Books - African American Resources

Joseph Evans analyzes how the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s preaching brought the “living word” and various rhetorical techniques together in ways that helped people understand and be given hope by his messages. The author observes that James Baldwin, a gifted writer and provocative thinker, considered King a “Polished Preacher.” This book weaves Baldwin’s poetic and fiery words, passion for justice, and admiration of King’s oration into a detailed, thought-provoking examination of the rhythm of determination and transformative power in King’s speaking, writing, and faith.

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In a youth-focused culture, the Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook dares women 50+ to live fabulously. In this book, Dr. Sujay (as she is affectionately known) encourages women to use the knowledge and experience of the first four decades (chapters) of life to live their best lives in their 50s and beyond. A self-identified “Chapter Five poster woman,” Dr. Sujay shares personal stories and humor, along with brief reflection exercises to inspire women to embrace their next chapter in life. 

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New Rules for Radicals seeks to advance the discussion on how progressive minded citizens and faith-based leaders can make a difference in the world. Willard shares strategies and practical insights for community engagement with a focus on organizing for power to shape policies and practices. This book serves as a framework and toolkit for Christians and community leaders who want to address issues of social justice with modern techniques and tactics that get results but remain faithful to one's ethical values.

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Prophetic preaching challenges us to listen honestly to the word of God in our time. It is central to the empowerment, transformation, and thriving of a faith community. How do preachers faithfully employ the gift of prophetic proclamation to transform society? In this book, Reginald W. Williams offers a practical framework for understanding the pillars of prophetic preaching along with guiding questions to help shape practice. This book is essential for those striving to develop power and reach in preaching. 

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Author Terrell Carter unites scholarly critique with practical wisdom in this new book that exposes the racist and classist assumptions entangled in the rugged individualism of what he calls “bootstrap theology.” Dismantling both the impossible idiom of “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps” and the social theory of Marx’s Protestant Work Ethic, Carter challenges the reader to advance a more faithful gospel, one that extends a spirit of generosity and a call to social justice for all God’s people.

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At long last, the reissue of the classic book, God In The Ghetto by the late, great William Augustus Jones, Jr. With eerily striking resonance to present day affairs, the new edition includes Jones’ seminal analysis of systemic racism, the integral role of the church in birthing and perpetuating it, and the Black church’s response. Sociological in framing, theological in foundation and principles, and practical in application, Jones deconstructs racism in America and offers up a responsive solution.

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Author Marvin McMickle considers the evolution of liberation theologies in their historic and cultural contexts, beginning with his own formative experiences with the Black theology of James Cone, exploring the socioeconomic implications of Latin American liberation theologies, and considering in depth the theologies of feminist scholars, womanist theologians, and women in ministry. He acknowledges the contexts out of which theologies of liberation emerge and their transforming impact.

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The 20th anniversary edition of this best seller for seminarians and seasoned pastors alike offers updated and expanded content, including new chapters on “Cultivating Meaningful Friendships” and “Unleashing Dynamic Creativity." Filled with creative and practical strategies for integrating self-care into vocational life, Rest in the Storm identifies the factors that influence overload and outlines plausible strategies for escaping such bondage. 

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The Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft Sr. deftly weaves the story of how the radical reformation and free church movement informed the invisible institution of slavery, to become the Black church in America. The book covers the schisms and struggles that have shaped the religious landscape today and offers thoughts about the challenges and possibilities for Black Baptists today. A must-read for Church history enthusiasts, those seeking to understand the roots of the Black witness in the US, and more! 

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In this important work, Smith examines how our country's foundational documents—the Bible and the Constitution—have failed people of color and asks whether those whom a nation has considered “we the problem” can ever become “we the people” who are celebrated in the Preamble to the Constitution. What will it take to reclaim the transforming and affirming power of God and government to secure liberty and justice for all?

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Steeped in current scholarship and a lifetime of experience in the African American church, Crutchfield’s contribution to the study of Christian education expands our understanding of education to encompass the larger life and ministry of the church, from practices of testimony, worship, and preaching to more traditional classroom contexts of Sunday church school and midweek Bible study. The book provides clarity about formation processes across all ages and seasons of life.

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When it comes to ministry related to mental health concerns, prayer and Scripture are not enough. Beginning with the biblical motif of going to the village well for the waters that sustain life and exploring the communal significance of that well, professor and clinical psychologist Jessica Young Brown calls on the Black Church to rally its historic resilience and creativity to acknowledge and engage those in its pews who are struggling with mental health concerns.

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What shapes a leader? How does lived experience inform the leadership practice of women? How can women use their natural gifts to thrive and adapt to the challenges of leading today? Debora Jackson examines these questions from a Christian womanist standpoint in this compelling and thought-provoking book. Combining personal experience with scholarly insights, she inspires women of faith to transform churches and classrooms. 

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In a cultural context where the church is struggling to survive amid other competing organizations and commitments, what do pastoral leaders need to change the tide? According to the coauthors of MBA Quick Book for Ministers, the answer is a new leadership paradigm that equips ministers to serve as chief executives for making disciples for Christ. 

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