Rice at the SBC and Ethnic Evangelism

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice spoke at the SBC last week. Al Mohler notes:

"Anyone with the slightest sense of historical perspective—or a sense of irony—must have caught the profound meaning of that moment. There stood a descendant of slaves addressing the spiritual descendants of slaveholders. A denomination birthed in the context of racism and slavery found a moment of genuine pride and delight in welcoming the first African-American woman to hold the highest appointive office in the nation’s government. Furthermore, the messengers rose to their feet when Secretary Rice spoke of the nation’s resolve to oppose and eradicate slavery wherever it may be found. "

To echo Mohler's comments, I agree that Rice's presence was a monumental and hopeful glimpse of the future of the SBC - where peoples of all colors can take a stand for the Gospel.

This brings to light another issue. Some church growth gurus stand by the "homogenous unit principle" that state that like people should evangelize other people of similarity. Therefore, a rich person would have more effect sharing the Gospel to another rich person. A poor person " " a poor person. Does this principle translate into race? Our church has a few black couples and I wonder if they would have more impact reaching the black community of Sumter then I would? Comments, questions, sarcastic remarks are welcome.