Last weekend, the New York Times ran an article titled, “The Black Church Has a Gen-Z Issue: ‘They Don’t Come Into the Building Anymore.’” Generation Z refers to young adults ages 12-27. The article illustrates that the Black church is aging; there are fewer young people in the pews, and Black leaders are concerned about a loss of purpose, values, and traditional social justice issues. According to the article, Black “church membership has plunged among Black adults by almost 20 percentage points in the last two decades, according to Gallup.” Fewer Gen-Zs are coming into the building, but many are watching online. Instead of returning to the church building, they are watching from home. For those who have been observing Black Presbyterian churches, the article doesn’t come as a surprise.
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) denomination is the oldest Black denomination, established in Philadelphia in 1787. In the book “Reconstruction: America’s Unfinished Revolution 1863 – 1877,” Eric Foner writes, “Two causes combined to produce the independent black church: the refusal of whites to offer blacks an equal place within their congregations and the black quest for self-determination.” The Black church became the holding place for dreams of freedom, education, and independence. Furthermore, the Black church maintained a continuity of culture and identity, including music, food, and even fashion.
The place of the Black church as the center of the community has eroded. This erosion can be seen during this political cycle when politicians appear in large congregations only to then have Black voices outside of the church express differing opinions.
Unfortunately, the Black church is experiencing the same declining trends as Mainline and Evangelical churches. These trends include aging congregations, fewer young adults, and smaller worship attendance. Perhaps we have arrived at a place where congregational changes can no longer be categorized by race or politics. Online worship is here to stay for Black, Mainline, and Evangelical churches. We are challenged to reach the digital mission field and create a welcoming community experience for those who will not enter the building. We have work to do.
Rev. Dr. Craig Howard