Black Ministers/Black Movement: The Absent Presence

By Dr. Murray Fortner

mis·sion·ar·y

/ˈmiSHəˌnerē/

a person sent on a religious mission:

mercenary

/ˈmɜː.sən.ri/

interested only in the amount of money gained from a situation:

For decades the most influential institution within the Black community was the church, not just as a building for people to meet, but as a builder of leaders sent to defeat the ills of centuries of discrimination and oppression. The one individual given the burden of speaking up and acting out on behalf of the congregation was that chosen “Black Minister”. Synonymous with hope, the voice of the Black minister was one that would echo for generations. The passion of his delivery was fathered by the pain of those that he spoke for. And for generation after generation it was the Black minister that communities looked to for strength and guidance.

The 1960’s movement could very well have been called the “Black Church Movement” because those ministers took the lead. Some were afraid, but many more took on the challenge, even when the consequences might have meant death. And for some, death it was. But they were willing to make the sacrifice for they embraced what they considered the “calling”. In addition to bringing the word to the congregation, they brought organization to the community. The beauty of it all was that they were not so territorial and/or egotistical. They knew that following a leader was as noble as being the leader. They played their positions for the team. In the end, they moved the chains. And in doing so, they helped to remove the chains that had strapped dreams for so very long.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, America saw the rise of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Go and study its history, not just Dr. Martin King, but C.T. Vivian, Fred Shuttlesworth, James Bevel, and so many more. They were willing to follow as leaders. I watched a documentary recently; the people in this particular village built a bridge by having individuals collect grass that was weaved into rope that was made into a structure to cross a raging river. There was beauty in their banding as one. Black ministers, set your egos aside and stand with each other. Show us a real example of brotherhood and unity.

I live in Dallas, home of some of the most prominent Black ministers in America. There are others in your city. They continue to operate as soloists rather than create a chorus for change. Competition can crush cooperation. A room full of drum majors will never make music. We need more than that theatrical performance on Sunday. We need your united voices on Monday, and Tuesday, and Wednesday through Saturday.

These are the most challenging times since the 1960’s. The ills of prejudice, hate, oppression, police brutality, a corrupt criminal justice system, absent fathers, unemployment, unfocused hip-hop artists, uncaring education system…..these are the consequences of a MANDEMIC ,and there is no pill or injection for the cure. Where are you, Black Ministers United? What and where is your plan of action? You don’t need to have that starring role; the minor role of a star is what collectively creates the heavens. Or unlike the ministers of the 1960’s, do you have too much to lose? The solo artist can make more than being in a group. That is, if it is about power, fame, and money.

Those in the pews, you must ask the one in the pulpit the tough questions. You clap and you “amen”, but you have to make some demands on behalf of the generations to come. If Black ministers fail to organize, then it will sterilize the movement, no reproduction of young leaders, no growth because the shelf life of media involvement is limited.

We need more than the engaging sermon, Black ministers. We need the civic engagement. We need your chain of arms reaching into the community. But you can’t use your hands to serve if you are using them to pat yourself on the back about how you “tore the church up on Sunday”. You had them hollering and screaming praise, for you or the spirit? Church business is now show business. Come together as a group, Black ministers, and help this country spot the light. But that would mean you individually would have to give up the spotlight, cameras……..NO ACTION!!!