Recommended Reading

LCMS Black Ministry

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African Americans and the Local Church

Dr. Robert H. King — Concordia Publishing House

The purpose of this anthology is to present major church situations faced by African-Americans in the Lutheran Church and society generally. Concerns are identified with which African Americans have been and still are affected as the redeemed people of God. Some noteworthy situations, concerns, experiences, problems, needs and challenges encountered by African-Americans are pointed out by the writers. Moreover, they disclose some of the cultures, lifestyles, mores, characteristics, customs, values and traditions with which many African-Americans are identified and in which they find meaning, purpose and satisfying fulfillment as human beings created by the heavenly Father, redeemed by Jesus Christ and called to be saints by the Holy Spirit.

 

Biblical Study of Tithing

Rev. Paul Anderson and Rev. Stephen Wiggins — Black Ministry Services

Is designed to present the historical basis and biblical origins of tithing, to explore the benefits of tithing and to reinforce the practice of tithing as an effective means of financial stewardship in the context of the church today.

 

Black Christians: The Untold Story

Dr. Jeff Johnson — Concordia Publishing House

 

Dare to Dream, Dare to Do

Dr. Phillip A. Campbell — Black Ministry Services

Dare to Dream of your congregation helping people reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your community. Dare to Do the reaching, the touching, the serving, the preaching and the teaching that will help others to experience Christian love.

 

Days in the Life of Dr. Richard C. Dickinson

Deborah Dickinson-Mitchell & Dr. Frazier N. Odom — Black Ministry Services

Biography of Dr. Richard C. Dickinson

 

Eight Models of Ethnic Ministry

Dr. Robert H. King — Concordia Publishing House

This book gives good insights into practical approaches for sharing the Gospel with different people and groups. It should be read by every seminary professor, student, and pastor.

 

Harvest Waiting: Reaching Out to African Americans

Nikki Rochester — Concordia Publishing House

Jesus commanded us to “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28:19), including those “nations” within our own community. In order to reach out to the various races that are American, the church needs to be familiar with the background of each. To that end, this book provides a resource of historical and sociological information about the African-American people.

 

Light in the Dark Belt

Dr. Rosa Young — Concordia Publishing House

The story of mission work among the colored (Black) people of Alabama. The story is woven around the life of Rosa Young, a pioneer in this work. Miss Young wrote her story in gratitude to Almighty God, who, to use her own words, “led me and a host of others out of the gross darkness, which hung like a dense fog over our souls, into the marvelous light of His salvation.”

 

Outreach through Lutheran Schools: “Hands Stretched to the Lost”

Dr. Willie P. Stallworth, Sr. — Black Ministry Services

Developing a Plan for Outreach: the school staff’s ability to think beyond the classroom and realize that what they do to share the Gospel with students will impact the lives of their students’ parents.

 

Pastor Jenkins Said, Hang on to Matthew 6:33

Dr. Robert H. King — Concordia Publishing House

 

Roses and Thorns

Dr. Richard Dickinson — Black Ministry Services

Recounts a critical part of that bittersweet legacy. It is not only the story of struggle through adversity, but it is also the tale of success through perseverance. In a whole variety of very meaningful ways, the passionate account that follows captures the spirit of James Weldon Johnson’s verse: “We Have Come.”

 

The Black Agenda

Dr. Jeff Johnson — Black Ministry Services

This work asserts that the agenda is to affirm, encourage the full implementation of, and support our ministry as Black Lutherans.

 

The Struggle for Unity

Rev. Richard O. Zehr — Elahar Enterprises

A personal look at the integration of Lutheran churches in the south.

 

This Far by Faith Hymnal

Augsburg Publishing

This resource has been developed by a cooperative inter-church process involving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Each church body has been responsible for its own review process.

 

This I Remember

Dr. Richard C. Dickinson — Black Ministry Services

For the person who is unfamiliar with Black Lutheran history, especially in the LCMS.

 

Together We Shall Overcome—Life story of Dr. William A. Schiebel

Black Ministry Services

 

Voices from the City

Rev. John Nunes — Concordia Publishing House

Offers pastors who minister to urban congregations ways to connect the Word of God to the urban experience. Excerpts from interviews with ministers — voices from the city — provide added insights into the urban dynamic that shapes these Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian communities. Also included are sample sermons for multiethnic audiences, which rejoice that “God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that you ask or think.”