Well, for what it is worth, besides you and Esau McCaulley, you two are the only Black ministers that I regularly read and/or listen to. Okay, through in William Barber II and that makes three.
While there are challenges that are unique to Black ministers, its hard to be accepted by Mainstream culture because what you are talking about (Mainline church renewal, LBTGQIA inclusion in the church, Kmart) are things that are well...kinda old news. Society has moved on. The Mainline has imploded, LBTGQIA inclusion in the Northern churches is pretty much official, even if there are challenges in acceptance in the pews. Kmart is well...dead.
Our society is fickle. We are always looking for tabloid fodder and the latest pollical or religious scandal (which really says a lot about what we find important in our culture). You write thoughtful pieces, however, you are not in major magazines. I could see some of your writing being in The Christian Century if you ever wanted to pitch to them.
In other words, don't give up. I read your articles and find them to be insightful. You are a unicorn. You are in a very small Mainline denomination and you are not a "celebrity" pastor. That doesn't mean that you do not serve a purpose and a part within the grand scheme of the church. If you are really looking to expand your influence, pray to God about it and watch for the nudges of the Holy Spirit. Keep the faith! 😊
You are a fine writer. Don’t stop!! No matter what someone else may say. You are understandable & easy to follow. Don’t believe anyone, be they white or black, that tells you that you can’t write. Do what you love and eventually it will all work out. But please, don’t stop writing. I will look forward to your next post. Thanks, Jeanne
Well, for what it is worth, besides you and Esau McCaulley, you two are the only Black ministers that I regularly read and/or listen to. Okay, through in William Barber II and that makes three.
While there are challenges that are unique to Black ministers, its hard to be accepted by Mainstream culture because what you are talking about (Mainline church renewal, LBTGQIA inclusion in the church, Kmart) are things that are well...kinda old news. Society has moved on. The Mainline has imploded, LBTGQIA inclusion in the Northern churches is pretty much official, even if there are challenges in acceptance in the pews. Kmart is well...dead.
Our society is fickle. We are always looking for tabloid fodder and the latest pollical or religious scandal (which really says a lot about what we find important in our culture). You write thoughtful pieces, however, you are not in major magazines. I could see some of your writing being in The Christian Century if you ever wanted to pitch to them.
In other words, don't give up. I read your articles and find them to be insightful. You are a unicorn. You are in a very small Mainline denomination and you are not a "celebrity" pastor. That doesn't mean that you do not serve a purpose and a part within the grand scheme of the church. If you are really looking to expand your influence, pray to God about it and watch for the nudges of the Holy Spirit. Keep the faith! 😊
You are a fine writer. Don’t stop!! No matter what someone else may say. You are understandable & easy to follow. Don’t believe anyone, be they white or black, that tells you that you can’t write. Do what you love and eventually it will all work out. But please, don’t stop writing. I will look forward to your next post. Thanks, Jeanne