embrace a color-courageous pattern of discipleship. Each challenge is rooted in Scripture, and is richly practical for individuals from all backgrounds to embrace and engage.
While my review has more of a focus on Chapter 1, each of the other chapters has richly affected me as a reader. I love the way that Michelle gives such careful and meaningful attention to the Word of God in her approach to this conversation. This is not only an approachable book for readers who may find conversations around equity and reconciliation difficult, this book is a transformative work.
As a final note, this book is from the perspective of an American author (hence the use of “Color” and not “Colour”). Readers in Canada (and other nations) should be mindful of their own contexts and the experiences of the individuals in their local settings. Michelle T. Sanchez shows us how to do the work, calls us to pull up our socks, and tells us get to it.
________________________________________
Reading Level: Easy to Moderate
This book is written for adults seeking to wrestle with their own understanding of how racism can affect our engagement with discipleship.
Faith Engagement Level: Easy/Moderate to Digest
The younger the believer the better (i.e. this book will be easier to digest for new Christians). Those of us who have been believers for a long time may have a harder time reorienting our faith experience than those who have the privilege of engaging in this teaching early in their faith journey. This book also includes a guide for small group discussion, and a glossary to enable the reader to engage with the text more deeply.
Reader Age Recommended: Ages 13+
This book references moments that will be hard for some readers to engage – including George Floyd’s Death, the Jewish Holocaust, Residential Schools, and the Chinese Exclusion Act. These topics are addressed in a way that is sensitive, but parents of younger readers will want to give space for conversations to support their teens as they read this work.
*There is a student and children’s version of this book available for younger readers – although, I have not personally reviewed those resources, and cannot speak to the age levels, etc. .*
WHY SHOULD I READ THIS BOOK?
If you can’t name the ways that an individual’s experience of race or ethnicity might affect the way in which they experience the Gospel, and discipleship, it’s time to pick up this book. Systemic racism exists in the church as much as it does in other realms of our culture – and this book is a great place to start in your journey of discernment, dismantling, and discipleship.
Many times, when we talk about reconciliation and faith, it can come across as ‘White people need to do better.’ Unlike these experiences of reading and development, this book sets out with a clear message that the work of Color-Courageous Discipleship is the responsibility of all believers. The author, describes her work in this way: “Imagine my surprise when I , as an African American woman, was reinforcing racism in different ways myself! We all need awakening, transformation, healing, and fresh vision for a new day” (P.18 of 245).
As a point of note, Michelle T. Sanchez begins this conversation with a careful explanation of the uniqueness of Race and Ethnicity with a focus on the way each is handled in Scripture. In light of the biblical use of these words, the author constructs a beautifully rich definition of ethnicity:
“Ethnicity is a God-ordained cultural identity
that God delights in as a means of bringing glory to Himself
and enrichment to His kingdom.”
(P. 22 of 245)
This definition is contrasted by her interpretation that race is a human system that highlights differences, power, and division. Essentially, if God delights in our cultural identities, and race is a human fabrication that only amplifies division, our work as believers is to follow Jesus, dismantle racism, and build community (p. 28 of 245).
One of her central chapters also deals with the trauma and shame that often affects individuals seeking to embrace color-courageous discipleship. With Scripture as the foundation for her discussion, she leads a faithful conversation with readers and guides us through the experience of what is healthy and holy in our Kingdom building – both as individuals who represent minority or majority populations. Trauma and shame can be experienced on either side – and can be powerful pieces in our stories of redemption.
________________________________________
WHAT DID THIS BOOK CHALLENGE ME TO DO?
Chapter One deeply challenged the way in which I interpret the concepts of race, ethnicity, and the building of culture in Scripture. Michelle T. Sanchez wove together concepts which existed on the fringes of my mind, and gave me a distinct call to action. Her perspective as an expert in Christian discipleship and faith development blends the stories of individuals, the terminology of culture, the words of Scripture in a way that challenges the reader and empowers you to action.
The remaining chapters of the book focus on specific challenges, paradigm shifts, and spiritual practices that will shape the way in which we embrace a color-courageous pattern of discipleship. Each challenge is rooted in Scripture, and is richly practical for individuals from all backgrounds to embrace and engage.
While my review has more of a focus on Chapter 1, each of the other chapters has richly affected me as a reader. I love the way that Michelle gives such careful and meaningful attention to the Word of God in her approach to this conversation. This is not only an approachable book for readers who may find conversations around equity and reconciliation difficult, this book is a transformative work.
As a final note, this book is from the perspective of an American author (hence the use of “Color” and not “Colour”). Readers in Canada (and other nations) should be mindful of their own contexts and the experiences of the individuals in their local settings. Michelle T. Sanchez shows us how to do the work, calls us to pull up our socks, and tells us get to it.
December 15, 2022
I really appreciated Sanchez's balanced approach in this book. I especially appreciated the sections on generational trauma. I can see applications in my own context in Northern Ireland, and it has helped me to consider pilgrimage in my context.
July 11, 2023
"Color-Courageous Discipleship" by Michelle T. Sanchez is a powerful and timely book that addresses the intersection of faith, racial justice, and discipleship. Sanchez offers a compelling call to action for Christians to actively engage in dismantling racism and building a more inclusive and loving community.
One of the strengths of this book is Sanchez's ability to weave together theological insights, personal narratives, and practical guidance. She effectively demonstrates how racial justice is an integral part of Christian discipleship, challenging readers to examine their own biases and privileges. Through her own experiences and those of others, Sanchez brings a personal and relatable dimension to the discussion, fostering empathy and understanding.
The book tackles complex topics related to racism, including systemic injustice, implicit bias, and the importance of racial reconciliation. Sanchez provides a solid theological foundation, drawing upon biblical principles to support her arguments and motivate readers to take action. She skillfully navigates the tension between the discomfort of confronting racial issues and the hope and transformation that comes from doing the hard work of reconciliation.
Sanchez's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking. She presents her ideas in a clear and concise manner, making the content accessible to readers of various backgrounds. The book is well-structured, with each chapter building upon the previous one, allowing readers to deepen their understanding and commitment to the pursuit of racial justice.
While "Color-Courageous Discipleship" offers valuable insights and practical guidance, some readers may find that the content could benefit from more examples and case studies illustrating real-world scenarios. This would further help readers understand how to apply the principles of racial justice and beloved community-building in their own contexts.
In conclusion, "Color-Courageous Discipleship: Follow Jesus, Dismantle Racism, and Build Beloved Community" by Michelle T. Sanchez is an important and compelling book that challenges Christians to engage in the work of racial justice and reconciliation. Sanchez's theological insights, personal stories, and practical guidance make this book a valuable resource for individuals and communities seeking to confront racism and build inclusive communities. This book serves as a rallying cry for Christians to actively live out their faith by pursuing racial justice and embodying the love of Christ
One of the strengths of this book is Sanchez's ability to weave together theological insights, personal narratives, and practical guidance. She effectively demonstrates how racial justice is an integral part of Christian discipleship, challenging readers to examine their own biases and privileges. Through her own experiences and those of others, Sanchez brings a personal and relatable dimension to the discussion, fostering empathy and understanding.
The book tackles complex topics related to racism, including systemic injustice, implicit bias, and the importance of racial reconciliation. Sanchez provides a solid theological foundation, drawing upon biblical principles to support her arguments and motivate readers to take action. She skillfully navigates the tension between the discomfort of confronting racial issues and the hope and transformation that comes from doing the hard work of reconciliation.
Sanchez's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking. She presents her ideas in a clear and concise manner, making the content accessible to readers of various backgrounds. The book is well-structured, with each chapter building upon the previous one, allowing readers to deepen their understanding and commitment to the pursuit of racial justice.
While "Color-Courageous Discipleship" offers valuable insights and practical guidance, some readers may find that the content could benefit from more examples and case studies illustrating real-world scenarios. This would further help readers understand how to apply the principles of racial justice and beloved community-building in their own contexts.
In conclusion, "Color-Courageous Discipleship: Follow Jesus, Dismantle Racism, and Build Beloved Community" by Michelle T. Sanchez is an important and compelling book that challenges Christians to engage in the work of racial justice and reconciliation. Sanchez's theological insights, personal stories, and practical guidance make this book a valuable resource for individuals and communities seeking to confront racism and build inclusive communities. This book serves as a rallying cry for Christians to actively live out their faith by pursuing racial justice and embodying the love of Christ
November 4, 2025
The majority of this book is very necessary and well done. Any marks I have subtracted are from overall writing style and enjoyment, not necessarily content or context. I found it encredibly enlightening and thought-provoking. I think American Christians are not but ought to be willing to pursue and learn about the Kingdom of God with an emphasis on ethnicity, rather than a de-emphasis. As Conservative Christians, we know there are a lot of unfavorable connotations to this conversation right now, especially in the last several years. We don't seem to understand Ethnicity as a biblically based gift from God to us; and race as a man-made contruct for man to contain us. Moving to the South from a Midwestern state, it has really stood out to me how racialized and segregated Christians are (both in the Midwest and in the South) without honestly any thought for it, and how prevalent these divides still are in society. It has been very challenging and humbling to learn how many areas of ignorance and cultural blindspots I have and hold. However, it's also been unequivocally encouraging to also learn how many voices have spoken in Godly guidance on the issue to orient us to God'sheart posture through scripture, with light to our contextual experience in modern day life. I strongly encourage other believers to take a more mindful and thoughtful approach to ethnic discipleship, and to be intentional to learn about the culture we engage in, but may not even be fully aware of in it's entirety.
December 18, 2022
Racism is sinful. Bringing awareness of the impacts of racism on one’s everyday practice of Christianity is a vital act of faith in these troubled times. Michelle T. Sanchez shares her passion for discipleship – teaching and embodying Christian values – and addressing racism in "Color-Courageous Discipleship." Sanchez offers an invitation to evangelicals to intentionally and courageously confront racial challenges. The author notes how people of faith have always represented diverse nations. Sanchez promotes acknowledging long-held beliefs and understanding cultural lenses to confront racist ideologies. The book also features Interviews with thought leaders who share wisdom about becoming an antiracist and building a beloved community.
Reading Sanchez is an inspiration. Through "Color-Courageous Discipleship," she summons Christians to overcome self-interest and a scarcity mindset to dismantle racist ideas, practices, and dynamics. Sanchez cites scripture and uses examples from Jesus’ ministry to break down complex concepts like Critical Race Theory from a Christian perspective.
Discipleship is congruent with antiracism because both require intentionality and action. Sanchez emphasizes that ignoring the impacts of racism only helps to perpetuate its harms. This is an important read for any Christian who wants to deepen the spiritual conversation around justice to work toward shalom, peace, and wholeness.
Reading Sanchez is an inspiration. Through "Color-Courageous Discipleship," she summons Christians to overcome self-interest and a scarcity mindset to dismantle racist ideas, practices, and dynamics. Sanchez cites scripture and uses examples from Jesus’ ministry to break down complex concepts like Critical Race Theory from a Christian perspective.
Discipleship is congruent with antiracism because both require intentionality and action. Sanchez emphasizes that ignoring the impacts of racism only helps to perpetuate its harms. This is an important read for any Christian who wants to deepen the spiritual conversation around justice to work toward shalom, peace, and wholeness.
October 22, 2025
Have you ever read a book that took FOREVER to read because it challenged and convicted you to think differently and be better with every sentence? THIS is that book. And part of the reason it took me 10 months to read. Not because it couldn’t hold my attention but that the quality of the content was filled with SO. MUCH. DOGGONE. MEAT, that you have to stop, reflect, pray and immediately apply what the author suggests are practical ways to live as a true color courageous disciple. I wish we could make required reading list for Christianity’s sake - this would be at the top of the list here in ‘merica. Go get this book, sis!
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June 7, 2023I attended the first integrated Vacation Bible School in Virginia. My father worked as a teacher when his school was integrated. My mother advocated for recognition of enslaved African-Americans who worked at Arlington House. Yet there's more to understand and more to be done in racial reconciliation, in loving as Jesus loves, in building a beloved community.
This is a book I'll return to, to help me understand the gospel in living color.
This is a book I'll return to, to help me understand the gospel in living color.
February 17, 2024
Solid, approachable teaching on how following Jesus includes fostering multi-ethnic community. Sanchez clarifies potential misunderstandings and helps readers see blind spots in ourselves, our reading of the Bible, and our understanding of the world. I found Part 3, "color-courageous spiritual practices," to be the most helpful. She describes how to build God's heart for all peoples into our daily Christian lives.
April 4, 2023
This book was hard to read. Not because it wasn't well-written (it was) but because it meant admitting that there is more I can be doing, not necessarily to change the world, but to change my own world and spheres of influence. This was a great book on anti-racism from a Christ-centered perspective. Honestly, anyone who claims to follow Christ ought to read this book at least once.
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