Reflections on the Justice Journey

Alvin C. Bibbs, Sr., director of Extension Ministries at Willow Creek, is the visionary behind the Justice Journey. The vision for the Justice Journey trip between Salem Baptist and Willow Creek is to take us one step closer toward racial and social unity. 

In April 2002, Willow Creek, through Extension Ministries, hosted the first Bridging the Racial Divide: Face-to-Face Forum in Rosemont, IL. With roughly 250 people in attendance, it was an historic event for our church. It was then Alvin felt led by the Holy Spirit to invite his friend Pastor James Meeks of Salem Baptist Church to speak.

Pastor Meeks spoke on “Crossing the Bridge Together” and gave examples of what it means to authentically do life together across the divides. One statement he made left a lasting impression on the audience--and on Alvin: “We can’t cross the bridge together unless you know why I’m on the other side.”

Two years later on the Willow Creek Justice Journey (2004) during a conversation on cross-cultural issues with a key leader, God spoke clearly into Alvin's heart about the growing relationship between Salem and Willow.

"It was like God's sweet voice whispered directly into my ears, saying 'Invite Salem Baptist Church to collaborate on the Justice Journey in 2005'," says Alvin. "I envisioned it and prayed about what an incredible experience and journey that could be if everyone caught the same vision. I kept thinking to myself, 'could this be what Dr. King had in mind the day he prayed over me when I was child?'"

It could be.

The following interview highlights Alvin’s perspective on the trip.

What was the highlight of the trip for you?
There were more highlights on this trip than we have space for in this article. Given that fact, it was a highlight to watch the Holy Spirit grow connections between the two churches so rapidly. Crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge together on Thursday, June 9, in Selma, Alabama, was very meaningful. Immediately after crossing the bridge, we shared Communion and closed with prayer. The power of oneness displayed by our Senior Pastors Bill Hybels and James Meeks was both encouraging and refreshing. I only wish more people from each church were present to experience the moment.

What was the low?
Connecting with a very dark side of our country’s history is painful. That’s unfortunate; however, it’s reality.

From a leadership perspective, what did you learn on this trip?
It is possible to have a journey like this between two races with no major tension.  No remarks were taken out of context.  Group members spoke with respect and built incredible rapport with one another. Having a co-leader from Salem Baptist, Rev. Jordan, established the appropriate leadership balance on the trip.  We worked extremely hard to create a non-threatening environment and no one was ever put on the hot seat. 

I believe other churches can learn from our experiences and formula.  I highly encourage other local churches to consider leveraging this learning experience on social justice issues. Who knows? Maybe others will attempt a Justice Journey with their congregations.

Was there a point on the trip when you especially felt God's power?
During our closing banquet, I felt God's power; also, at various times on the bus and during worship at Brown Chapel.  Senior Pastors Bill Hybels and James Meeks are relying on the Holy Spirit to make wise decisions about taking next steps together and that’s powerful. The goal is to have a sustainable effort between our two churches, versus just experiencing this historic bus ride together!

What is your hope for participants on this Justice Journey?
It is my hope that all members will have an uncontrollable wrestling within their spirits about racism and the Civil Rights era.  I hope they will ask “Where was I when this was going on?  Where were my family members?  Why wasn’t this relayed to me? How did I stay in the dark so long?”

Members may experience numbness upon returning home. The journey has to marinate properly within our hearts and minds.  Each of us must express our feelings to God and ask God’s presence to infuse our souls.  A quality next step is to connect with someone on the trip and debrief the experience within the next month. It is also good to unpack the experience and share with immediate family members.

Speak to people who have followed the Justice Journey and now have a desire to bridge the racial divide.
First, I agree with Bill Hybels, “If this journey inspires people to reach across the divide, that’s a great start for now.”  God may challenge you to experience the Justice Journey for yourself. If so, there’s a spot waiting for you on the bus next year! Please pray that our leaders from Salem and Willow, in unity, will seek how God may be calling our churches to contribute to closing the economic, racial and social divides within our nation.