“11 o'clock on Sunday morning is one of the most segregated hours, if not the most segregated hours, in Christian America.” — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., circa 1960

Segregation remains a reality in churches across America. Many congregations are still divided along racial lines even amidst our diverse society. How did we get here? And what does the Bible say about unity among all peoples in the church?

In this compelling book, Dr. John S. Tinker takes us on a journey to understand the complex history of racism in America and its influence on dividing the church. From slavery to Jim Crow laws to the civil rights era, he provides critical historical context for how segregation took root.

But this is more than an examination of the past. It is a redemptive vision for the future, calling churches to actively pursue reconciliation and diversity to reflect God's Kingdom. Through in-depth biblical study, John reveals unity in diversity as a core biblical principle for the church, despite centuries of segregation along racial lines.

Featuring interviews with Christian leaders of different ethnicities, The Dividing Wall: How Racism Split The American Church, brings unique perspectives on achieving true unity. This is a book for anyone who wants to grow in racial healing and see the church become a house of prayer for all nations, just as Jesus intended. It provides hope for breaking down dividing walls, embracing our differences, and experiencing the fullness of the Gospel.

John Tinker

Books