In the face of systemic oppression, the marginalization of disenfranchised communities, and a culture of identity antagonism, the Western church has so often been silent. The younger generations hunger for a faith that addresses these lived realities, only to find so many churches to be disengaged and insular. While history is full of examples where Christianity has sided with the status quo, it also abounds with the stories of communities of faith on the margins who found deep solidarity and empowerment in the gospel, sustaining them for lives of wholeness and abundance. These stories of resilient faith are seeds—trampled, cast off, and buried—that grew into powerful examples of vibrant Christian life.

In this course, Alexia Salvatierra and Brandon Wrencher explore two forms of resilient Christian communities from the Global South: the Base Ecclesial Communities (BEC) of the Latin American poor, and the Hush Harbors of the antebellum Black church. Drawing on history, scholarship, and personal ministry experience, Salvatierra and Wrencher share principles, practices, frameworks, and indigenous culturally-rooted models, showing you how to integrate vibrant Christ-centered faith and mission with world-changing social justice and political action.

This course is made in partnership with Fuller Seminary, and is based on the bookBuried Seeds by Baker Publishing Group.