Category: Black Church in Detroit

A growing trend of younger African Americans are shifting from organized religion to spirituality. A Pew Research survey found that young Black adults are not only less religious but also less engaged with predominantly Black churches compared to their older counterparts. Guest host Orlando Bailey of BridgeDetroit talks with three ministers about young African Americans’ evolving faith practices.

The “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on interfaith relationships in Detroit and how the Black Church can better navigate the tensions arising from it. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Bishop Charles Ellis III of Greater Grace Temple, Rev. Dr. Constance Simon from Fellowship Chapel, and Bishop Mbiyu Chui from the Shrine of the Black Madonna #1.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the power of the prophetic voice of the Black Church and its importance today amid issues harming African Americans and other marginalized groups. Host Stephen Henderson talks with two local pastors about the church’s role and responsibility in the prophetic biblical tradition to speak out against racial and social injustice.

Three Detroit preachers’ kids reflect on the life lessons they learned from growing up with a pastor as a parent, the influence their fathers had on their present-day careers, and the legacies their fathers left behind in the church and community.

For Women’s History Month, the “Black Church in Detroit” series highlights two trailblazing African American women in ministry: Oak Grove AME Church Pastor Cindy Rudolph and the late Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, a Detroit radio icon and founder of the Home of Love Church.

The holiday season is a joyous time, but it can also be a time of grief, struggle and insecurity for many families. How does the Black Church help? The “Black Church in Detroit” series examines the church’s role providing relief, support and hope for the community during the holiday season.

Ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, “The Black Church in Detroit” series examines the political power of the Black church. Host Stephen Henderson talks with Rev. Dr. Wendell Anthony and Rev. Charles E. Williams II about the church’s role in getting people to vote, its influence on key issues like voter suppression, representation in Congress, and prominent political leaders who came from the Black church.

“American Black Journal” continues its series on “The Black Church in Detroit” with a look at the state of seminary education and the future of ministry in Detroit. Host Stephen Henderson talks with seminary leaders and students about the importance of seminary education, the challenges of leading an urban-centered ministry, and how seminaries must stay relevant in today’s changing landscape.

Have today’s youth fallen out of their faith and belief in religion? “American Black Journal” continues its “Black Church in Detroit” series with a look at the Black Church as a center of solutions for the community, especially as it relates to issues surrounding youth. Two Detroit pastors discuss how youth feel about religion, the importance of making church relevant to them, and how the church can intervene in the cycle of violence involving young people.

American Black Journal’s “Black Church in Detroit” series takes a look at the history of negro spiritual folksongs and gospel music in the Black Church. Producer AJ Walker learns more about how gospel music grew out of negro spirituals created by enslaved Africans. Then, host Stephen Henderson hears about the connection between gospel and blues music. Plus, a look at some of the past gospel performances featured on the show.

“American Black Journal” continues its “Black Church in Detroit” series with a candid conversation about mental health in the Black church. Guest host Trudy Gallant-Stokes examines the Black church’s role in helping congregants with mental health issues and why it’s important for pastors to practice self-care too. 

“American Black Journal” continues its series The Black Church in Detroit with an examination of the impacts and contributions Black Catholics and parishes have made in Detroit. Host Stephen Henderson and producer AJ Walker will explore the history of the Black Catholic Church, its support during the civil rights movements and its focus on equal rights and racial justice.

American Black Journal Host Stephen Henderson continues the Black Church in Detroit series with a look inside the lives of pastors and their spouses to see how they support the ministry individually and as a couple together. He talks with Bishop Edgar Vann and his wife Elder Sheila Vann from Second Ebenezer Church about their roles. Plus, producer Marcus Green talks with Detroit Church Pastor Sonny Smith and his wife Sherita about staring their ministry and serving the church congregation together.

This Week on American Black Journal: This week, “American Black Journal” continues its...

American Black Journal celebrates The Black Church in Detroit’s one-year anniversary in collaboration with the Ecumenical Theological Seminary and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History with a special hour-long episode. Host Stephen Henderson explores the impact of the series and the importance of the church in the Black community. Plus a never-before-seen interview from BridgeDetroit’s Orlando Bailey, and an original gospel performance from Bishop Charles Ellis III and gospel musician Paul Porter.

American Black Journal Host Stephen Henderson continues the Black Church in Detroit series with a look inside the lives of pastors and their spouses to see how they support the ministry individually and as a couple together. He talks with Bishop Edgar Vann and his wife Elder Sheila Vann from Second Ebenezer Church about their roles. Plus, producer Marcus Green talks with Detroit Church Pastor Sonny Smith and his wife Sherita about staring their ministry and serving the church congregation together.

Host Stephen Henderson continues American Black Journal’s yearlong series on The Black...

On the next American Black Journal, we’ll continue our year-long series on The Black Church...