Carlosa third-generation U.S. citizen from New

Jersey whose family emigrated from Colombia many years before Carlos was

bornis often complimented on how articulate he is and asked how long he

has been in the United States.

Deborah, a Certified Public

Accountant (CPA) who is up for election as church treasurer, has her qualifications

questioned, debated, and scrutinized by the congregation far more than any of her

male predecessors who were elected with a simple vote.

Lisa, a

male-to-female transgender person, attends a Sunday school where her classmates

continue to refer to her with masculine pronouns (he, him,

his).

The three examples above portray microaggressions:

subtle slights, insults, and indignities expressed to persons of varied minority

statuses. Although microaggressions are usually unintentional, they occur on a

regular basis in education, the workplace, and daily life.

This is

the first book that addresses the concept of microaggressions in ministry and church

life. Drawing from their background as ordained clergy, Sanders and Yarber introduce

ministry leaders to the concept of microaggressions and look specifically at

microaggressions directed at race, gender, and sexuality in the church. Sanders and

Yarber help readers become more aware of these subtle and often unconscious

communications, offering realistic examples and guidance for grappling with this

issue in preaching, religious education, worship, spirituality, and pastoral care

and counseling. Microaggressions in Ministry equips congregations

with methods for assessment and tools for action that will ultimately help create

stronger, more welcoming faith communities.