The Body of Christ is warring against the spirit of racism to unite believers of all races and cultures. Martin Luther King Jr. used to say that the most segregated hour in America was 11 a.m. on Sunday. He was referring to weekly church services that divided whites and blacks. Decades later not much has changed.

The pain of racism is real for thousands of minorities in the Church. As an African-American growing up in the segregated south I experienced first hand the ugly effects of racism with its repeated blows of mental degradation, spiritual chains of deprivation, suppression, and humiliation. I’ve seen it in the workplace, in the schoolyard, in the political arena, and, sadly to say, even in the Church.

We must acknowledge that racism and prejudice exist among Christians before we can rid ourselves of its stench. Sure, there have been small steps toward unity since King’s day. In the 1960s, Caucasian evangelist A. A. Allen gathered both black and white believers together under one tent and encouraged them to give each other a hug. This simple act of integration was uncommon and it marked a bold stand against prejudice in the Church. Allen was looked upon as radical and risky, but he was willing to face the spiritual opposition head on.

Without a unified front, however, Allen’s efforts did not bring sweeping change. The Southern Baptist Convention just a few years ago made headlines when its leaders renounced racism, condemned slavery and apologized for the Church’s intolerant past. That was another step in the right direction, but the demographics of the local church still didn’t reflect lasting change.

Enter reforming times. The restoration of true apostles  is bringing multi-cultural truth to the Body of Christ and through this reformation believers of all colors, races and nations are encouraged to gather together to praise and worship the Lord and to get equipped in a local church to do the work of the ministry. Through the eyes of the apostolic, segregation is a sin and racism is a direct attack on Gospel truth.

Racism is one of the most intense spiritual battles in the heavens. The restoration of apostles in this reformation is bringing hope for change with strong prayer against the spirit of racism. While it’s true that only love can conquer hatred and Church leaders need to take steps toward unity in the natural, we cannot afford to deny the spiritual warfare necessary to bring about a true transformation.

The apostolic anointing carries the grace (supernatural ability), boldness, and commanding authority necessary to make an impact in the spiritual realm that will manifest in the natural. Indeed, the apostolic grace imparted to the Body of Christ will spiritually equip every believer to tear down the walls of racism that divide us. Moreover, the apostolic grace prepares us to enter a level of prayer even for those who hate us. I’ll never forget our church’s grand opening in 1998. It was a milestone in our ministry; a time of celebration as we prepared to open the doors of our new facility. Hundreds of people gathered to see the fruit of years of sown time, money and prayers.

And then racism reared its ugly head. Our beautiful new building had been spray painted with racist graffiti, including the “N” word, KKK, and swastikas. Instead of fighting back in the natural, the apostolic grace emboldened our church to unite in prayer and stand on the mission of our congregation:  the  ministry of reconciliation.

Through warring prayer, faith and love, what the devil meant for our harm, God turned for the entire community’s good. The incident lead to an overwhelming response in our region. Area pastors of all ethnic groups demonstrated their support and the gathering spawned a panel discussion with local and surrounding area clergy on racial reconciliation.

This event received extensive media coverage in our area. Several television, radio stations and newspapers not only covered “the morning after the grand opening graffiti incident,” but also reported on the first racial reconciliation conference held in the area. The apostolic exposes this type of hate for what it really is, an effort to divide the Body of Christ. Jesus, our Chief Apostle, said “I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The spirit of racism is from hell and it will not prevail.

Yet, we cannot expect the world, politicians, presidents or the unsaved to do what God has called us, His people, to do. The Word declares, “It is now God’s intent that through his Church his manifold wisdom might be made known to the principalities and powers” (Ephesians 3:10). Together, black, white, red, yellow – or purple with polka dots – we can stand against the wiles of the devil.

These are apostolic times, and God is raising up bold leaders who will release God’s power to build local churches that reflect multi-racial, cross-cultural expressions of God’s love and unity. Through the restoration of apostles in this reformation, God is tearing down everything that brings division among His people. He is breaking down all the walls that separate His people from one another. It is every Christian’s duty to reach all people and races with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The apostolic movement equips and  teaches believers how to let God’s love dominate our motives. It teaches the Body of Christ truth about the pride of racism. It challenges the saints to boldly confront racism by walking in love, praying fervently and forgiving unconditionally so that Jesus can return for a Church without spot or wrinkle.

Bobby Davis is the founding apostle of Miracle Faith World Outreach in Monroe, Connecticut.