Gospel Highlights

"What We Love About The Black Church: Can We Get A Witness?", written by two white pastors, William H. Crouch, Jr and Joel C. Gregory, offers insights and observations from the their perspectives. It is a delightful read that covers preaching, encouragement, laughter and light, mentoring the next generation of ministers, freedom of expression, honoring elders, the power of touch, first ladies of the church, hospitality, gratitude, empowerment and praise and respect. It is chock full of life lessons.

Each author offers his reflection of a real-life story, followed by responses from African American pastors. In Chapter 7, The Power of Touch, Pastor Crouch reflects on the greeting differences he encountered at white and black churches while Pastor Gregory recounts seeing parishoners' foreheads anointed with oil by the pastor or an elder. The chapter concludes with responses from Rev. Dr. Ralph Douglas West, Sr and Minister Leslie J. Bowling-Dyer.


"What We Love About The Black Church: Can We Get A Witness?" really does shed light and understanding on the differences of black and white churches. It even includes action-oriented tips, or what the authors call Takeaways, to help readers implement the lessons learned at the churches.

The book, published by Judson Press, is a great summer read.