C2B

The Role of Youth in the Social and Economic Empowerment of the Black Community

By Eric and Stephanie Stradford

AMWS, October 28, 2011, Atlanta -- Leaders in The Historic Black Church Movement announced plans for a Youth Forum to be held in conjunction with the 8^th Anniversary Commemoration of the Historic Black Church Movement.  The irony for holding such a forum at historic Mother Bethel in Philadelphia unlocks some peculiar dynamics for the historic Black Church and its empowered place within the 21^st Century Church Universal.

The Black Church is itself in empowerment mode -- “Exalting Christ to Impact the World.”   The movement follows scripture from St John 12:32, “And I, when I am lifted from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”(ESV). 

Traditionalists are well aware of the roles they want for youth.  Regularly attend Sunday School and show up for Youth Bible Study.  Sing in the youth choir, dance, serve on the usher board, dress appropriately, and always be respectful of elders.   But a recent online discussion points us to a contemporary reality -- Time is filled with swift transition.

As youngsters growing up in the Black Church, the printed hymnal was as much a learning aid for spiritual development as the Holy Bible.   Today, youth can STAND ON A PROMISE , go straight to Biblegateway.com for confirmation, and log on to their favorite Facebook Group page “2 BE” the church. They can even pull up some lyrics by hymnists to admonish adult leaders of their roles in the future of the church.

Don’t exalt the preacher, don’t exalt the pew,

Preach the Gospel simple, full and free;

Prove Him and you will find that promise is true,

“I’ll draw all men unto Me.”

So, what is “The Role of Youth in the Social and Economic Empowerment of the Black Community?”  It is a role that calls for adult support beyond the physical walls of the church.   

Historically, their greatest obstacle has been an attempt to protect our youth from that which seeks to empower them.  We are reminded of our own limitations when confronted by the Gospel of St. Matthew 19:14. 

Just imagine Jesus saying, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”   Then, fast forward to one of our 21^st Century “glass half empty” solutions.   We get what you’re saying Jesus.  But, we need to “ensure that children, youth, and young adults are not exposed to criminal child abusers by qualifying children, youth and young adult workers.”    We can’t let our kids come without “requiring full background checks be conducted for all persons (clergy and Lay) who work with children and young people.  By the way, you owe us for the background check we did on you.

As a unified body of believers, today’s church can know "who", "where", "what", and "with whom" our youth can depend on to make a difference where they live, learn, work and worship.   Our reinvestment of historic values can make a difference in their future value as Community Assets. 

 Our youth must C the church today 2B the church tomorrow. (John 14:14)