ISSUES FACING THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY NOW

In 2006, The African American Lectionary Project, through funding from the Lilly Endowment, sent questionnaires to 10,000 African American clergy of all denominations as well as a small percentage of non-denominational churches.

The survey indicated that clergy believe that the issues listed below were important concerns of the African American community. We also Reverendiewed the list of issues of concern to African Americans that was presented by the National Urban League in its 2006 State of Black America Report. After Reverendiew of the survey and the report, the list below emerged. These issues will be raised in lection readings throughout year one.

Issues of Importance

In national order of importance, but not necessarily in order of importance in your community, the issues are: 

1. Strengthening Men and Boys (This should also include Strengthening Women and Girls.)
   
   
2. Strengthening Families
   
   
3. Unemployment/Poverty/Economic Empowerment
   
   
4. Violence in our communities
   
   
5. Racism
   
   
6. AIDS and Health Issues
   
   
7. Finding Ways to Welcome All to the Church
   
   
8. Drug Recovery
   
   
9. Incarceration
   
   
10. Strengthening Education (Secular and Christian Education)
    
    
11. Addressing the Problem of Greed
    
    
12. The Environment
    
    

What Big Idea do you have for how African American churches can better minister to the needs of their communities? In its first year of existence, The African American Lectionary has provided preaching, worship and cultural resources for clergy, musicians and lay persons. Beginning January 2009, we are expanding the project to include The Big Idea, a resource that will provide churches with tools to enhance their ability to minister to their surrounding communities. As a part of this project, we will feature churches with 750 members or less that have implemented innovative and effective programs in the areas of education, economic empowerment, health awareness, violence prevention, housing, and other areas. If your Big Idea is selected, we will interview you and highlight your church’s program on The African American Lectionary. Then, other churches and communities will be able to replicate your successes. We believe that average-sized churches, like your church, with Big Ideas can inspire others to address the needs of an ever-changing world. The Big Idea section will help expand your church’s mission outreach work tenfold. Please submit your Big Ideas: Names of the Church: Names of the Pastor: Program Coordinator: City: State: Brief Description: