An Agenda for the Black Church

The Office of Black Ministries has convened a Black Churches: New Ventures Task Force to develop a project to be called: An Agenda for the Black Church (the AGENDA). Responses to a call for information indicate that there are upwards of three hundred and seventy four congregations that self identify as Black. While many of these congregations are engaged in dynamic ministries, several others are less so.

The AGENDA is to help revitalize and transform congregations and prepare them for dynamic ministry and mission. A major component of the AGENDA is to provide coaching for clergy and lay persons who will be partnered with self-selected congregations for a specified time for a covenanted ministry. Another will work to develop partnerships between congregations of varying ministry levels.

In an effort to include a wide selection of voices, the New Ventures Task Force is currently convening focus groups in various parts of the Church to invite responses to eight questions. These responses and other comments will contribute to the development of the project, and become a part of the working document to be presented at the 8th Triennial Black Clergy Conference. Attendees at the conference will have the opportunity to engage in further discussion. The outcome of these discussions will also inform the design of the AGENDA in preparation for an official launching in March, 2009.

Through this medium, you are invited to add your comments and ideas to the ongoing conversation as we work to develop the AGENDA that will impact upon the wider Church. You are asked take two actions.

1) Respond to the eight questions that follow.
2) Contact the Office of Black Ministries at (212) 922-5343 or aifill@episcopalchurch.org, if you will like to host a focus group.



Your participation is greatly appreciated.

The Reverend Angela S. Ifill
Program Officer
The Office of Black Ministries



OFFICE OF BLACK MINISTRIES
AN AGENDA FOR THE BLACK CHURCH

Your response is invited to the eight questions that follow:


1) Where do we get the mandate for evangelism and mission?
2) What do these mandates tell us about the nature of mission?
3) What are the implications for mission in the 21st. Century?
4) How would you define the purpose and unique role of the Black Church in today’s society?
5) How does your congregation interpret the ministry and work of evangelism?
6) What do you say are the greatest challenges facing Black Congregations today?
7) How involved is your congregation in the work of the diocese and national church?
8) If there is little or no involvement, what would you say is the cause?