The Black Church: Current Challenges and Enduring Hope

Historically, the Black Church has played a vital role in the black community, spiritually, socially, and politically.  In the current period the Black Church, like the church as a whole, is confronting unprecedented intellectual, social and political challenges. The decline in church attendance among the young and the drift to alternative forms of spirituality, the powerful influence of a take-no-prisoners culture, the financial hardship of a pandemic are all impacting black congregations in troubling ways. This talk explores the historic strength of the black Church and the current challenges it faces. In light of the resources at the church’s disposal, how does it remain true to orthodox Christian teaching and practice? What might the future hold?