The Black Church Won’t Get Better If Y’all Keep Leaving

What?!? You’re still a member of a Baptist state convention? Huh?!? You haven’t left that Methodist denomination? Yikes! You attend the denominational minister’s conference? Wait?!? You’re still affiliated with a district association? Ummmm, why do you keep that denominational name on your church’s marquee?

This is usually the response some of us get when people find out we are still plugged into these institutions. Gawks, dropped jaws and gazes of incredulity abound. These responses often come from former members of these institutions, who now consider them to be irrelevant relics of a bygone era.

Certainly, some of these institutions deserve criticism and needed reforms. Some of them should even be completely overhauled. I get it. However, consider what these institutions were in their heyday. Consider how these institutions glorified Christ by serving Black communities and providing aid to Black clergy. Consider the legendary names (Many preachers we revere) that labored within these institutions and worked for their betterment. Consider the fact that many of these institutions began in our own communities. God gave them to us.

Where would these institutions be if those that left in protest, remained and sought to be the solution to the problems they decried? Where would they be if the brightest and most innovative minds committed to being a transformational presence within these institutions? How does anything get better without people’s engagement, faithful involvement and insightful expertise?

I discuss this topic on my podcast here.