We hope you can join us for a Courageous Conversation—”Not Like Us!”: An Interactive Dialogue on Ministry Across Differences led by Rev. Paul Slack, VP of Lutheran Social Services.
“They not like us!” —Kendrick Lamar’s words echo a reality many of us wrestle with, whether consciously or unconsciously. How do we minister to people who don’t look, think, or live like us? How do we confront our own biases and bridge divides in a world that often thrives on separation?
Join us for a powerful and interactive conversation as we engage in honest dialogue about embracing difference in ministry. Through guided discussion, real-life scenarios, and shared wisdom, we will:
Examine implicit biases that shape our perceptions.
Discuss practical ways to build authentic relationships across differences.
Explore how Jesus’ ministry calls us to radical inclusion and love.
This is more than a conversation—it’s an invitation to step into the uncomfortable, challenge assumptions, and embody the transformative work of reconciliation.
Join us at 9:30 for socializing and refreshments. The program will begin at 10.
This event is free to attend, but we ask that you register.
Rev. Paul T. Slack served in pastoral ministries for over 30 years in several regions of the U.S. He was the founder and pastor of New Creation Church for 16 years and grew the church from 7 people in a living room to 150 members and has assisted other ministries and youth service organizations.
Paul also served as president of ISAIAH’s Board of Directors (ISAIAH is an organization that advocates for racial and social justice.) At ISAIAH Paul established a racial justice table that bridged racialized gaps. That table led to a multi-organization series of conversations on race where individual, interpersonal, and systemic racism was explored. With this enhanced training and understanding Paul along with others continued to build relationships with elected officials, creating a willingness in them to openly talk about race and explore the harm structural racism inflicts on systems and communities.
Paul is currently the VP of Collaboration and Coaching at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. In this capacity Paul enables leaders to identify internal opportunities for improving services, increasing awareness of the diverse communities served, and he develop leaders who can sustain a collaborative and coaching culture.
Paul has a BA from Point Loma Nazarene College and a Masters of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. He is married to Dedra Herron-Slack and they have two adult sons, two daughters in love and one fantastic grandson.