Walking in Line

""It is my honor to endorse Dr. James Croone's book, Walking in Line. We have had a long friendship, and although I serve James as his pastor, he serves me as a coach and mentor, especially as it relates to racial tension and ethnic bias. Dr. Croone is articulate, well studied, and has personally lived what he teaches in this book. I have seen firsthand his patience and kindness and at the same time his unswerving commitment to truth and justice. I am very proud of this work but prouder to call him my friend. You will be a better pastor, leader, Christian, and person for reading this book."" --Donald E. Ross, network leader, Northwest Ministry Network ""In his new book, Walking in Line, Dr. James Croone writes with surgical precision and clarity. Doctor visits are opportunities for honest revelation of pain and struggle and to receive examination, diagnosis, and treatment. The responsibility lies with the patient to accept and apply the doctor's orders. Too often we have rejected the truth and grace of the gospel and favored instead a culturally comfortable Christian ethic on reconciliation. All sincere readers will be healed of bias if they walk the line of Christ's gospel."" --Walter Harvey, president, National Black Fellowship of the Assemblies of God ""My good friend, Dr. James Croone, has provided a profound yet simple resource for beckoning the church to racial reconciliation, justice, mercy, and grace. While soundly nailing the hinge to the door of biblical truth, he also opens it slowly and methodically to reveal a clear line forward. Along the way, you encounter the realization of your own biases. That self-awareness leads to hope and courage through stories, historical facts, theology, and more practical steps to implement in your own heart, family, church, and neighborhood. Walking in Line asks powerful questions that will stimulate your thinking and touch your heart. Together, we can change our world."" --Don Detrick, associate network leader, Northwest Ministry Network ""Dr. Croone begins with a powerful question: 'Why do many believers who profess faith in God harbor biases against other ethnic groups?' His answer, 'Because it is a heart issue, ' sets the foundation for seven transformative lessons designed to engage the heart for change. These lessons delve into how our flesh, entrenched biases, resistance to change, and desire for comfort obstruct the biblical ministry of reconciliation and the church's multicultural mandate. Each lesson concludes with thought-provoking questions that prompt readers to ponder, reflect, and take action. This teaching is crucial for us all, especially in these divided times, and I am pleased to strongly recommend this book."" --Steve Ignell, retired scientist and administrator, NOAA Fisheries ""Dr. James Croone's latest book, Walking in Line: Dealing with Bias in Light of the Gospel, accurately prescribes the biblical solution for racial reconciliation--not just in America but for people in every nation. Dr. Croone has a strong grasp of American history without ignoring the sin of intentional systemic racism that enslaved Africans for centuries and decimated the indigenous populations of the North American continent through European colonization. He points out that only the biblical perspective is the path to forgiveness, reconciliation, and love between people of all races and cultures. This book is a must read for those who want to move forward in loving their neighbor."" --Nathaniel J. Mullen, bible teacher and pastor, Victorious Life Christian Center, Kent, Washington