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FAITH COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

That is our history but it doesn’t have to be our future.

Sixty three years ago, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “I think it is one of the tragedies of our nation, one of the shameful tragedies, that 11 o’clock on Sunday morning is one of the most segregated hours, if not the most segregated hours in Christian America.” Sadly, that still holds true today — not just for Christians, but for most faith groups. 

Faith Community Challenge by L.O.V.E. Is The Answer

Participate in a fun and meaningful nationwide program — the Faith Community Challenge by L.O.V.E. Is The Answer., designed to break down the silos that divide communities and build a beautiful mosaic of relationships that can heal communities.

This program was sparked by the faith-based, multiple award-winning documentary film, WALKING WHILE BLACK: L.O.V.E. Is The Answer and the L.O.V.E. Is The Answer book and movement it birthed. The film features interviews with peace officers, faith leaders, educators, activists and others. Through the example of the reconciliation of peace officers and minority communities, the film offers an inspiring blueprint to bridge the greater racial and cultural divide and heal our communities.

The “L.O.V.E.” we’re talking about in L.O.V.E. Is The Answer is an acronym for putting love into action — LEARN about people, OPEN your heart to their needs, VOLUNTEER to be part of the solution in their lives, and EMPOWER others to do the same. No matter what our faith persuasion is, love is at the center of how people and communities heal!

The Faith Community Challenge runs continually. You can start the Challenge anytime. No matter when you start, we ask that your faith organization participates in L.O.V.E. Is The Answer Day on September 17th — a global celebration of putting L.O.V.E. into action.

L.O.V..E. IS The Answer Day

On that day, we are asking the participating ministries to celebrate and showcase the work they have done together with their partner ministries. This is the perfect day to start or complete a mural, unveil giant letters spelling out “L.O.V.E.” that visitors can stand in front of and take selfies, post an original song (a community anthem) on social media, host a garden harvest party, do a community cleanup together, or any other creative expression of the partnership between two ministries and their surrounding community.

Here's How the Challenge Works

First of all, it’s FREE for your ministry to participate, AND, we’ll give your ministry a free Lifetime License to use our film forever (a $1,295 value!). Additionally, we will provide one of our team members to participate in a virtual Q&A following your in-person or virtual film screening with your partner ministry (a $2,000 value). You’ll also receive free coaching and other assistance to make the most of your L.O.V.E. Is The Answer Church Challenge program.
First of all, it’s FREE for your ministry to participate, AND, we’ll give your ministry a free Lifetime License to use our film forever (a $1,295 value!). Additionally, we will provide one of our team members to participate in a virtual Q&A following your in-person or virtual film screening with your partner ministry (a $2,000 value). You’ll also receive free coaching and other assistance to make the most of your L.O.V.E. Is The Answer Church Challenge program.
Watch the film with your partner ministry, and discuss it. We recommend at least two screenings — one at each ministry, with members of both ministries participating in each screening. We’ll give you a discussion guide and all the tools you’ll need to hold successful screening events.
Read the book with your partner ministry, and discuss it (book club!). We recommend small groups of no more than 10 people in each group, and with each small group made up of an equal number of members of each ministry. Books cost $30 each and can be ordered at Read the Book. Please order all of your books at once (you can place more than one order if you get additional people to participate) and have them sent to the same address, and make sure to mention when you order that they are for the Faith Community Challenge. Individual participants can pay your ministry in advance for the books or reimburse you. Individuals may also order books on their own using the link above. When individuals order, it’s important for them to let us know what ministry they are part of and that they are participating in the Faith Community Challenge.
The two ministries "do the work" together as described in Part 2 of the book (paint a mural, do a community clean up, build a L.O.V.E. Garden, etc.) and showcase and celebrate that work together on L.O.V.E. Is The Answer Day 9/17.

That’s it! 5 easy and fun action steps that build relationships and heal communities. Say yes, partner with another ministry, watch the film, read the book, and do the work.