This is part four in a series of posts about Black preaching as part of this year's UK Black History Month. Please read parts one, two, three, four, five, and six first.
Thank you for reading this year’s Black History Month series on Black Preaching, in conversation with Pastor ‘Wale Akinrogunde of Grace Church Walthamstow. We have come to the end of this particular dialogue, but that does not mean that the conversation is finished - indeed, it must go on, if we are to grow in fellowship and in the image of our Lord and Saviour Jesus. Also, I hope that you are having your own conversations, and not only with people who tell you what you want to hear and never make you uncomfortable. I must be brutally honest though. Some of you - and I am speaking to those who externally look more like me than like Wale - are not ready to have these conversations. I will be kind and leave it at that, but for everyone’s good it is probably best that you listen in to other people’s conversations, or enter into private internal conversation with people by listening to their sermons and reading their work. Which leads to my final question.Wale, thank you for your help with this dialogue. What are examples of Black preaching? People to listen to? Books to read? Could be in the US or the UK.
Wale: Some black preachers to listen to are Reuben Danladi, Paul Felix, Hezron Muwowo, Eric Mason, Eric C. Redmond, Robert Smith Jnr., Romell Williams, Charlie Dates, HB Charles Jnr, Conrad Mbewe, and Thabiti Anyabwile, to mention a few.
As for books, the following: [Ryan: I have taken the liberty of adding book descriptions and links to these books]
Thabiti Anyabwile, The Faithful Preacher
The cliché is that those who do not learn from the mistakes of the past are doomed to repeat them. But Thabiti Anyabwile contends that it is not the mistakes we must study; it is the people who have overcome them. So he presents three of the most influential African-American pastors in American history who can teach us what faithful ministry entails.
Lemuel Haynes (1753-1833) reminds pastors that eternity must shape our ministry. Daniel A. Payne (1811-1893) stresses the importance of character and preparation to faithful shepherding. And Francis J. Grimké (1850-1937) provides a vision for engaging the world with the gospel. While they are from the African-American tradition, they, like all true saints, belong to all Christians of every background and era. Distinctive for its use of rare and out-of-print messages, Anaybwile's work is valuable as a reference as well as a devotional resource. FAITHFUL PREACHER THE PB: Recapturing the Vision of Three Pioneering African-American Pastors: Amazon.co.uk: ANYABWILE THABITI M: 9781581348279: Books
Eric C. Redmond, Say it!
Say It! A Celebration of Expository Preaching in the African American Tradition argues that Biblical Exposition is most dynamic when coupled with the African American preaching tradition. Charlie Dates, Romell Williams, George Parks, Jr., Terry D. Streeter and a cast of pastors and preaching professors collaborate to demonstrate the power of exposition in the cradle of the Black pulpit. The contributors in this volume give examples of African American Biblical exposition in every section of the Old Testament and New Testament. They also explain how to preach from narrative, poetical, prophetic, epistolary, and apocalyptic genres throughout the Scriptures. This important and powerful resource celebrates the faithful, biblical preaching of African Americans that is so often overlooked because it's stylistically different than the style of most white preachers. Appropriate for training associate ministers or use as a textbook in homiletics, Say It! will give the preacher what is needed to speak to real life from every page of the Book! Say It!: Celebrating Expository Preaching in the African American Tradition: Amazon.co.uk: Eric C. Redmond: 9780802419200: Books
Aldred Joe, Preaching with power
Preaching is taken seriously by Black Christians everywhere as the primary means by which the Gospel is communicated. Black preachers are at work, expounding the Gospel to whoever will listen. Understanding the Gospel as the power of God unto salvation, liberty and freedom, they preach with the urgency of 'a dying man unto a dying world'.
The preachers in this book come from across a wide spectrum, from Black-majority and white-majority churches, and from many denominations and walks of life. They include Africans, Caribbeans and Asians, some born in Britain, others born in other countries but resident in Britain, but their words speak of life and the Gospel in every country in the world. Preaching with Power By Joe Aldred | Used | 9780304704392 | World of Books
Robert Smith, Jnr., The Oasis of God
From the Introduction by Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, at Beeson Divinity School: "This volume flows out of Dr. Smith’s personal experience with the tragic death of his thirty-four year old son, Tony; yet it is much more. This labor of biblical exegesis and love weaves together the author’s devotion for learning, his love for family, and the Holy Bible. And even more important, this finely fashioned work flows from an intimacy and love for the living God who inspirited the Holy Scriptures. This intellectually honest and spiritually powerful work is much more than one man’s conversation with the Lord as he walks through the senseless loss of a godly and loving son, it reveals a pathway that all Christians should live and trod with their Lord before such a horrid experience occurs. In brief, it is at once balm for wounded souls and a wise man’s exhortation to build one’s life now on the Rock of our salvation by using the building instructions and materials offered in the whole counsel of the Bible. Few books have touched my heart and mind and soul so profoundly. 'The Oasis of God' glorifies God, slakes the thirsty soul, and illumines many portions of the Bible, especially Psalms 42 and 43. I wish it had been available to read both before and after the death of our daughter. Lord, grant it a wide audience." The Oasis of God: From Mourning to Morning, Biblical Insights from Psalms 42 and 43: Amazon.co.uk: Smith Jr., Robert: 9781936670956: Books
Robert Smith, Jnr., Doctrine that Dances
Preaching magazine's 2008 Book of the Year! The theme of doctrinal preaching and teaching comes to life through the enthusiastic and inspired writing of professor Robert Smith in Doctrine That Dances. Advance Praise: "At a time when so much of the conversation on preaching deals with presentation, Robert Smith has reminded us that effective teaching must also take the theological task seriously. He makes his case so well that his book, Doctrine that Dances, is our Preaching Book of the Year." Michael Duduit, editor, Preaching magazine
Away with dull doctrinal sermons! Using the metaphor of music, the author shows us how to blend cogitation and celebration--mind and heart--in our preaching of Bible doctrine. You can benefit from his wide knowledge and experience in traditional western homiletics as well as African American preaching. We have much to learn from each other, and this book is a valuable contribution to the current conversation. Warren W. Wiersbe, former pastor of Moody Church, general director of Back to the Bible, and coauthor of Preaching in Black & White
"A masterful preacher and teacher himself, Smith provides direction for students, young pastors and veteran preachers alike. Pulpits across the land will be strengthened as preachers implement the guidance offered in this volume. Doctrine That Dances will become mandatory reading for a new generation of preachers. It is a joy to recommend this marvelous work."
David Dockery, president, Union University
"Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. is one of the most compelling voices in American preaching today . . . Doctrine That Dances describes the preacher's task in a way that is at once personal, passionate, and provocative. This book describes the kind of preaching that is at the heart of the awakening that must come."
Timothy George, founding dean of Beeson Divinity School and a senior editor at Christianity Today
Conrad Mbewe, Pastoral Preaching
Church congregations are not being given a comprehensive, biblical understanding of the faith. Drawing on his own experience as a pastor in Zambia, Conrad Mbewe tackles issues such as the content of pastoral preaching, how pastoral preaching relates to church life, finding the time to prepare pastoral sermons, and dealing with discouragement. Throughout the book, it is clear that the author’s conviction is to see preachers grow strong churches, to build a people for God. Pastoral Preaching: Building a People for God: Amazon.co.uk: Mbewe, Conrad: 9781783681808: Books
Henry H. Mitchell, Black Preaching
Henry H. Mitchell has completely revised and integrated his popular books The Recovery of Preaching and Black Preaching for seminarians and pastors--both Black and White--who are seeking to add power and vision to their sermons. Mitchell persuasively demonstrates that Black culture and preaching style are vital for the empowerment of Black congregations and have much to offer the preaching method of all preachers. By focusing on the use of storytelling, imagination, and style of preaching rooted in African-American culture, Mitchell spotlights effective techniques for lively preaching. Black Preaching: The Recovery of a Powerful Art: Amazon.co.uk: Mitchell, Henry H.: 9780687036141: Books
H B Charles, Jr., On Preaching
If you are a pastor, you know the importance of preaching. You have spent time learning and refining the art of oration because it is vital to the life of God's people - including the person doing the preaching.HB Charles has written a masterful and easy-to-read resource that will refresh your soul and revitalize your preaching ministry. He gives tips like, 'Avoid indecent exposure - Get your wife's permission before using your family in the message' and, 'Illustrate! A good illustration is like a window on a house. It helps your listeners see in or out.' Drawing upon Scripture and years of experience as a preacher, On Preaching is a resource for pastors, seminarians, church planters, and public speakers that is full of energy and wonderfully enjoyable.Written in a very clear and concise manner, this resource is formatted into 30 short chapters that can easily be read as a devotional. On Preaching will encourage seasoned preachers to dig deeper into the basics as they pause and reflect on the effectiveness of their ministry. It will also serve as a spring board for those who are just beginning a preaching ministry. On Preaching: Personal & Pastoral Insights for the Preparation & Practice of Preaching: Amazon.co.uk: H.B. Charles, Jr: 9780802411914: Books
H B Charles, Jr., Blessing and Praise
As creatures, we depend on our Creator for our every breath. Each day should be marked by adoration for who God is and what He has done. Throughout the pages of Scripture, we are reminded that this is to be the rhythm of our lives. In this teaching series, Dr. H.B. Charles Jr. visits several of the Bible's most instructive passages that summarize the blessings Christians enjoy from God and declare the praises worthy of His name. These theologically rich verses, called benedictions and doxologies, are given with an edifying purpose: to direct our worship and guide our daily walk with the Lord.
Ryan: Thank you, ‘Wale. Much appreciated. I have been richly blessed by Black Preaching time and again, over many years. My father introduced me to the ministry of three men, and three sermons in particular had a substantial impact on me. I have listened to those sermons, or portions of them, again and again. I have put them below. The sermons and sermon clips I could post, including some you have mentioned but others you haven’t, are numerous. I am always happy to share with anyone who reaches out wanting more, but perhaps these three will get you hooked like they did me.
E. K. Bailey - My Name is Hosea
E.V. Hill - Preaching at his wife’s funeral Job 1:21
S. M. Lockeridge - That’s My King
As a bonus...Some years later, well after my introduction to the Black Preaching tradition, particularly as expressed in it's African American stream, my father sent me a sermon he knew would bless me in the midst of a challenging time. It did.
Elder DJ Ward - The Other Side of So - Job 42:12
Also, I'll just give one book recommendation further to the ones you have listed, although there are certainly more that could be mentioned. In no small part, the idea for a dialogue about Black preaching was encouraged by the concept behind E. K. Bailey and Warren Wiersbe's conversation, Preaching in Black and White: What We Can Learn From Each Other. Although I have intentionally said less in this series, I believe this volume models the kind of conversations we can and should be having in a UK context. You can get it for a mere £2.34 at Amazon at present:
Preaching in Black and White offers a unique look at two distinct preaching traditions and the wisdom they have to offer each other. But this book goes much deeper than mere stylistic nuances, for authors E. K. Bailey and Warren Wiersbe are far more than prominent pastors and preachers. They are men with a penetrating understanding of history, culture, and church tradition―and they are friends who genuinely enjoy and respect each other. The warmth of their relationship shines in this book, matched by a depth of honesty and humility as they address topics of vital interest to pastors, speakers, and church leaders of all ethnic backgrounds.In a winsome dialog format, Drs. Bailey and Wiersbe look at the preparation not only of the sermon but also of the preacher’s heart. They discuss sermon content and delivery and how it all comes together in practice. Taking a well-known Bible story, the authors demonstrate and then discuss their distinctive preaching styles and what it takes to learn from others (sermon transcriptions included). A section containing brief biographies of black preachers concludes this engaging and illuminating book.
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Growing up 1940s segregated Mississippi & the conflict with white churches confuse me as a child
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