For many years, the church has been the pivotal part of the black community . From the spirituals that emerged during slavery to the ministers and activists of the 1960s. The church has been instrumental in the black experience.
Nowadays however, the church has not been as visible except on Sundays. But what about the time after or before those couple of hours of service? What about when it’s Tuesday and it is not the night for prayer meeting? Many black churches have been nonexistent in the effort of the progression of black people.
Church should not only serve people during services, but also every day of the week. Black people are in a predicament that calls for help on all sides.
Instead of being a place of empowerment, church is a place where stereotypes are perpetuated. Some ministers have suits that cost more than a semester’s tuition!
Instead of inspiring people to give their souls to God, some church members are inspired to collect checks.
The unemployment level is still higher in the black community than in other ethnic group.
The church should put forth more of an effort to give employment to both members and non-members.
There should be more church programs giving aid to people in the quest to overcome a drug addiction. There are many single mothers in the black community.
Instead of looking down at the woman because she had a child out of wedlock, more churches should offer daycare. Many black students still do poorly in education. There should be more tutorial sessions offered at the church.
Blacks continue to suffer as a people and this is a time when people need the church the most. The church was not created only to be a place of sermons and gospel songs. The people need the church because the people need help.
Jesus’ greatest attribute is that he helped people. He didn’t come through in a stretch limo and Armani shoes when he preached a sermon.
He didn’t ask for a large donation,every two sentences, to help his ministry.
If you want brothers and sisters to succeed, if you are weary of seeing the black community dealing with poverty, or if you are tired of some black students leaving school because they can’t afford an education, then you must encourage the church to take a stand.
In short, the church needs to help the black community.
Rudy Jean-Bart is a sophomore public relations student from Miami. Contact him at tapoet@43@yahoo.com