As a white person, I can't say much about chapter 3 without the help of some black friends who are willing to share their thoughts about the black church.
Perkins, in this chapter, discussed how the black church in the 20th century had the opportunity to be the vehicle for change. It was the one setting where black leadership could arise, and it held within its grasp the means to bring to reality the hopes and dreams of black America. But, instead of Christianity being seen as a force for transformation, instead of leaders being raised up, the church became more of a release valve, an emotional outlet,in an environment of fear, hostility, and oppression. Black ministers were often given multiple congregations in which they had to travel from one to the next and never really got to know the people or the needs of the people. Perkins, with great passion and urgency, writes:
"Real change will come only when our leaders, filled with the Spirit of God and armed with the holistic gospel, relocate within the community of need. We must live among our people, agonize with them, make their needs our needs. Then we must join with them in solving their problems with God's power. We must truly shepherd our people...live among them, love them, lead them." He speaks passionately about raising up leaders from within the community to help heal the community.
Any thoughts?
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