Date of Award
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
Department
Seminary
First Advisor
Stuart Cocanougher, DMin
Second Advisor
Martina Hagler, DMin
Abstract
Christianity has a prolific history, including a powerful African presence whereby many of the core tenets of faith originate. Unfortunately, biblical history and the Bible's many references to Black people are often referenced only during Black History Month or specific cultural events. As a result, many Black Christians cannot defend why Christianity is a Black man's religion. The inability to defend, coupled with the notion it has nothing to offer Black men, has created a breach in the Black man and Black church’s relationship. The Black male presence is absent in Sunday meetings, ministries serving the community, and, ultimately, the home. The narratives that begin with the corrupt usage by Western cultures force many to devalue the Black church’s relevance in their lives.
The leading question is, “Why is there a breach between the Black church and the Black man?” This dissertation proposes to review this disconnect and evaluate the potential challenges of why the Black man finds little to no value in the Black church. It also aims to evaluate what the Black church may be willing to do to reverse the exodus. Chapter One aims to identify the broken relationship between the Black church and the Black man. Chapter Two aims to review this breach from a biblical perspective to identify the African footprint in the Bible. Chapter Three aims to look theologically at the challenge through the lens of slavery. Chapter Four will document the experiences of Black men currently estranged from the Black church. Chapter Five proposes four pillars Black pastors can leverage to impact their congregants positively, and finally, Chapter Six will propose opportunities Black men say they need, and Black pastors admittedly rather a relationship to build a stronger community.
Recommended Citation
Paul, Danielle L., "A Theological Exposé: a Microcosmic Review of the Relationship Between the Black Male and the Black Church in the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania" (2024). Doctor of Ministry. 642.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/642