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It is once again a privilege for me to guest blog on The Wardrobe Drawer. I brought this subject to Aaron and I thank God he went for it.
I feel I have a diverse background in the church and life in general. I am biracial, my mother is white, and my father was black. Therefore, I have been around both black and white people extensively. I actually grew up in a white church, but now I do not let race factor in where I choose to worship. I have been to several different denominations, black and white.
Here are some obvious differences between white and black churches. Many white churches are Catholic, Southern or Independent Baptist, Methodist, Church of God, or even Mormon. Black churches tend to be simply Baptist, A.M.E. Zion, United Methodist, or full square gospel. Services at white churches ,also tends to end earlier than many black churches. Black ministers also refer to themselves frequently as Bishop, whereas many white churches are more informal regarding titles. The music is also different, as it may be more soulful in a black setting.
Despite all of these differences, one may be suprised how much the two races have in common in their methods of worship, especially in the South. I own and have read "83 Things I Wish The Black Church Would Stop Doing" by Milan Ford. He brings a humourous yet truthful assessment about where the black church has gone right and where it could improve.
He may not realize it, but he is talking about church in general. He speaks of choirs, vacation bible church, church bookstores, church vans, and even singles ministries. All of which are a part of many churches. In Christianity, we are worshipping the same God, even if its in a different matter. Church is church at day's end. Both races have conflicts within their church bodies, are trying to increase their memberships, and raising the youth up well, amongst other aspects.
Some of you may find 1 Timothy 3:8-9 interesting, talking about the deacon's place in the church. I feel it definitely applies to church in general.
Megachurches, such as Joel Osteen's church Lakewood Baptist Church in Houston, TX have also fueled the need and desire for churches to become more multi-racial. Growing up, I didn't see much of this. Now many churches, big, small, Baptist, non-denominational, Pentecostal, have become racially diverse.
Pastor Osteen is one of my favorite ministers to listen to, I could care less what his ethnicity is. Also, it frequently shows the audience on his telecasts. Pay attention to how many different races, not just black and white, are in the audience. There will always be churches that are predominately one race or another for a variety of reasons. However, there are also a number of reasons why churches seem to represent a variety of races, cultures, citizens, etc. I believe personally it is God's way of trying to slowly join together his true warriors.
Also, I see this diversity as a preview of Heaven. I don't see there being a white section, a black section, or a Latino section in His Kingdom. We will all be worshipping him as ONE body, under His name.
Yes, there are time honored traditions and characteristics within white and black churches. However, the basic message is the same. Stay dedicated to Christ. Be encouraged even when evil lurks. Read and know your Bible. Finally, fellowship with folks that are like-minded in Christ. Sometimes they may look like you, sometimes not.
This blog was tougher to write than I originally thought, but the moral and message is really simple. I hope to be back on The Wardrobe Drawer in the future. Meanwhile, continue reading my blog, laniera74.blogspot.com. Just as many churches have become racially, I strive for diverse topics to blog about. Enjoy!
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