Faith in Action

I picked this book up at the recommendation of the president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Dr. William Calhoun. 

I’m approximately two chapters into the book and am thoroughly enjoying Dr. McMickle’s position that far too many preachers and churches today have laid down the cross of justice in order to pick up the tambourine of selfish praise and shallow prosperity.  He advocates for a broader definition of “moral values” and justice as opposed to the co-opted and perverted definitions offered by neo-conservative strategists and others.  What I’m really enjoying is his suggestion that “praise” (which is an authentic component of African Christian worship in America) must be balanced with justice. (notice that I did not say “charity”)  Dr. Vernon Dobson, former pastor of Union Baptist Church in West Baltimore, is known to say “let your service be greater than your shout“. 

This is a must read for every person who is considering or wrestling with their call to the ministry.  The issues addressed herein will continue to be of utmost concern for generations to come.  Having a sensitivity to and understanding of the root causes of poverty, the prison industrial complex, lack of quality healthcare, overcrowded inner city schools, gentrification, Black on Black violence, political apathy, foreign policy, etc. will place one’s feet in the path of the prophets who have traveled the often lonely road of justice and peace thousands of years before us. 

To be ignorant of these issues and their impact on the congregation and the community at large will leave you ill equipped to be an effective preacher outside the four walls of the church. Your anointing should not be chained to the pulpit or limited to the sanctuary.  As Luke 4:18 reveals, Jesus co-signs the prophet Isaiah’s mission statement by emphasizing that his annointing was for social impact!  -not social clubs.