The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation

(Paperback)

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Miles McPherson, founder of The Rock Church in San Diego, presents a discussion about race that we desperately need...a must read (Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senior Pastor, The Potters House) and argues that we must learn to see people not by the color of their skin, but as God sees themhumans created in the image of God.

Pastor Miles McPherson, senior pastor of The Rock Church in San Diego, addresses racial division, a topic many have shied away from, for fear of asking the wrong question or saying the wrong thing. Some are oblivious to the impact racism has, while others pretend it doesnt exist.

Even the church has been affected by racial division, with Sunday now being the most segregated day of each week. Christians, who are called to love and honor their neighbors, have fallen into cultures trap by siding with one group against another: us vs. them. Cops vs. protestors. Blacks vs. whites. Racists vs. the woke. The lure of choosing one option over another threatens Gods plan for unity among His people.

Instead of going along with the culture, Pastor Miles directs us to choose the Third Option: honoring the priceless value of Gods image in every person we meet. He exposes common misconceptions that keep people from engaging with those of different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and identifies the privileges and pitfalls that we all face.

The Third Option challenges us to fully embrace Gods creativity and beauty, as expressed in the diversity of His people. By following the steps and praying the prayers outlined in his book, Pastor Miles teaches us how we can all become leaders in unifying our communities, our churches, and the nation.

Reviews

A discussion about race that we desperately need... a must read. -- Bishop T.D. Jakes, Senior Pastor, The Potters House
"This is a landmark book, offering a compelling vision for the great issue of our day. Miles helps us to see Gods glory and the beauty of his image in everyone we meet. Read this book, then buy copies for all your friends. This message could change everything."

-- Rick Warren, author of The Purpose-Driven Life
"The most profound message on reconciliation and healing that I have heard. It is a message that needs to be echoed throughout the world...This is a moment and a movement that you have to be a part of!" -- John Gray, Associate Pastor of Lakewood Church
"The Third Option reveals Gods way for bridging the racial divide: honoring the image of God placed in each of us. Pastor Miles' words will encourage you with a new compassion and new understanding of the heart of God for all people and equip you with the tools to help bring about change." -- Christine Caine, bestselling author and founder of A21 & Propel Women
"Every believer who wants to follow Christs example and to love our neighbors as ourselves must read this book." -- Chris Hodges, Senior Pastor of Church of the Highlands and author of Fresh Air and The Daniel Dilemma
"In a time where our country seems more divided racially and politically than at any other in recent history, we need a voice of reason to bring us to a place of understanding. I believe that Miles McPherson is that voice...I can't stress enough how important this work is and hope that it becomes a central part of the conversation going forward. Get the book, devour the concepts and be part of the change." -- Greg Surratt, Founding Pastor of Seacoast Church and President of the Association of Related Churches (ARC)
"The Third Optionis exactly what we need to be reminded of. This is how JESUS wants us to live. Rather than separate ourselves by racism, we need to be one race united by love. We are all one people, one human world, all equal." -- Adrian Gonzalez, New York Mets
"Apowerful and inspirational book. Chock full of stories, anecdotes, and wisdom that helps readers to build bridges across the great divides of race and ethnicity." -- Dr. David Anderson, Senior Pastor of Bridgeway Community Church and Author of Gracism: The Art of Inclusion
"The Third Option will not just inspire you; it will equip you with the necessary tools to advance, facilitate, and usher in a spirit of unity. You will not just be blessed, you will be transformed." -- Sam Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Church Leadership Conference (NHCLC)
"The Third Option forges the way forward for the Church; Christians armed with compassion, a new motivation, and a new understanding of the heart of God." -- Sergio De La Mora, Founding Pastor, Cornerstone Church
"Every now and then you come across a book that feels like it has trail-blazed new ground. The Third Option is one of those books. Miles McPhersons experience as a multiracial pastor has informed this profound look into racism and offers new insight into the biblical way forward. A must-read." -- Benny Perez, Lead Pastor, The Church LV

Author Bio

Miles McPherson is the Senior Pastor of the Rock Church and Academy in San Diego, California. He attended the University of New Haven, where he majored in engineering. McPherson was the universitys first player to achieve All-American honors in football and be drafted into the NFL, and he played in the league for four years. After his life spiraled out of control, he gave his heart to the Lord. He graduated from Azusa Pacific School of Theology with a Master of Divinity in 1991. He founded The Rock Church 2000, and currently more than 14,000 people attend its five weekly services. The church has five campuses throughout San DiegoCounty and over 200 volunteer-led outreach ministries that donate over $4 million of volunteer service every year. He and his wife Debbie have three children and reside in San Diego.