There is something happening…something is shifting in the urban church context,and leading the way are young men who are seemingly fearless, bold enough to take what look like un-calculated risk, in an effort to see Jesus glorified, the urban church rise from the ashes, and young black men introduced to a theology of the cross rather than a theology of their own glory.
This was the concluding remark (summarized by the author) of the deep and rich conversation that a young African-American church leader and I had over lunch on Wednesday. There was an excitement in our tone that was visible to the tables around us, as we realized that Jesus is doing something powerful, tangible, and glorious in the lives of some willing young urban church planters that will see an urban reformation take place side by side with urban renewal. The city is truly on the verge of being rebuilt, not just buildings,but people.
For generations it was only faith that aided in the survival of African-American people. Faith that pressed forward through slavery…faith that helped to endure Jim Crow laws, segregation, and the violence of the civil rights era. It seems that following those times of visible and tangible struggle that faith became a by-word. A tool to gain…riches…liberation…and our own well being, and sadly, if you listen honestly and intently, that “brand” of faith is primarily what is flowing from African American pulpits, and through African American churches today.
But, on the other side of this are young men who have questioned the means, methods, and ideologies of the generation preceding them, and sought answers from the scriptures, as to develop a rich biblical theology, as they pursue the rebuilding of the city. They are redefining what it means to be an African-American church leader, and are now on precipice of seeing real change, a new, urban reformation, that we hope will blossom into a church planting movement. Where cities all over this nation…places that have been left to be picked over by vultures preaching another gospel, will receive a surge of gospel truth, and authentic love, as missionaries who are sent to not only renew, but to reform. Let’s rebuild the city!
Keith Watson
August 31, 2009
As beautiful as that is in the African-American culture, it is 10 million times more beautiful in that it is happening across racial lines – in Hispanic-Americans, and White Americans . . .
It seems to be a movement much larger than any culture, denomination, or race!
Mark Myles
August 31, 2009
Good word, Leonce.
Leonce Crump II
August 31, 2009
Keith,
I definitely believe it is beautiful across cultures, and God is moving in a mighty way…the reason our conversation and this blog focused on the African-American urban church reform is because I, as well as he, and many others all were reconciled to Christ in primarily Caucasian Churches, because there were no African-American churches in our area’s preaching the gospel…not one.
We were specifically excited because as much as I am an “all nations” reconciliation, multi-culture type of guy, (my marriage being reflective of it) there is something to be said to have someone that you identify with to be able to look too for spiritual growth and guidance, and it is shameful that I can right now only think of five men, who are African-American, that I could or would look to, and yet I can think of dozens upon dozens of Caucasian one’s. That was the tenor and tone of the post. That we are tired of the “Rev” Al Sharpton and Jesse…as well as the Bishop (you fill in the blank, I didn’t know there could be so many Bishops, and it is good to see the tide turning.
Keith Watson
August 31, 2009
Bro – no need to explain all that! I am with you!! Remember I spent 3 years with my wife and then 2 kids in an African American church plant (the only whites for miles!). I was simply adding to the excitement!
The movement is BIG!
czarthoughts
September 3, 2009
Good post L. The funny part to me is that everyone else has noticed that this is a problem EXCEPT the pastors themselves. If you listen to most socially conscious rappers, they’ve been comparing pastors to pimps for the last 10-15 years. They’ve settled for dealing false hope than the real deal. They come off just as characatures and not real people. Hope is in Christ and not giving as our “heavenly stimulus plan” (I’ve heard this used before).
Preachers talk about getting rich and not getting right and IF they talk about getting right its so that people can get rich.
I could go on and on, but its your blog not mine. Good stuff though