Justice Ministry

Social Justice and Community Engagement (SJCE) is a ministry within the church that seeks biblical justice by the in-working power of the Holy Spirit through the church, family and community. This “social justice” is a mandate of the Christian faith and a fundamental expression of Christian discipleship.​
“From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.”

- Luke 12:48

This ministry looks into long-term solutions to social issues. We recognize that understanding the system, barriers to the system, and the lack of access to the system are key components in empowering individuals/communities to self-sustainability. Issues of poverty, education, human trafficking, racism, clean water and sanitation, child and domestic abuse, and the environment are some of the many areas where we, as Christians, are called to make a difference. We are able to experience a transformation through engaging with our community and experiencing how we can truly be the church and live out our baptismal covenant.

This is an invitation to us and for us - not from defining ourselves and following our hearts but from letting God define us and following God’s heart. Jesus says “come to me all that are weary and carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.”  (Matthew 11:28) This invitation asks the question, whose burden can we help ease?​

  • The Working Poor: What's Changed?
    Oct. 26 | 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Rawlins Hall
    Four years ago, WC hosted a series with information on the systemic causes of poverty. This update will provide information on the new challenges and offer additional resources for empowering people to be self-sufficient. Changes have occurred the last few years and insight will be shared on how we - as individuals, as the church, and as a community - address those needs. Dr. John Siburt, CEO of CitySquare Dallas, will be sharing information from the leading private provider in the city of Dallas. CitySquare is one of the most renown agencies in the country, when it comes to caring for the marginalized.
  • Foster Care/Adoption Ministry 
    The White’s Chapel Justice Ministry is launching a new ministry centering upon foster care and adoption. The goal is to connect with families who are willing to foster, foster to adopt, or adopt. Fostering or adoption may not be for everyone, so other opportunities are available to help. People can sign up to be trained as “respite caregivers" or “babysitters." If there are individuals who want to participate in this ministry but are not led to be a caregiver, they can also provide a basic package to give a child/student in custody of Child Protective Services. These care packages will have the basic essentials needed to bridge the gap until the they are settled. 
      
    "Meet and greet” information sessions are available throughout each month and last approximately one hour on Zoom. The meeting is an information session only and does not require commitment. If the times are not compatible with an individual’s schedule, a private one-on-one session (via Zoom) can be arranged. If participants want to proceed in the process, information is provided on how to take the next steps. 
      
    If you interested in attending an information session, please contact Rev. Dara Austin. She will provide the registration link and lead you through the new ministry. There is no charge for these meetings and all inquiries for information are confidential. Anyone is welcome; participants do not have to be members of White’s Chapel.
  • Community Resources
    If you need help finding a community resource, call 211.

    ​    211 Texas
    Call 211 for local resources, information and referrals for all local community resources and programs.
    Alternative number: 817-258-8100

    Child/Adult Protective Services (CPS/APS):
    Call 800-252-5400 to report child/adult abuse.
    Tarrant County Public Health Department:
    817-321-4700
    Services: Low-cost immunizations, birth and death certificates and nutrition classes.
    MHMR Tarrant
    I-Care Call Center:     817-335-3022
    24-hour assistance to individuals in crisis for information and referral for mental health and substance use services.
    MHMR Substance Use Services: 817-569-4600
    Detoxification for adults; short-term residential treatment and outpatient counseling.
    Disability Services: 817-335-3022
    Support for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD).
    Early Childhood Services: 817-335-3022
    Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213
    Application for disability, retirement and summary of earnings and SS benefits.
    Health and Human Services: 211
    Medicaid, food stamps and TANF.

    Psychiatric Services
    Cook Children's Medical Center:      682-885-4000
    Outpatient behavioral health and medical services provided to children ages 2-17 years.

    JPS Psychiatric Emergency Care: 817-927-4151
    Provides emergency psychiatric services 24-hours a day.

    JPS Health Network: 817-927-3636
    Psychiatric facility for crisis stabilization, short-term treatment and family education.

    Private Psychiatric Hospitals:
    Texas Health Springwood: 817-355-7777
    Hughley Memorial Med. Center: 817-293-9110
    Millwood Hospital: 817-261-3121
    Sundance Hospital: 817-583-8080

    Substance Use Resources
    MHMR Substance Use Services - 817-569-4600
    Recovery Resource Council - 817-332-6329

    Transportation Services
    The T - 817-215-8600
    MITS - 817-215-8600
    Wheels - 817-336-8714
    Medi Cab - 1-877-633-8747
    MyRide - 682-587-7099

    If you have any questions, call 1-866-566-8989 or visit www.hhsc.state.tx.us​
  • From the Inside Out
    This is a video series where pastors, staff and community members share personal stories about issues that have impacted their lives. We seek to address these issues because we believe it is part of our call as followers of Jesus Christ to raise awareness that puts us on the road to reconciliation.
    ​
    In episode 1, Pastors Ramon and Todd have an honest conversation about racism. Pastor Ramon shares a personal account of when he first experienced racism and how it led him on a journey to understand the origins of racism.
    Race in America - Phil Vischer
    We need to talk about race. Why are people angry? Why so upset? Didn't we elect a black president? Pass civil rights laws? Isn't racism illegal now? Three years ago my brother Rob and I co-taught a class that discussed issues of racial injustice. That class turned into a popular podcast episode, which we've now turned into this video. Why are people still angry? Let's take a look at race in America...
    ​
  • Racial Reconciliation Task Force

    Mission

    For God to be glorified and God’s church to become a credible witness.
    • Matthew 5:16:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." 
    • 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 

    To prayerfully listen, self-examine, repent, reconcile, engage and be challenged.
    • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (17) so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 
    • 2 Corinthians 13:5 "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you---unless, of course you fail the test?" 

    So that we may equip ourselves to do good works and seek justice-for and with our neighbors and friends—through the dismantling racial discrimination in all its forms. 
    • Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." 
    • Isaiah 1:17 "Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." 
    • Micah 6:8 " He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. 
    Values
     
    We value Love of God and love of each other, Grace in honesty, Engagement in earnestness and the Intentional pursuit of truth as a means to challenge and change our learned assumptions, perceptions and understanding of those who are different from us.

    We value that a bridge to racial unity requires Awareness, Acknowledgment and Lamentation, the recognition of Shame and Guilt, Confession, Forgiveness, Repentance, and Restoration.

    We value a shared struggle and collective call to realize the possibility of God’s kingdom on earth, where every member of our human family lives, loves, and expresses themselves in freedom and peace.
     
    Resources for Racial Reconciliation Information

    Central Texas Conference Fort Worth
    General Commission on Religion and Race of the United Methodist Church
    Books:
    Movies:
  • How does racism impact marriages and families of color?
    by Married People | Jun 15, 2020 | Podcast

    ​
    ​The real truth for black couples is that racism has an impact on everything, including marriage. Jackie and Stephana Bledsoe join us to share their stories of the racism growing up and even now as they raise their own family. They also share the hope of what happens when we stand for and with people of color.
    Former Days
    by White's Chapel | Jun 15, 2020 | Podcast

    ​A 30,000-foot view of some of history's greatest Christians

    • I'd like to speak to someone about the Justice Ministry
Meet the Pastor
Dara Austin
Associate Pastor
Social Justice and Community Engagement

Reverend Dara Austin grew up in Dallas. She graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio/TV/Film/Journalism, and from Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth with a Master of Arts in Theology and Ministry.