Dr. King's Message Applied Today 

At a program to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Rev. Dr. Cheryl Kirk-Duggan discussed the significance of Dr. King’s message for ministry in 2008. Dr. Kirk-Duggan is professor of Theology and Women’s Studies and director of Women’s Studies at Shaw University in Raleigh, NC, and has a unique interest in the ministry of Dr. King. She was on campus to give the keynote lecture at the Moravian College Symposium on Hate sponsored by the Office of Institutional Diversity.

Dr. Kirk-Duggan suggested that we view Dr. King as a man, not an icon, in order to learn from his words and actions. She emphasized the importance of giving credit where credit is due and avoiding plagiarism in sermons and songs. She also pointed out that a pastor is given power with the position, and this power should be handled with great care. She related these suggestions to the mistakes that King had made in his life, including his infidelity.

Duggan continued to stress the role and responsibilities as pastor and counselor. She urged people to listen and to consider what they say before they say it and only after the other person is finished speaking. Quoting the first principle in The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz, she explained that it was crucial to “be impeccable with your word.” The words we say can have a great effect on people and “the power and presence of God is your word.”

Duggan addressed concerns that King might have today with the way that our country deals with the underprivileged. Children’s homes are filling beds to earn more money, but troubled kids are not getting the attention that they need. Teachers often do not have the resources or time to tend to children with emotional, behavioral or language needs, and many of these children eventually act out for attention and are sent home unattended. Dr. Duggan suggested that churches connect themselves with area schools and children’s homes to provide counseling, support and attention to the neglected.

“Having Martin Luther King, Jr. Day doesn’t change how you treat people the next day or month,” Duggan said. Instead, she believes many things can be changed with the words and actions of pastors and counselors and suggests they look at Jesus’ ministry for advice on searching for their specific niche. “I find spaces where I can be effective… Find spaces that will feed you back.”

— Sheila Sacks
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