First, let me explain that I am not an expert on black churches. My experience is limited to a dozen or so black churches in East Texas. I sure never expected to join a historically black church.

How in the world does a white gal ended up in a black church? Great question. Certainly not what I expected. However, God never ceases to surprise me.

I’ve learned a lot. Find more insight about overcoming persecution based on race.

There are bunches of good reasons why we should pay attention to what our black brothers and sisters say in the Church. You know, the ONE church.

Persecution. Seriously

Seriously, we all know change is inevitable. But here’s the deal. 

It’s taken more than a century for black churches to develop their own cultural nuances. Certainly, we wouldn’t be so quick to crave homogenization if we truly understood the cost and beauty of what has developed there.

African American congregations have character honed in decades of persecution. 

Lately, haven’t we all been looking around for any examples we can find on how to peacefully speak out against religious liberty infringements? Sadly, it’s becoming easier to imagine a time in America when all churches could face persecution. 

Of course, as American Christians of any ethnic background, we hope we never need to thrive during an era of religious persecution. Find more on religious liberty.

Fortunately for the rest of us, there are people in our midst who lived through a blatant era of vicious persecution and discrimination in America. Segregation.

I am definitely NOT minimizing their suffering or claiming it was worth it. No. I am not about the silver lining in this case. I grew up then and I remember some of the toxic attitudes well. Maybe that’s why I respect those who didn’t let bad attitudes and ignorance hinder their success.

Our black brothers and sisters endured suffering. Their triumph in our shared history should carry weight. If we are wise we will value their experience and learn from them. Without minimizing. Without denial.

American Christians shouldn’t thwart the character gained through black experience by glossing over it. Or folding black Christians into mainstream traditions, while denying their background. Instead, we should try to carefully cultivate that seed of courage and perseverance. We need the seeds of perseverance and courage to grow throughout the Church. Every congregation. All of them. 

Let Go of False Guilt. Embrace respect.

We all love to quote Martin Luther King.

“I think it is one of the tragedies of our nation, one of the shameful tragedies, that eleven o’clock on Sunday morning is one of the most segregated hours, if not the most segregated hours, in Christian America.” 

Martin Luther King, Jr., In 1960.

White folks can quit feeling guilty when nobody black shows up at your church. Folks are still free to worship where they want on Sunday morning. And do. We should respect what that means.

We are “voting” with our attendance. With our tithing. By the Sunday schools we choose for our kids.

Instead of feeling guilty, we all need to understand that one reason black folks aren’t quick to join white churches has nothing to do with feeling unwelcome. 

Nope, these days white Christians mostly do a fine job of letting black folks know they are wanted in their churches. To visit or to join.

So, why then, is Sunday still so segregated, at least in East Texas?

What White Churches Can Learn from Black Churches

Black churches tend to do a couple of things really well compared to the many, many predominately white churches and denominations I know. 

More and more I meet people who have visited congregations across self-segregating lines. That’s awesome! Don’t we all want to be dynamic friend makers who step over man-made, self-segregating boundaries? Certainly.

Still, what some churches offer is like missing puzzle pieces we don’t even know we’re lacking. Because we’ve only experienced the thing we grew up with. Black or white. Missing pieces cut both ways. 

Obviously, many white churches can check off some or all of the following boxes. But to me, it seems the black churches I know got a double helping of these traits.

Where Black Churches Excel

If you’re white, here’s what you may find refreshing in a black church.

#1 The men typically appreciate strong women.

Naturally, I prefer being around men who chuckle about my boldness rather than acting intimidated and trying to shut me down. 

#2 The women tend to be strong.

“Sister” is one of my favorite titles ever, right after grandmother. Why? Because the women who honored me with it are of such strong, fine character.

#3 Sunday is for worship.

Have you ever noticed a tendency among white Christians to share our challenges up front when we currently need prayer? In contrast, while our historically black church designates a specific time for prayer, the rest of Sunday is about unfocusing on your problems. Instead, we seriously refocus on God, our companion and problem solver.

Sure, we need to share our problems authentically, especially at church. I’m not saying one way is better than the other. We need both. To share problems and to refocus and relax.

The way we talk about our problems at church is a great example of how both segments of our church culture could really benefit from cross-pollinating traditions. 

#4 Strong Congregational Prayer.

Have you ever been to Wednesday night “Prayer Service” in a church where they served dinner, a sermon, music, etc? Maybe the whole evening gets thirty minutes of prayer total. Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now, but that always drives me crazy

Unlike many churches who have a small handful of believers praying in a room off somewhere on Sunday morning, at Galilee prayer is full-throttle. Every Sunday, the whole congregation joins in. Then, members go home and continue to pray throughout the week. Typically in black churches I love, I discovered prayer is as natural as breathing.

#5 Music.

The kids are singing as babies, it seems. Nobody holds back in self-consciousness. Music in a black church is a crazy mix of planning, natural talent, lack of talent, and spontaneity. 

I honestly think if I’d grown up in a black church I might be able to sing, too. Now that would be an honest to goodness miracle! I was a musically-challenged mommy. For sure, my rhythm has improved with coaching at church. But that’s another story.

#6 Discipleship.

The godly men in black churches tend to mentor and encourage the younger men naturally. Nobody begs for teachers or mentors. Everybody realizes what’s at stake and steps up. 

Most Bible scholars are self-taught. This adds an interesting layer of insight without some of the burdensome traditions found only in seminary-trained teachers. Not that intense seminary training is bad, only that it can perpetuate a few lingering myths.

Additionally, young people are methodically trained to speak up in black churches and take on responsibilities. They are honored and praised for their accomplishments. 

You may be thinking, “But Cathy, we do that in white churches, too!” 

If that’s what you’re thinking, you may have a blind spot because of the tradition you grew up in. There are some traditions in white churches that are handicapping our kiddos. If you’ll visit one of the black churches I love, you’ll immediately see what I mean. It’s obvious. 

At Home in Black Churches

#7 Home Church.

The first time I heard a black leader mention his “Home Church,” I wondered if he just hurt the feelings of the folks in the white church he attended every Sunday. Once I understood black church culture better, I noticed a couple of things I grew to love. 

In black churches, everybody keeps the church they grew up in for their whole life. They have homecomings. They keep in touch. No matter where life takes them, they return to their home church. I know some white Christian adults who claim a home church and return often. But not many. In African American culture, home churches are the norm and they are a BIG deal.

Most black churches are still small, at least in East Texas, and composed of three generations of families who have been there from the beginning. This may be changing. I hope not. 

There’s nothing like having an adult grandchild come home for the weekend and knowing the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in the same family. It’s just about the sweetest thing.

#8 A Subculture of Community.

In East Texas, so many people know each other and are often related through marriage. Black churches celebrate their ties by visiting each other and worshiping together often. Usually with the best food and music you can imagine. They call each other, “sister churches.”

Sometimes my white friends have the idea that the services last forever. That’s just a funeral thing. 

If you see cars in the parking lot all day Saturday, somebody died and they are grieving. The rest of the time, if you see cars for a long time, they are probably singing or eating. Music and food is a big part of black church culture. Yep, and the cooking is delicious!

Laughter and the Black Churches I Love

This may be strictly a Galilee Baptist Church thing, but one of the first things I noticed about our church is the laughter. Oh-so-much laughter. 

I’ve had opportunity to visit many black churches in East Texas. Most of the time, I don’t have the opportunity to get to know the leadership. The following are the ones I love and know the leaders. Of course, I bet there are tons more.

In these churches all visitors are warmly welcomed and respected. Please don’t go as do-gooders, hoping to “help” the church. These churches are awesome the way they are. 

In Chandler, Macedonia Baptist. In Bullard, New Hope Baptist Church or Corinth Baptist. St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler.  

And of course, just south of Tyler, near Flint, our own church, Galilee Baptist. With COVID, we’re still worshipping online for now. You can find lots of stuff on Galilee’s website. We’re building so watch for our first worship in our new sanctuary soon.

No Offense Intended: All Perspectives Welcome

Please understand, I also think white churches have strong cultural traits that would benefit my friends in black churches.

I really wish we could cross-pollinate the best of both worlds, savoring and respecting both. I know pastors who are partnering black and white churches together, for a few easily identifiable reasons. But, while worthy, the effort’s a slow go.

Since I really don’t think I’m any kind of expert on this topic, I’m just sharing my own personal impressions. Yours are welcome here, too, of course.

Well, that’s enough for today, folks. Today’s blog kind of wore me out. Harder than I thought, choosing the most important things to list out of so many more.

Thank you for reading my stuff. Your fellowship means the world to me.

I am grateful for YOU.

🙂

Cathy

We LOVE to hear from YOU!

How is God at work in your own church? Which conversations in your community need to happen? In your family?

May we pray together?

Dear good Father, You faithfully lead us, if we let You. You love with a sacrificial love that we can hardly comprehend. It stretches us beyond our imagination to believe that You could love us like that. If only we could believe it, we’d be so much better at loving each other. Teach us to see our brothers and sisters as You see us. Each one a unique human with a beautiful spirit. Help us have the courage to always choose freedom from bondage. This week, give us opportunities to reach out. Give us courage and perseverance to ignore self-segregating lines and love faithfully. We choose devotion to You and to each other. Bless us now because that’s Your heart’s desire. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray. Amen.

Next Stop Book Tour!

We will be going on our first Book Tour soon! Please pray.

• That God will give us the “divine appointments” He chooses
• That we will be a blessing
• That our books will get into the hands of those who will benefit the most
• That new friendships will be formed for eternity

Our plan is to drive to Fort Worth, Lubbock, then Dalhart. Then, we’ll turn north and head through Colorado, with stops in Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and Vail. Fun! Please stop by to see me while we’re in YOUR neighborhood! (Our schedule.)

If you have any places you’d like for me to stop, just let us know. Your book club, church, Sunday school, or your favorite book store? I’m all in!

Your Own Upcoming Adventures

Conversational Adventures

Are you dreaming of your own conversational adventures? Could the right conversation change everything in your life? How can we take a deep breath and step into our fear of rejection?

At Camp Krafve, we’re creating tools to help you pass along bold, noble ideas.

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People are telling us they love our books. We’re so happy they are helping. Please consider buying two. One to bless yourself and one to bless someone else! ❤️

Then, help us by writing a review. And THANK YOU!!!!

For Marriage Conversations: https://Amazon.com/review/create-review?&asin=1936501562

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Cathy Krafve, speaker, host of Fireside Talk Radio, and author of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations and Marriage Conversation: From Coexisting to Cherished. We invite you to join the Fireside Tribe. Truth with a Texas Twang