There has been a great deal of hype surrounding CNN’s groundbreaking, year long investigation, “Black in America.” Just based on the clips the content is sure to make the hairs stand up on the arms of most black Americans. Finally, someone is willing to discuss, in an open forum, the many complex issues that the vast majority black Americans deal with. Discrimination, poor self-images, single-parent homes, teenage pregnancy, high abortion rates, and low marriage rates are just a few of the issues. Many people ask the question, “what is the role of the black church?”
In examining this question, we must first understand that there is only one race– the human race. Africans, Asians, Caucasians, Jews, Arabs, etc. are merely different ethnicities of the human race. Each race has the same physical characteristics and we were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). (We do however, have minor differences in skin color, hair texture , etc. which we explore later in this series.) “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatiains 3:28 There is no pecking order. God created us all for His glory and we are made righteous through Christ Jesus.
Unfortunately, the majority blacks in America have experienced racism, prejudice and discrimination and many of the issues faced are residual effects of it. However, as victims of racism we must forgive. According to Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” We should forgive those who wrong us just as God forgave us.
Instead of preaching forgiveness and healing as Christ did, many black churches are devoting more time to “building their local kingdoms” rather than “kingdom building.” They are preaching the “gospel of prosperity” before salvation. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33
According to Dr. Robert Franklin, author of Crisis in the Village, one-fourth of the black community lives in poverty. “I am convinced that the single greatest threat to the historical legacy and core values of the contemporary black church tradition is posed by what is known as the ‘prosperity gospel’ movement,” he writes, implying that the black church has shifted into a culture that is hostile to those who are poor, the HIV-infected, homosexuals and immigrants. For example, homosexuality is acknowledged as sinful, but there is no dealing with past hurts, experiences, etc. that led into this sinful lifestyle. The needs of these groups are not being met by the church. The church acknowledges these issues, however, does not create Christ centered solutions for these groups.
“I propose that the community, laity, and clergy work together to help change the prevailing culture of compensation and material reward,” he states. “The community should declare that if a clergyperson and/or church demonstrates good faith in collaborating with other churches and organizations engaged in renewing the village or, in the absence of collaboration, they are working heroically and strategically to make a positive impact on our most pressing problems, it will reward these clergy with financial support and personal encouragement.”
Christ served us all by laying down His life. He met people at their immediate need. We can and should pray for the mind of Christ. The black church, rather the body of Christ, should get back to the “Great Commission.” We must begin compelling others with the Gospel. We will always have trials and there will always be poor among us. The early church realized these simple facts and they served one another.
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