THE UNION REVIEW The National Baptist Union Review
Vol. 128, No. 6
Published Monthly by R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation • 6717 Centennial Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209-1017
JUNE 2022
Dr. LaDonna Boyd greets guests at the inaugural Legacy Ball, held on Friday, June 17, during the 2022 Vision Conference™ and the 116th National Baptist Congress at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown Hotel. This year’s conference is the first in-person event since 2019.
2022 Vision Conference Convenes in Nashville ™
Attendees from Across the Country Share Learning and Fellowship Opportunities By Monique Gooch-Brown, RHB Staff Editor, and Emmanuel LeGrair RHB Community Engagement Coordinator
After two years of virtual conferencing, the 2022 Vision Conference and host church Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist and Pastor Breonus M. Mitchell, Sr. welcomed attendees from across the country to a three-day experience filled with learning, worship, engagement, and fellowship opportunities. The Nashville conference officially launched on Thursday evening, June 18, immediately following the National Missionary Baptist Convention Summer Board meeting, which began on Wednesday, June 17, at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown Hotel. The theme for this year’s session was, “Building Legacies Through Leadership,” key verse Psalm 145:4. Under the leadership of Dr. LaDonna Boyd, fifth-generation president/CEO of the R.H. Boyd family of companies, the Vision Conference™ remains committed to educating, training, teaching,
and amplifying God’s Word through excellence in Christian education resources and leadership training. This year’s offerings and events highlighted the importance of technology, innovative teaching methodologies, entrepreneurship, theology, and so much more. The conference opened on Thursday evening with inspiring congregational singing led by Rev. Kenneth Jackson, national music department chair, after which Dr. Quaford Coleman escorted program participants to the stage. Invocation and greetings were offered by RHB board members Dr. T. L. Brown and Dr. Matthew Alix, respectively. National Missionary Baptist Convention of America leaders were a part of the opening assembly, and many served as conference instructors and participants, including Dr. L. David Punch, pastor of Houston’s Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church and NMBCA director of communications and public relations. The opening event was an opportunity for constituents to come together in corporate worship
and in celebration of the start of the new conference session. Initiated by Dr. Henry Allen Boyd, the National Baptist Congress was traditionally opened by a March for Jesus parade, during which Dr. Boyd and the leadership team donned all white. The parade served as a high-profile means to draw attention to the Congress and get attendees excited about the week’s activities. The March for Jesus parade also created the Congress’ presence in the hosting city and generated community buzz around the gathering. Upholding that tradition, attendees at the General Assembly wore all white in celebration of the company, the conference’s foundations, and in tribute to its leaders of the past. During the opening session president/CEO and Vision Conference chairman Dr. LaDonna Boyd, Vision Conference dean Dr. Gerald Dew and associate dean Dr. Marlon Coleman, and Women’s Continued on page 4... Follow us on
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2 • Union Review • June 2022
Words from the Publisher Dr. LaDonna Boyd
To our loyal readers, June has been a month of celebrations and joy, as well as difficulties and setbacks. We welcome the official start of summer and celebrate the return of our in-person sessions at the Vision Conference and inaugural Legacy Ball, but we also sit with the heaviness of recent actions by the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) and other branches of government and regulatory bodies. Acknowledging the duality of these emotions helps us to press forward in the fight for autonomy and freedoms of choice and expression. June 16–18 marked the 116th convening of the National Baptist Congress at the Vision Conference. We enjoyed a plethora of meaningful workshops, worship experiences, learning opportunities, and fellowship amongst dear friends. It was a joy to see familiar faces and to host this
national celebration right here in our hometown, Nashville. Thursday through Saturday were filled with a variety of in-person and virtual sessions, vendors, musical and other artistic expressions, and so much more. I hope you enjoy the pictorial highlights we have included in this month’s edition. For those who participated in the conference—whether as an attendee, staff member, sponsor, speaker, vendor, supplier, volunteer, or supporter—I humbly thank you. A special thank you is extended to Pastor Breonus M. Mitchell, Sr. and Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church for their dedication and commitment to serving as our host committee. Virtual sessions are available for replay and access to the Seminary Now platform is still offered at www. visionconference.org. Even if you were not able to join us earlier this month, you can still register to access content and replay sessions. For questions about the 2022 session or future opportunities, please reach out to us via email at vision@rhboyd.com Soon after the completion of the conference, the news broke regarding the overturning of Roe v. Wade, directly impacting 50 years of women’s healthcare and freedom of choice.
Healthcare should not be a politicized issue, and elected officials should not be involved in decisions between doctors and patients. This issue goes far beyond people’s opinions on abortion—which is no one’s business except the involved parties—but sets a dangerous path towards upending other laws established by landmark SCOTUS decisions, even going back to Brown v. Board, or Loving v. Virginia. All of our freedoms are at stake, and as the community of faith and minority population, we should be deeply alarmed about what may be yet to come. It is imperative that we hold our elected officials accountable, take action, vote, educate ourselves about current issues, and support each other in the never-ending fight for freedom and civil rights. We owe this much to ourselves and to the men and women who sacrificed so much to give us those freedoms. In closing, I wish all fathers a Happy Father’s Day, as I acknowledge my gratitude for the loving parental guidance, protection and care I received from my own father, the late Dr. T. B. Boyd III. Onward,
THE NATIONAL BAPTIST UNION REVIEW R. H. BOYD, DD, LLD Founder (1896–1922) H. A. BOYD, DD (1922–1959) T. B. BOYD, JR., DD (1959–1979) T. B. BOYD III, DD (1979–2017) LaDonna Boyd, EdD President/CEO David Groves, DMin, PhD Director of Publications EDITORIAL STAFF Olivia M. Cloud, MRE Associate Editor Union Review Editor Monique Gooch-Brown, BA Joseph Tribble, MDiv Brittany Batson, BA Freida Crawley, BS Carla Davis, BA THE NATIONAL BAPTIST UNION REVIEW (USPS 372-300 or ISSN 0744-7353) is p ublished monthly with one extra edition at 6717 Centennial Boulevard, Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1017, by the National Baptist Publishing Board/R.H. Boyd Publishing Corporation. Periodical postage paid at Nashville, Tennessee.
Subscription Price: $18.00 Annually $1.50 Per Issue POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The National Baptist Union Review 6717 Centennial Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209-1017
LaDonna Boyd, EdD President/CEO
INSIDE THIS ISSUE... 2022 Vision Conference Convenes in Nashville.................... 1
Vision Conference Pictorial Highlights................................ 5
From the Publisher............................................................... 2
Author on Hand for Book Launch and Signing..................... 6
10th Annual Praise and Laughs Honors Juneteenth............ 2
Blame It on Technology........................................................ 7
RHB News and Views........................................................... 3
Paternal Reflections............................................................. 8
Ball Sets Precedent for a Premier Annual Event
Ministry Opportunities........................................................ 8
10th Annual Praise and Laughs Honors Juneteenth
By Emmanuel LeGrair RHB Community Engagement Coordinator
On Saturday, June 18, R.H. Boyd hosted the 10th Annual Praise and Laughs Gospel Comedy show at Cumberland Park in downtown Nashville, in conjunction with the 2022 Vision Conference and National Baptist Congress. This outdoor concert was an opportunity for conference attendees to join with members of the Nashville community to celebrate the culmination of a successful 2022 Vision Conference, as well as commemorate Juneteenth and Father’s Day. Comedian and social media star Karlton “NotKarltonBanks” Humes lent his comedic skills and served as program emcee. The concert was headlined by nationally recognized singing trio The Shindellas, Continued on page 6...
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At left: Singing trio The Shindellas were featured entertainment at the 10th annual Praise and Laughs. At right: Dr. Heather Burton closed the event with an original poem in commemoration of Juneteenth.
RHB Central: News & Views
Union Review • June 2022 • 3
Year
Ball Sets Precedent for a Premier Annual Event RHB Honors and Celebrates the Power of Community Leaders
By Monique Gooch-Brown RHB Staff Editor
During the many special events held under the umbrella of R.H. Boyd’s annual Vision Conference™ and National Baptist Congress, RHB hosted its inaugural Legacy Ball, honoring community advocates and heroes and recognizing R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund scholarship and grant recipients. The momentous black-tie event included a VIP reception, live entertainment, and opportunities for engagement with community partners, friends, and more. During the affair, RHB recognized persons for their significant contributions to the community and who have supported the work of RHB and the community for generations. The ball was an inspiring, elegant affair filled with the soulful sounds of Gospel artist Maranda Curtis and dancing music from duo Louis York. Additional music entertainment was provided by the Karlton Taylor Trio. The Legacy Ball was held on Friday, June 17, in the Platinum Ballroom at the Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown Hotel, and celebrated achievement in areas of faith, civic engagement, literary works, and the arts. Recipients of the R.H. Boyd Humanitarian, Service, and Excellence awards were recognized, as were recipients of endowment fund scholarships and grants. James E. K. Hildreth, PhD, MD, president of Meharry Medical College received the R.H. Boyd Humanitarian Award. Dr. Hildreth, an epidemiologist by training, is the 12th president and chief executive officer of Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, historically Black academic health sciences center. The Equity Alliance was presented with the R.H. Boyd Service Award. Through civic engagement, leadership development, grassroots organizing, and issue advocacy, Equity Alliance’s work is focused across three goal areas of democracy, growth, and power, which is grounded in their dedication to improving the quality of life for Black people. Founders/co-directors Charlane Oliver and Tequila Johnson accepted the award. The R.H. Boyd Excellence Award was presented posthumously to Dr. T. B. Boyd III. The late president/CEO emeritus Dr. T. B. Boyd III served as the fourth-generation president/CEO of the R.H. Boyd family of companies. Dr. Boyd served R.H. Boyd and Citizens Bank for more than forty years, and was a pivotal figure to many other organizations, including Meharry Medical College, 100 Black Men of Middle Tennessee, and the National Museum of African American Music. He was a highly-regarded civic leader, a nationally noted speaker, and a resolute family man. Dr. Boyd, who transitioned on May 3, served his community with vigor and excellence until his retirement in 2017. Scholarship recipients Devyn S. Harrod, Jalani Patterson, and Taylor Epps were introduced to the audience and given an opportunity to express their gratitude for the financial assistance they received through the endowment. Also recognized were two grant recipients: the Hope Clinic for Women, which works toward reducing the disparity in healthcare among minority women; and Rejoice School of Ballet, a faith-based organization devoted to empowering youth to realize their potential by training, nurturing, and celebrating dancers from diverse racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. Inaugural Legacy Ball sponsors included: Meharry Medical College, Belmont University, Launch Tennessee, Nashville Public Television, Pinnacle Financial Partners, the National Museum of African American Music, the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., Providence Title, LLC, and HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Ball guests were treated to swag bags featuring a complimentary ticket to the 10th annual Praise and Laughs Gospel Comedy Show—Juneteenth Edition, a National Museum of African American Music lapel pin, a R.H. Boyd pen and box of stationery, and a copy of the new RHB release, Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership, by author H. H. Leonards. During her greetings to ball guests, RHB president/CEO Dr. LaDonna Boyd said, “We are excited to host our very first Legacy Ball in celebration of R.H. Boyd’s 125th Anniversary. We hope to continue the tradition next year and in the years to come.”
Dr. LaDonna Boyd with Nashville Mayor John Cooper
Dr. Boyd seated next to a space reserved in memory of Dr. T. B. Boyd III
Dr. LaDonna Boyd and Mrs. Yvette Boyd join guests at the VIP reception.
Musical entertainment was provided by Louis York. Follow us on
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4 • Union Review • June 2022
2022 Vision Conference Highlights (cont’d from page 1) Ministry leader Rev. Olivia M. Cloud extended greetings and gave highlights for the conference. “This annual assembly is an important fixture in the culture and life of the African-American community and has been since it was instituted by my great-great grandfather,” said Dr. LaDonna Boyd, president/CEO of R.H. Boyd. “We are at a pivotal time in our nation’s history when our narrative and our voice need to be heard, and it is a great honor to carry the tradition of hosting these events.” Chicago’s Northern Seminary leaders also brought greetings at the event and shared their enthusiasm for the continued partnership between their institution and R.H. Boyd as the education affiliate and encouraging everyone to learn more about the courses and other offerings. Pastor Greg Armstrong, director of enrollment at Northern Seminary brought greetings and welcomed inquiries into one of the many programs offered at the Chicago-based institution. He emphasized that all courses for these degree programs are available online. Mrs. Edith McKinney, who along with her sister, Ruth Sauls, spearheaded the National Baptist Congress music department for nearly 100 years cumulatively, attended the opening and other conference activities. The late Mrs. Sauls was a Congress platform participant for more than 50 years, while Mrs. McKinney estimated her participation at more than 40 years. She expressed her gratitude to Dr. Boyd, Mrs. Yvette Boyd, and the Boyd family with kind expressions of her memories, closing with “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory),” which transformed her testimony into a powerful moment of praise that permeated the entire gathering. Other opening session highlights included a liturgical presentation from two VC dance team ministry groups, the Dancing Royals from New Orleans, Louisiana, and the King David Shining Stars from Lutcher, Louisiana. Music for the opening event was rendered by the Mount Gilead Baptist Church choir, followed by an inspirational sermon from Pastor Mitchell, titled, “Trusting God with the Hard Stuff,” taken from 1 Samuel 13:1–14. Highlight events of the conference included the Faith Leaders Luncheon, the inaugural Legacy Ball, and the 10th annual Praise and Laughs Gospel Comedy Show—Juneteenth Edition, featuring master of ceremonies Karlton “NotKarltonBanks” Humes. Dr. Boyd also chose the Vision Conference™ to launch the Legacy Ball, honoring three recipients with awards, and benefiting the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund. In addition to a broad spectrum of seminars, panels, youth events and other learning opportunities, the conference schedule also allowed time for participants to discover Music City’s amazing landmarks, like the National Museum of African American Music and other cultural and historical attractions. “This year’s conference was a huge success and we’re proud that our 2022 conference was held in our own city of Nashville,” said Dr. Boyd. “We are excited that we were able to gather safely and we hope the next conference will be even better.” Please visit www.visionconference.org to view event recaps and the opening session video. Virtual conference offerings are available there as well. Follow @visionconference_official on Instagram for more information and updates on the 2023 event.
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Union Review • June 2022 • 5
Vision Conference Pictorial Highlights
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6 • Union Review • June 2022
Author on Hand for Book Launch and Signing H. H. Leonards Shares Her Experiences with “Mother” Rosa Parks By Emmanuel LeGrair RHB Community Engagement Coordinator
In 1994, Mrs. Rosa Parks, long hailed as the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement, was assaulted in her central Detroit home. Her attacker rendered extensive, brutal injuries that required hospitalization and a long period of physical and mental recuperation. While the thief was apprehended, Mrs. Parks had a great deal of anxiety about returning to her home. Through the intervention of a close friend, Mrs. Parks took up gratis residence in the abode of hotelier H. H. Leonards in Washington D.C. The Mansion on O Street quickly became Mrs. Parks home away from home. Mrs. Parks’ tragic episode was the catalyst for a fortuitous bond between two women who would become close friends from the remainder of her life. In a way that few others had an opportunity, Mrs. Leonards came to know the heart, mind, and spirit of the woman who refused to give up her city bus seat on December 1, 1955, igniting the Civil Rights Movement. As a part of its Vision Conference and National Baptist Congress activities, R.H. Boyd debuted the story of that friendship in a new release titled Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus: Life, Lessons, and Leadership. The book is Mrs. Leonards’ collection of inspiring and instructive memories compiled from the decade the two spent together. Within its pages, the author shares her remembrances, both delightful and somber, in a way that offers readers an intimate and personal glimpse into the personhood of Mrs. Parks. The civil rights hero was a deeply complex, strong, and wise woman whose pivotal act changed the trajectory of the nation. To celebrate the book’s release, R.H. Boyd partnered with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and hosted a book signing featuring Mrs. Leonards as a part of the museum’s Community Day Activities and the 2022
Author H. H. Leonards speaks with another guest during the R.H. Boyd Legacy Gala.
Rosa Parks Beyond the Bus was officially released by R.H. Boyd on Juneteenth.
Vision Conference. NMAAM visitors were able to purchase an autographed copy of the book and meet Mrs. Leonards, tour the museum, and participate in various workshops throughout the day for free. During the event, Mrs. Leonards and R.H. Boyd greeted many guests who came for the book signing, as well as those who were present primarily for NMAAM’s Community Day. Guests who were unfamiliar with the story of the two women were visibly fascinated by the stories Mrs. Leonards shared. NMAAM is the only museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the many music genres
created, influenced, and inspired by African Americans. The museum’s expertly-curated collections share the story of the American soundtrack by integrating history and interactive technology to bring the musical heroes of the past into the present. “We could think of no better date to release this work, no better partner in Nashville to host this celebration, and no better tribute to the life and legacy of Mrs. Parks than to share her words and wisdom with the world,” said publisher Dr. LaDonna Boyd, president/CEO of R.H. Boyd. “These are more than the stories that have been shared about Mrs. Parks in history books. These vignettes and the gems of wisdom she deposited in the author offer us a deeply personal look into the heart of such a powerful, yet humble spirit,” Dr. Boyd offered. For more information about the book and purchase a copy, visit www.rhboyd.com/rosaparks. Bookstores and other venues interested in hosting a signing event with R.H. Boyd and Mrs. Leonards can email marketing@rhboyd.com. To learn more about NMAAM, visit www. nmaam.org.
Praise and Laughs (cont’d from page 2)
At left: Dr. Boyd with Host Pastor Pastor Breonus M., Sr. and First Lady Jacquita Mitchell and family. At right: Dr. Boyd with liturgical dancer Katrina Carter (left) and mime performer Precious Graham.
whose harmonious sounds rendered an entertaining and inspirational performance. Other performances included Vision Conference Mime Ministry leader Precious the Mime, Vision Conference Praise Dance leader Katrina R. Carter, Follow us on
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and Vision Conference Oratorical Contest Leader, Dr. Heather Burton Dr. Burton performed an original piece titled, “Did Somebody Say Freedom?” in observance of Juneteenth.
RHB proudly partnered with urban contemporary and Gospel radio station 92Q Nashville (92.1) personality Kenny Smoov, who joined RHB as a media partner, providing DJ services for the outdoor event.
Blame It on Technology
Union Review • June 2022 • 7
Is the Digital Revolution Disrupting Church? By Leonardo Blair Senior Features Reporter Christian Post
About a year ago, Andre Anderson started a group on Facebook called Barbecue Assembly of God to build “a church of people who love barbecue and want to move forward in their faith journey.” The group has since swelled to more than 500 members, and two Sundays ago, Barbecue Church held its “first official service” online. “You know, our thing is [we] want to help feed people biblically, spiritually, and literally,” said Anderson, who announced himself as the lead pastor of Barbecue Church at the start of the service. “We’re going to do that in a bunch of different ways.” Anderson went on to describe how different his church would be. Along with barbecue, the church would serve up sermons that are “quick, easy, [and] straight to the point.” “We’ll put up cooking videos, training videos on how to cook different things. We’re just going to have a good time. It’s going to be different. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be wild,” he said. The sermon ended approximately 10 minutes after it started. While he plans to embrace everyone who comes to check out Barbecue Church, Anderson expressed little concern over those who might not like his brand of fellowship. “If you like it, cool. If you don’t, scroll on,” he said. “We just want the best for you and want you to find your spot. So no matter where you’re at in your faith journey, you can eat with us. We’re here.” A Digital Explosion of Church Like Anderson, millions of people have been unapologetically finding their spot by exploring different ways to express their faith through digital platforms like social media and virtual reality. On TikTok alone, Christian-related video content has amassed more than 31 billion views and made stars out of young influencers like 23-year-old Maurice Dowell of Lawton, Okla. His inspiring videos have been liked nearly 76 million times. And since he started using the app to minister in 2018, Dowell has gained some 3.8 million followers, dwarfing the following of more traditional megachurch preachers on the app like Joel Osteen and Bishop T. D. Jakes. “It’s my purpose to inspire people, care for people and just love people back to life, so people say I’m TikTok famous, I give all glory to God,” Dowell said. “Someone just said you just turned an atheist to a believer. My life is so much better now. If you don’t think that’s a place to praise the Lord right there!”
Liana Gordan, another young influencer with some 70,000 followers and whose videos have been viewed more than 1.4 million times on the app, said she was influenced by the work of Christians like Dowell. The 18-year-old based in Canada says even though her parents are orthodox Christians, she never spent much time in church as a child, according to Bustle. Had it not been for other young Christians sharing videos about their faith in the growing Christian subculture on TikTok, she doesn’t think she would have ever seen the light. “This app was used to save me,” she said in a video posted in November 2020. “I was seeing Christian creators on my For You Page, and I was like, ‘Whoa.’ And I started reading my Bible.” Elijah Lamb, another popular Christian TikTok teenager with nearly 670,000 followers, acknowledged in a video in late 2020 that while the work of Christian TikTok isn’t perfect, there is no denying the impact they’re having in connecting their generation with the Gospel. “I think the way that so many young Christians on this app are zealously pursuing truth and preaching the Gospel without shame is amazing,” Lamb said. “I think there is such an amazingly diverse group of creators who make equally diverse content. “Christian TikTok has pushed me to step up and learn how to lead better. I think the vulnerability that so many people on this app have blows my mind and it makes me so joyful. The people I’ve met through this app have made me feel more loved than almost anyone else,” he continued. “I think this community has taken steps to prove that there can be unity between denominations and I love the way that people on this app are so willing to ask questions.” Oasis Church VR exists solely in the metaverse, which Facebook describes as “a set of virtual spaces where you can create and explore with other people who aren’t in the same physical space as you.” “We curate creative church experiences in virtual reality for people who feel excited about digital spaces and fresh opportunities. Oasis is for people who are bored with the way their forefathers did church,” the church states on its website. “These can be creatives that are Metaverse explorers and people who would not be comfortable going into a building. Oasis will reach persecuted people in other countries. We will have a strong missional outreach component giving Oculus devices to those in need and supporting persecuted believers worldwide.” As online Christian engagement continues to expand rapidly through the use of digital technologies, it has coincided with a staggering disruption in physical church membership,
which some technology experts say will continue to displace physical churches that refuse to adapt to the digital revolution. And the ongoing displacement is becoming more apparent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Decline in Physical Church Membership A Gallup analysis in March 2021 showed that while America remains a highly religious nation with 7 in 10 claiming affiliation with some kind of organized religion, for the first time in nearly 80 years, fewer than half of them claim any formal membership in a specific house of worship. One of the biggest factors Gallup found strongly correlates with church membership is age. Some 66 percent of Traditionalists—US adults born before 1946—have formal membership in a church, compared with 58 percent of Baby Boomers, 50 percent of those in Generation X and 36 percent of Millennials. Current but limited data on members of Gen Zers who’ve already reached adulthood suggest their church membership rate is similar to millennials. The analysis also pointed to the growing number of Americans who express no religious preference. In the last 20 years, the share of Americans who do not identify with any religion has grown from 8 percent in 1998 to 2000 to 21 percent in the last three years. Only 4 percent of people from this group said they held formal membership in a church, synagogue or mosque. Between 1998 and 2000 that figure was 10 percent. In 2020, just over a week after leaders of a Minnesota church were accused of trying to get rid of older adult members from one of their campuses in an effort to attract a younger crowd, a new study from
Barna showed how reaching the next generation is one of the biggest problems pastors in local churches worry about today. When presented with a list of possible challenges facing their church as part of Barna’s State of the Church 2020 project, just over half of Protestant pastors, 51 percent, said “reaching a younger audience” is a major issue for their ministry. Chestly Lunday, an expert in innovative leadership who has helped churches and companies lead in the digital age, said in a recent interview that one of the biggest reasons behind the declining statistics in traditional church membership is that the younger generation and innovative Christians have migrated online while older adults refuse to adapt. “What we’re seeing [now] is the exodus of the late majority [from traditional churches],” Lunday said. “We’re not seeing the exodus of early adopters [of technology], and the early majority of innovators. They’ve been gone already for a while. So what you’re seeing now, like one major church, where pre-pandemic people were coming 1.4 times a month, now they’re coming point 0.8 times per month, meaning one of the best communicators in North America can’t get somebody [in church] to tell [them about Jesus] once a month a year anymore. That’s what that means. “Church of the future is a network. And it’s going to be digitally based. It’s not going to be geographically based. It’s going to be built on relationships and purpose,” he said. The growing use of digital technology to fellowship among Christians has led to increased connection between diverse groups of Christians across geographic and denominational boundaries, Lunday said. Follow us on
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8 • Union Review • June 2022
Paternal Reflections
One Man Shares His Thoughts on Black Fatherhood
By Robert Jones A Father
A father is caring and passionate but not overly emotional, strong but not stubborn, optimistic but not delusional. He is a fierce protector and advocate for his own family but not unaware and insensitive to the needs of the community around him. A father strives to hold these qualities in their appropriate measure and apply them at the appropriate time. He becomes a guide and model to his children as they seek more often to imitate his actions rather than follow his directions. C. S. Lewis described this ideal of balance of character as the classic sense of chivalry. Lewis says the sentiment was best captured in the description of the knight Lancelot. In the book The Death of King Arthur, it is said of Lancelot, “Thou wert the meekest man that ever ate in hall among ladies; and thou wert the sternest knight to thy mortal foe that ever put spear in the rest.” Meek, yet stern, I think this captures perfectly what a father provides for his children. Lewis notes that if it is impossible to create men of this kind, “then all talk of any lasting happiness or dignity of human society is pure moon shine.” I think the same goes for strong children and families. Their happiness and dignity will be secured by men of the chivalrous tradition. Through self-discipline, fathers can exemplify passion with suitable discretion. A comedian once said, “Children are God’s payback to parents because now they will know what it feels like to have someone made in their image yet deny their existence.” Although I see the humor in this statement, I must admit it speaks profoundly to me because becoming a father has continually strengthened my Christian faith. Generally, children are born having done nothing to earn or deserve the love, care, and attention they receive from their parents. As they grow, they often are disobedient, troubling, and exhausting, which demands a father’s training, discipline and patience. They lack an ability to perceive danger; consequently, they need their father’s protection. Similarly, they cannot provide for themselves, so they need their father’s sacrifice and provision. Yet through all the work, toil, and sacrifice, the result of watching a child grow is truly joyous.
Reflection upon these times and experiences of fatherhood remind me that I am loved by God through no merit of my own. Like a loving father, God dispenses discipline, training, and patience to me exactly when needed and in the exact measure appropriate. Spiritually, I am horrible at recognizing danger and must rely on His protection. Furthermore, there was nothing I could do to provide for myself in God’s eyes and so He provides the ultimate sacrifice through His son Jesus Christ. I can only hope that through my varied situations and experiences His joy will be found in my life. Being a father in general is quite a unique experience. Being the source of provision and protection, as well as being an example for proper living are daunting tasks indeed, however as a father to daughters somehow the fulfillment of these roles seems accentuated and their need more drastic. As a male, especially in the younger years, it is easy to be unaware of the particular struggle women can have in society. Caring for the women in our life can develop this consciousness of certain difficulties particular to the female experience. For me, the development of my recognition and realization of female plight totally materialized in the birth of my daughters Anastasia and Sophia-Dei. When I think of their growth and the fact that one day they will face all that life has to offer both positive and negative, I ask myself, what can I do so that they face challenges, be it fair or unfair, with courage and grace? I realize that their maturation into women who embrace their femininity, even when society doesn’t, depends heavily on how I embrace and celebrate them as girls and ultimately as women. I see that their becoming better women demands that I be a better man, husband, and father. I must become all that I want them to become. I must value all that I want them to hold as valuable. C. S. Lewis solidifies this principle in my mind when he writes, “None can give to another what he does not possess himself.” No generation can bequeath to its successor what it does not have. If we are skeptical, we shall teach only skepticism to our pupils. If fools, only folly; if vulgar, only vulgarity; if saints, sanctity; if heroes, heroism. Nothing that was not in the teachers can flow from them into the pupils.
Another point upon which I find distinction when raising daughters is the reality that I will not always be around them and that one day my role in their life will fundamentally change. One of the most impacting lines from the popular movie Black Panther is when T’chakka says to T’challa, “A man that has not prepared his own children for his death has failed as a father.” These words, although addressed from a father to his son, take on a double meaning when I think of myself as a father raising my two daughters. The idea is that not only must I prepare them for the day that I am no longer with them in life but I, and I admit this with some sorrow, must also prepare them for the moment when I am no longer the prominent male figure in their life. One day they will outgrow my protection, but they will still need protection. One day they will transcend the need for my providence, but they will need providence. One day they will no longer be able to pray with me each night, but they will need prayer. Although I expect them to one day be well developed in a manner where they can take up these roles for themselves, I also carry the burden of teaching them to recognize these qualities and abilities in the person of their choosing. This idea reminds me every day to strive to develop myself in a way that where these qualities shine casting a long shadow that is ever present in their minds and positively impacts their life choices. I press to be an example of a man who wants to make their life easy, but recognizes the virtues born through struggle. The idea of me no longer being with them one day reminds me that I not only have daughters for today, but I am raising women for tomorrow, women who will influence their families, their communities and ultimately the world. ___________________ Robert Jones is originally from Compton, Calif. and works as an electrical engineer for a defense contracting company. He serves churches as a Christian apologist, having received a Master of Arts degree in Christian Apologetics from Luther Rice College and Seminary. He is a husband to Charlene and father to Anastasia and Sophia-Dei. Reprinted from reelurbannews.com.
Please visit www.nationalbaptist.com/resources/ministry-opportunities for details. Kalamazoo, Mich. Second Baptist Church • Pastor
Louisville, Ky. First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown Historic Second Baptist is seeking a full-time Senior Pastor
pastor. All interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. The pastor will need to be a follower of Jesus Christ, well-grounded and experienced in biblical teaching and preaching, while having a clear knowledge and understanding of biblical truth and Baptist doctrine. We are rebuilding spiritually, financially, and numerically. Therefore, we seek a senior pastor who is willing to contribute to our congregation’s mission while also helping to fulfill the needs of our community. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Old Saybrook, Conn. Emmanuel Baptist Church • Lead Pastor
Emmanuel is “a place where Christians worship together and where people are being saved, trained to serve, and to effectively minister God’s Word to our community.” The congregation is prayerfully seeking a lead pastor. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Follow us on
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First Baptist Jeffersontown in metropolitan Louisville is searching for a pastor to provide spiritual and administrative leadership for the congregation, guided by New Testament scripture with the cooperation of church leadership, staff, and membership. The pastor should be enthusiastic in preaching and teaching the Word to reach persons of any age. Visit www.fbcjtown.org for more information. Submit application and resume to the protected email address (pastoral@fbcjtown.org). Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Battle Creek, Mich. Community Missionary Baptist Church • Pastor
Community Baptist seeks a spiritual and devoted servant of God who is biblically called, qualified, and experienced to serve the Lord as pastor. They are rebuilding spiritually, financially, and numerically and seek a pastor who is willing to grow as the congregation grows. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Ministry Opportunities
Omaha, Neb. Morning Star Baptist Church • Senior Pastor
The mission of Morning Star is to be utilized by God to assist people in becoming fully functional disciples of Jesus Christ through soul winning, soul empowering and soul preserving. The position will be open until filled. Fountain, Colo. New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church Senior Pastor
New Jerusalem, founded in 1972, is seeking a pastor who will serve as the spiritual leader, proclaiming the Gospel according to Jesus Christ, teaching the Holy Bible, providing Christian leadership in all areas of the church, and engaging in pastoral care within the church and the community. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.