The Heart of Racial Justice Bible Study

For Christians, pursuing racial justice and reconciliation begins with following Scripture and the voice of the Holy Spirit. Transformation starts in each individual and community as we ask God to give us new eyes and hearts. These five studies, adapted by Steve Tamayo, are based on the groundbreaking book The Heart of Racial Justice by Brenda Salter McNeil and Rick Richardson. By focusing on key New Testament passages, readers will learn how the early church engaged with issues of reconciliation and how we too can commit ourselves to discipleship, reading, prayer, community, and witness in alignment with God's call. As companions to the IVP Signature Collection, IVP Signature Bible Studies help individuals and groups explore and apply biblical truths found in classic books. Each session features quotations from The Heart of Racial Justice matched with Scripture passages, reflection questions, and application ideas that will equip readers to connect the text to their own lives. A leader's guide and list of suggested resources are also included.



Steve Tamayo serves as a strategist for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, working in the Latino Fellowship and the Creative Labs. He is the author of Ethnic Identity in the LifeGuide® Bible Studies series.



Rick Richardson is director of the Billy Graham Center Institute and its Church Evangelism Initiative, and professor of evangelism and leadership at Wheaton College Graduate School. His books include You Found Me, Reimagining Evangelism, and Evangelism Outside the Box.



Brenda Salter McNeil is a dynamic speaker, an author, and a trailblazer with over thirty years of experience in the ministry of racial, ethnic, and gender reconciliation. She is an associate professor of reconciliation studies in the School of Theology at Seattle Pacific University and is also the author of Roadmap to Reconciliation 2.0 and A Credible Witness.

Getting the Most Out of The Heart of Racial Justice Bible Study


Introduction: Changing Hearts


Session One: Lordship
Acts 1:1-9


Session Two: Scripture
Acts 6:1-7


Session Three: Prayer
Acts 10:1-48


Session 4: Community
Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3; 14:26-28


Session 5: Witness
Galatians 2:11-21


Leading a Small Group