While violence between Israel and Hezbollah was unfolding I was vigorously reaching out to my elected officials and all others who would listen about the root causes to the violence and the unjust policies enacted by Israel that subjects their neighbors to stifling occupation.
One day I turned on the television and started watching TBN and other religious broadcasts to get a sense of what the religious leaders were saying.
I happened upon Pastor John Hagee – a man whom I consider one of the most vocal proponents of Christian Zionism and unconditional support of Israel. He was giving his usual “pro-Israel at all cost” religious banter. I took as much of it as I could take then turned to another station. It was an African American preacher talking about going to the next level in God or something. I was completely disgusted.
The fact of the matter is, Hagee and some others like him are using their platform to speak to world issues. The majority of African American preachers on television are using their platform to discuss issues that have little everyday reality significance to regular citizens of this nation and the world. Many African American pastors put information on the screen about how to become a “partner” to their ministry, when the next conference is coming up, or how much your life will be blessed by their latest sermon series. Don’t get me wrong, televangelists of other ethnic backgrounds do this too, but as an African in America preacher I hold other African American preachers to a higher standard. They’ve been given much – I require much.
Back to Hagee. This man has gone so far as to create an organization called Christians United for Israel. The purpose of the organization according to their website is to: “provide a national association through which every pro-Israel church, Para-church organization, ministry or individual in America can speak and act with one voice in support of Israel in matters related to Biblical issues.” They are galvanizing the strength of their religious influence to speak to political issues.
Other televangelists like Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson, and Rod Parsley support this organization and similarly espouse “pro-Israel at all costs” socio-political theologies. Remember – it’s Christians United for Israel – not Christians United for Social Justice so these preachers don’t care anything about the volumes of injustices committed against the Palestinian people nor do they speak of the Israeli military largely underwritten by American taxpayers.
Where are the African American preachers on television who maximize their platform to speak justice to injustice, liberation for the oppressed, and truth to power? I look at Creflo Dollar – he has a School of Prosperity, a record label, and a magazine, but no where on his website or in his ministry does he speak to justice issues nor does he give any sustained attention to international social issues though he calls his ministry “World Changers International“. TD Jakes submitted commentary in July that discouraged African American ministers from speaking to social issues. He said now we have elected officials to speak to those types of issues. What if those elected officials have large lobbying groups like AIPAC in their pocket, Bishop, thus buying their opinions?
I am more convinced than ever that a whole generation of preachers (particularly the baby boomers) will need to pass off of the scene before a new era of preachers can assume leadership positions in this complex society and engage it aggressively in ways that will bring about theologies and policies that benefit the common good. Hagee and his right-wing neo-con Chrisitian Zionist buddies are heavyweights in using the power of their influence for local/national/and international issues. Jakes and the gang don’t stand a chance.
(NOTE: For a refreshing and thorougly Christian commentary on the Middle East situation please read the “Jerusalem Declaration on Christian Zionism” submitted by local heads of churches in Jerusalem.)
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My comment is not directly related to this post, per se, but I think it somehow fits into this whole issue of African-American pastors not speaking out about and standing up to social issues impacting OUR communities.
This morning, I was browsing the web and decided to check out Pastor Jamal’s website. I couldn’t believe my eyes…Pastor Bryant has purchased a resort in the Bahamas, and is inviting individuals to join him as he consecrates the land at this first “Christian themed resort owned by Pastor Bryant” next summer.
This amazes me. Good for him, he has major money, but there’s no longer seems to be the mindset of the humble pastor whose top priority is to seek God and serve his/her flock and community. There no longer seems to be this push to save the seed and correct individuals when they make a mistake, nope…it’s all about increasing the number of individuals who follow me and constantly build me up. Honestly, when I read about Pastor Jamal purchasing a resort in the Bahamas, I’m thinking, he could’ve purchased land to build reduced cost housing for members of his congregation here in Baltimore (I’m certain some could use the help). He could’ve started a program where individuals who cannot afford to save up for a house and pay rent at the same time can live in houses he purchased rent free, as long as, they attend home ownership classes, maintain the house in an acceptable fashion, volunteer at the church, etc…the lists of requirements could go on forever, the point is, there were probably some ways that he could’ve used his money to help people, rather than make more money for himself. Clearly, he is not lacking. I’m not knocking Pastor Jamal, I just get turned off by his arrogance at times, and I find myself questioning whether he’s in this [ministry] for the Lord or for himself. I don’t think this question is unique to him…I honestly believe that the church has changed so much that many pastors who were truly doing what the Lord had called them to do, have gotten off track. I really wonder what God is going to do to give us a wake up call, I believe a wake up call is on the way and I believe the Black church needs it – it seems that we no longer care that our seed doesn’t see an education as a worthwhile investment (one you don’t even have to pay cash for), we are ignorant to the reality that WE [black folks] are being infected with HIV at rates similar to those seen in Africa (no comparison to other race/ethnicity groups in the US). Something has to change. I believe it’s up to us, as young adults, to be the ones to start it. It’s painful, I know from experience, but we must be bold enough to throw ourselves on the wall for the sake of improving our families, community, and race.
Peace
~Gotta be anonymous on this one : )
Oh how I wish you weren’t anonymous, but I understand why you are.
But perhaps, I could get you to email me so we can connect… (if we haven’t already)
I believe that your comments are dead on and that we who are still seeking to be prophets (not make profits) must band together and sound the alarm. And I’m not just talking about challenging what is being done in the name of God, but also presenting alternative sto the community so they see that there are still some called by God that remember why they were called in the first place.
Hit me up: heber3@yahoo.com
To anonymous If you go to the steaming faith website under archives for the Without Walls Church shift 06 Pastor Jamal Bryant, You will hear him give his testimony of someone giving him the resorts. Not him purchasing them
Anonymous:
I’m not in the business of bashing folks’ ministry – we all have sinned, do sin, and will sin in spite of being children of the King. Honestly, I like many of Pastor Jamal’s sermons, I think they’re quite effective in reaching the lost Joshua generation…but regarding the hotel resort…I did not clearly hear him state that he was “given” the hotels. He mentioned someone seeing him on TBN and wanting to bless him, he mentioned going to closing on the property, but he never clearly stated that he did not pay for the property (the blessing could’ve been a discounted price for the property, did you think of that?). Either way…I really don’t want to debate this because there are greater issues – it’s not really about the hotel, the issues are far deeper than this. Did you notice that Pastor Jamal began his sermon with promoting his CDs, DVDs, and book? Doesn’t that cause something to stir within you. I mean c’mon now…when I get up to deliver the sermon at church…I typically start out thanking God for trusting me enough to bring forth the Word to His people…not saying, “Make sure you’re a financial blessing to me today”. For me…Pastor Jamal is the one who we’re talking about here, but I don’t think he’s any different than several other ministers who have become more consumed with themselves than ministry. In my book, the entire “culture” of church is slipping and I think more Christians need to open their eyes to this shift.
Be blessed!
Well said, gr8destiny.
Either way you all look at the “Black” pastor of today’s society, you must listen to the word being taught. As said before and as written in the Bible, We all have sin and come short of the glory of God. God words says, Touch not thy anointed. The best thing for you all to do is Fast and Pray and let God have His way. The problem with folks today is that they don’t know how to LET GO AND LET GOD. They are too busy putting self in whatever is going on, whether it’s emotional or physical. Just like God don’t like pastor working for self and not the people, He doesn’t like people putting others down. Sin is Sin and what you all are doing is Sin whether you aknowledge it or not. Be careful what you say or write on the internet about folks, because my God sees all and knows all. He is in control! Read your Bible and you will see the things which are going on is suppose to happen. Just make sure you don’t get caught up with it, If you have not already. Jamal Bryant is reading the book of Proverbs maybe you will like to read it, So you can get wisdom and understanding.
Let Go and Let God:
Perhaps you missed me saying that I’m not putting down Pastor Jamal, I simply expressed an opinion…this is not touching God’s anointed one. Touching God’s anointed one would be praying/speaking bad over a person’s life.
“I’m not knocking Pastor Jamal, I just get turned off by his arrogance at times, and I find myself questioning whether he’s in this [ministry] for the Lord or for himself. I don’t think this question is unique to him…I honestly believe that the church has changed so much that many pastors who were truly doing what the Lord had called them to do, have gotten off track.”
While I cannot speak for everyone who comments on this blog, I can speak for myself. I am very aware that we are commanded not to touch God’s anointed one. There is a difference between voicing one’s concerns and touching God’s anointed one. The truth of the matter is all saved folks are God’s anointed ones. Just like I shouldn’t do anything wrong to my pastor or my fellow believers, the pastor shouldn’t do anything to harm his/her flock or his/her fellow believers.
You see…so many Christians are led to believe that voicing an opinion that goes against the grain is in some way degrading the pastor, but I would argue that the individuals who politely share their concerns with their pastor are the very ones who are not trying to harm their pastor. This may not be the case for everyone, but their are a number of people who voice concerns to their pastor in the right spirit. If folks simply agree with everything the pastor says or does because it’s the pastor, then they’re in a dictatorship. God calls pastors and preachers to be servant leaders…ones who serve the people while serving Him. Being a servant leader means hearing other people’s concerns because you’re serving them, not dictating to them…servant leaders show their love for God by loving and understanding the people they serve.
For the record…if you think that I’m just voicing my concerns about Pastor Jamal and others on this blog because I’m not looking the person in the eyes, if I were presented with the opportunity, I would voice these same concerns to Pastor Jamal or anyone else because I don’t question the motives behind my concerns. I’m genuine about my concerns and I want to see people do better. I don’t have the attitude of “just leave ‘em out there to fall” or “it’ll come back to haunt them”. I do believe that God handles all situations in His time, but I also feel that we should talk with our brothers and sisters in Christ if we see them going down the wrong path. I’d hope my peers and pastor would do the same for me.
gr8destiny u r truly blessed. i’ve enjoyed ur comments… thank u… there truly is course 4 concern about d ministry…
i wld like to go heber3′s way and ask if we cld connect!!!!
omochelsea@gmail.com
stay blessed
gr8destiny you are so on track about your concerns w/ the ministry today, I could not agree w/ you more. Just yesterday myself and a fellow christian brother were having this very same conversation about expressing our concerns in the church when things do not seem to be in line w/god’s word. This ‘Prosperity Chase’ as I call it is beyond the limits, and we must come together as true lovers of Christ to rectify this outrage……
I have praying the Africa America to awake to ministryin America and the rest of the Worlding, ministering together with other ministries in Africa too.
When i came about website the google, i felt so much blessed. We ask you to join us Africa for missions and other activities as the Lord will you.
We look forth to be your hosts in Africa and to work with you as the Lord will leads us.
We look forward to hear from you,
Pastor Joseph Madadi.
The Nakuru House of Power hurch,
P.O BOX 2592,
NAKURU.
KENYA.
Hello, nice post. Bookmark it.
Ministerial Alliance in Baltimore supports and endorses Sheila Dixon. Any comments on this. Sheila must love black people for the Ministers to endorse her. She must be serving God’s Children rightly.
it is greet to read such a wonderful message,we should connect and bring impact,not only connect but bring effects in the lives outsider there.we should be a people of the nation,not politics in the church or the world in the church but bringing the world to the church tobe tought.
shalomm2007@yahoo.om
john from kenya