What is Reformation for the African American Church? An Introduction

Well, first of all my wife has informed me that the actual readership of this blog is diverse, if at the same time small...the latter being my own observation and humble acknowledgement. But her main point was that I should not assume that we all have a shared understanding of the meaning of "reformation" as it pertains to the church. This led to the further realization that many of the core terms for "reformation" should be carefully explained with biblical support and clarity, and using very simple language. So, since she's as wise as she is beautiful (here seen dining in her favorite city: London), we'll yield to that counsel.

What is meant by Reformation in the African American Church?
At it's core, "reformation" is a rediscovery of the bible, it's fundamental teaching and it's full disclosure about God, grace, Christ's person and his work, and by extension the mission of the church. The main tenets of this biblical rediscovery is the centrality of God, the supreme value of his glory, the preeminence of Christ in ampliying God's glory through grace, and that we stand before God as the trophies of grace...receiving all of its benefits. In a major way, Reformation means placing God in Christ at the real center of all our preaching, teaching, singing, witnessing, working, etc.

But how do we get there, how is Reformation in the African American church achieved within actual local congregations? I would like to suggest 3 pillars of reformation that are needed for the African American church to walk in the fullness (Eph 4:13) that Christ has called her into:

1. Biblical literacy and interpretation
2. Discipleship and devotion to Christ
3. Awareness of congregation, community, national, and global needs.

I will address the first item very briefly now, and then save the second two to be addressed over the weekend.

Quick Aside: I feel it necessary to briefly address the obvious question: why target these items to the Black Church when they are all well enough relevant to all Christians everywhere? This is a good question and I'm aware of Lionel, Thabiti, Quincy A. Jones and Xavier speaking to this item in other places, and I agree with some of what has been shared and I disagree with others, but let me just say the following as a "defense" for why this is targeted toward the African American church community:

• This is not intended to exclude but to aim. For example, when we talk about problems with the "American" church we don't mean that it is ONLY the American church, or that it pertains to ALL American churches, but only that there is a pattern to problems within the American Christian community. I give this as an example because no one ever gets upset about discussing the "American" church but feathers often get ruffled for some when you mention the "Black Church". I give this example just to say "hey, we do this kind of thing all the time and I'm not trying to exclude one group (say, non-Black Churches) or condemn another one (like, all Black Churches)...cool?


• There is such a thing as a Black Church community, tradition and set of associations that feels like a community and a world. Many of us grew up in it and still worhship and serve Christ in that context. This is the typical weekly church experience of many. No one should feel as if it's racist or Afro-centric, it's simply a way of speaking about a particular reality: the Black Church. Make sense?


• So any and all should feel free to assess this from their own cultural experience, whether it is multicultural and integrated, or largely ethno-centric...both of which can glorify Christ fully. Now, back to our main point...

1. Biblical Literacy and Interpretation

There are a lot of preachers who lift up the bible as symbollicaly and who never really deal with its contents. Joel Osteen is the best example, launching every sermon with his trademark "verse" about the bible and then loosely connecting scripture to his recurring themese of positive thinking and personal uplift. Why is it that many believers even in bible-teaching churches fall under the spell of this worldly sheen? Why is it that when biblically grounded pastors retire or are called home to the Lord, younger mammon-obsessed men come aboard with the congregation totally unawares about the dangerous new worldly teaching? Why do many respond to truth and error with the same zeal?

After Christ-centered preaching, our congregations needs to be taught how to read and properly interpet scripture, i.e. let the bible speak for itself and don't run it through the filter of what you think you already know. Let the bible be our guides...but again, it is necessary to teach people HOW to read scripture in context. We often talk about the importance of contextual bible reading, but I think more importantly we need to teach and show how it's done.

Biblical interpretation is always trying, but I would suggest not as difficult as it has to be...if we can rely more directly on what the biblcal texts actually say. As an example, many people struggle with the doctrine of election not because the bible teaches it in an obtuse way or that it's difficult to understand, but it is largely because people refuse to believe what the bible says about it! A word of advice to a Reformed-minded pastor called to takr over a new congregation: Teach your congregants how to read and understand the bible.

This gets to a second point: I'm not convinced our most common Bible study models are effective for actually learning what the Bible says...I know I often don't feel I am as effective as I need to be while conducting Bible studies. The model I typically use is an outline of a text, with questions thrown out to the class for feedback and discussion. I think this can be very fruitful, I've done it for years, but what about the following instead:

• A lecture approach that allows the teacher to get out with clarity the context of a passage, it's meaning, connecting it to parallel passages and bringing our clear application; kind of a sermonette but with cool analysis and presentation. Then this would be followed by an extended period of group thoughtful examination of the text and what was presented and of course more meditation on application.


• An advanced approch where there is really more of a group study where each participant opens their bible and there is a searching and discussion for meaning. Relevant and challenging questions are noted, and the group explores the answers together. This should be less of the teacher "giving the answer" and more of the group "searching for the answer"...with the results of answers being captured with an effort to arrive at group consensus. It is important for churches, especially leadership, to strive for agreement on major doctrinal and practical themes, I believe unity in doctrinal thought is achieved by working for it through the labor of group study. It is so important that we recognize that doctrinal unity is only achievable and preservable when there is a shared understanding...not just a shared confession, or even merely a shared hearing.

This weekend's posts:

• 2nd two pillars for reformation
• I need to complete the posting of my sermon notes from a few weeks ago...Sorry!
• I will be preaching this weekend, Lord willing, and will post a BRIEF summary and the audio under the theme: Christ, Our Model

Prayer Needs

• My Mom is still battling health issues, please pray for her
• Our congregation has several members who are battling health concerns as well (Erni, Brenda, Juneirene, and others...please pray for them
• Lenny: I believe the Lord still wants to use you mightily...remember Moses was 80?! We need your service...and I don't mean in the kitchen...[Romans 12:1-2]
• Pastors Dennie, Burrows, and Anthony Carter and his new Church Plant
• The Reformation!!!