Within the Christian religion, race can sometimes become a divider. But are there things about black culture that white church-goers can learn from? Are there characteristics of decidedly white churches that might lend themselves to the black church?

At a time when the media is pushing the loss of black believers (with some even claiming the black church is dead), one retort displays the worth of black churches – and it’s written by two white pastors/academics.

In What We Love About the Black Church: Can We Get a Witness?, William H. Crouch, Jr. and Joel C. Gregory show what they’ve learned from working with black church leaders that white preachers could incorporate into their churches. For example, they applaud:

-Energetic, Narrative preaching

-Camaraderie

-No “stifling sense of conformity”

-Recognition and appreciation of efforts and older members of the church

Such a focus on recognition and cooperation despite differences shows an effort to appreciate the “other.” It shows an attempt to set aside preconceived ideas to discover one another’s merits, celebrating our similarities while understanding our differences.

Created by Religion Transcends, 2010

Be Sociable, Share!

• 
•