This 6-session book study is based on “Estranged Pioneers: Race, Faith, and Leadership in a Diverse World” By Korie Little Edwards & Rebecca Y. Kim
This study is designed for small groups who want to explore the experiences of pastors of color in Christian institutions and discern how the church can become a more just, equitable, and life-giving community.
This study contains 6 sessions:
- Pioneers in a Racialized World (Introduction & Chapter 1)
- Estranged Pioneers and the Burden of Representation (Chapter 2)
- Managing Challenges and the Cost of Racial Taxation (Chapter 3)
- Faith, Calling, and the Cost of Ministry: “Why Would Anyone Want to Do This?” (Chapter 4)
- White Pastor Privilege & Institutional Resistance (Chapter 5)
- The Road Ahead: Collective Wisdom & Imagining New Futures (Conclusion)
Each session includes:
- Opening Prayer to center the group
- First Thoughts from the Book to ground the conversation
- Scripture for Reflection to connect the themes
- Discussion & Reflection Questions (30 minutes)
- WrapUp (10 minutes) with a closing practice or prayer
- An optional devotional supplement for Cross-Racial / Cross-Cultural pastors
Note: The book is not included with this book study. You will need to purchase the book separately.
This content was originally published by the General Commission on Religion and Race; republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on July 7, 2026.