Barack, Blackness and the Future

I still remember one of the lines Jesse Jackson delivered at the 88 Democratic National Convention. Referring to Governor Michael Dukakis he said ‘he may have come over on an immigrant ship, I may have come over on a slave ship, but we’re all in the same boat together‘. Rev. Jackson wasn’t referring to he and Gov. Dukakas’ personal journey as much as marking the historical factors that brought European immigrants and African-Americans to this country.
In 1988 most African-Americans weren’t deluded into thinking that this country would actually put a black man into the white house. The hope was that the northern white liberal establishment would at least know that our issues were important and that we could not be so easily blown off if the Democrats were to have a chance to win back the White House.

Fast forward 20 years and another black candidate is running for the democratic nomination to be president of the U.S. Unlike Rev. Jackson however Barack Obama didn’t arise out of the Civil Rights establishment. Also unlike Rev. Jackson Senator Obama is well, Senator Obama. He’s already run and won state wide office proving that he can relate to and gain support from a large majority of white voters. (BTW can those of you who live in the bell weather state clue us in on Senator Obama’s appeal) Unlike Rev. Jackson Senator Obama won the Iowa caucuses and came very close to capturing the N.H. primary. Finally, unlike Rev. Jackson Senator Obama does not have the rank and file black democratic machine behind his historic run.
And this in my humble opinion means that Senator Barack Obama has placed himself in the most delicate dilemma a black man has ever found himself in these United States of America. On the one hand he is a black man who desires to run a national campaign in which his ethnicity is not the prime focus. For some that is proof enough that he’s a fraud and phony. On the other hand should he run as ‘the black’ candidate not only would he most certainly lose, but others would decry him as a race baiter for making blackness the issue.

Whatever you think of Senator Obama as a man, public servant and potential president his candidacy is a window into how we think or want to think about race/ethnicity. For many African-Americans his run for the roses represents what we hope is the next stage in racial progress. For the first time in our history millions of Americans may consider a black man for the top elected office in the nation. They may look at him and actually decide that all things considered it’s simply ridiculous to not vote for him just because he is black.

For others however his candidacy signals nothing less than a frightening seismic shift in how race is played out in America. That may be the reason that many Civil Rights stalwarts have rejected him as being some kind of uppity outsider. Think about it for a moment. Even if Obama comes close to winning the nomination it would mean among other things that the next African-American candidate for president would most certainly follow his blueprint. Moreover there could be other talented young black public servants who seeing Obama’s success decide to run for statewide offices such as governor and senator. And how would they run you say? Most surely by appealing to a broad spectrum of their constituents on the basis of shared values, issues and challenges and not on the strength of a single ethnic base. It could be that Senator Obama’s run does more for changing how young African-Americans see themselves and their possibilities than anyone other than Dr. King himself.

Funny, isn’t it. We’ve recently celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday and have now entered black history month. And for the first time in our history we’re witnessing a situation in which a black man may actually be judged by the content of his character and not by the color of his skin for the most important public post in the country. Am I saying we’ve finally overcome? No, not yet. But I do hope that Senator Obama’s candidacy represents one small step for Barack and one giant leap for America.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance

Terror - Plain and Simple.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Thus instead of using the picture of an empty noose to convey the meaning behind the symbol I thought it wise to jerk us back to the reality embedded in the symbol. I did so because Americans must know that the noose is a sign of terrorism. It is a symbol from a time when an entire community of people were held hostage to the reality that at any time and without any reason one of them could be subjected to being hunted down, strung up, set on fire and brutally murdered right before his family and community. The noose is a reminder that systematic, ethnic terror was once an acceptable way to treat those whom the scriptures describe as sojourners and foreigners (see Exod. 22:21; Lev. 19:33-34).

Not too long ago black laborer in Philadelphia found a noose suspended from a place at his work site. Having failed to gain a successful resolution of the insult he took it to court where the offending party received some kind of light reprimand. The man who brought the complaint however discovered that he was no longer being called to work by the union. (more on Philly unions in a later post) I’m sure you’re aware of the tensions caused by other incidents involving the hanging of nooses, but I wonder if we as a society are aware of the message we’re sending to minority communities here and those who observe us around the world.

Here’s what I’m getting at. If there’s one thing most Americans seem to agree on it’s that we must stay and win the fight against terrorism. We’re told to never forget 911 and that the U.S. must be a beacon to the world of freedom, democracy and a place where anyone should be able to live without the fear of terror. Our politicians get their loudest cheers when they assure us of how tough they’ll be on terrorist and how they will leave no stone unturned when it comes to keeping America safe. And then we turn right around and say little when a few decide to display a symbol of terror.

I realize that there are those who say to acknowledge a few miscreants is to give them more due than they deserve. Maybe. But shouldn’t we as a society make a clear statement that while we can’t totally prevent private expressions of terror we can at least make the point that those who make such expressions are of the same ilk as those who lauded the terrorist responsible for 911? Doesn’t it seem just a tad hypocritical for a society that so forcefully stands against terror to turn a blind eye when a few insist on displaying symbols of the very thing we claim to be so passionately against?

How should we respond to those who drudge up the vestiges of terror? We can make it clear that the noose is a symbol of terror, nothing less. We can write, speak, call and tell others that a society that detests terror cannot give a free pass to a few who would glory in its depravity. We can let them know that those who display a noose are actively working against the very society that claim to so proudly represent. We can tell ourselves, tell the world and tell miscreants that the display of a noose isn’t a juvenile indiscretion, a harmless prank, an empty gesture or a backwards display of ignorance. We can remind ourselves that the noose isn’t just a black issue that ‘those’ people just need to get over, but an American issue that we cannot afford to let pass quietly into the night. We can remind ourselves that the symbol of the noose is a symbol of terror, plain and simple.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance

Election 08 - Black Gold

And then there were…. As the field narrows for the upcoming presidential election many of us have begun to zero in on the candidate we hope will lead the nation for at least the next four years. I’ve read a good number of blogs, articles and thoughts and though I’ve done just a little investigation I have to tell you that I’m a bit disappointed. Through all the bluster, typical promises, posturing, negative campaigning and the like not much of substance has been said on a few issues that concern me.

For instance I’ve not heard much regarding detaching ourselves from being so overly dependent on foreign oil. It’s not as if we’re unaware that the world’s oil supply is dwindling. And even if we discover new sources of the black gold it’s now obvious that the U.S. isn’t the only nation that craves the taste of sweet crude to grease the wheels of a middle class lifestyle. China, India, the countries of Europe, Brazil and others are lining up to slake their thirst for Texas tea.

Of the debates I’ve listened to and the discussion’s I’ve read little if anything has been said regarding a plan to invest in new sources of energy. True, the candidates have mentioned the need to detach ourselves from our oil addiction but doing so doesn’t appear to be a central motif in their campaigns. It seems that in the face of dwindling supplies, located in precarious situations and with the prospects of more and more completion that our leaders are content to stay with the status quo. Has anyone asked the next prospective leader of the free world what he or she plans to do once it become crystal clear that within a few years of their stewardship the world’s oil supply slows to a mere trickle? At this point I have no intention of voting for someone whose only plan involves us gulping oil like a drunken sailor until we find ourselves once more fighting a war for ‘freedom’ that just happens to take place in or around an oil producing land.

Look at it another way. Should the present world oil reserves were to remain essentially the same even taking into account the growing world demand are we really willing to shell out over $100.00 per barrel for the stuff. A little more than eight years ago oil was trading for about $25 to $27 a barrel. The issues of increasing demand and geo-political instability don’t favor a return to those prices anytime soon. It could be that $3.00 a gallon gas is just the beginning. And unless you’ve got some major stock in Exxon you’ve probably felt the sting of rising energy cost. Why continue to put ourselves in a position where we’re held hostage by a commodity that we might be able to replace?

What do I want to hear from the next president? I want him or her to tell the American people that it is unwise and untenable to continue our present course regarding our use of energy. I want him or her to tell us that conservation and learning to live on less is not a dirty, liberal, four letter word. I want him or her to call us to do the difficult things now, so that our future isn’t so inextricably tied to murky fortunes of oil. I want him or her to stand up and challenge us to consider changing the way we live now or prepare to fight for that lifestyle tomorrow.

The Lord’s Peace
Pastor lance

The Saints of CLF

My wife was right. As usual I drove myself through the holidays, took no real time off and once more paid for it in January. First of all, praise the Lord that there is a lot going on at CLF. Our activities (who would have thought so much for a small church) have kept me going as we continue to lay the foundation for a church that hopes to grow strong in our knowledge, delight and love for our Lord and strong in sustained outreach to our community. All of this and more kept me going pretty much non-stop until last Friday when my body cashed in on the year long I.O.U. I had given it. By this time last week I was down and out for the count.

It couldn’t have come at worse time. I had been gearing up for another fun-filled weekend of teaching, worship, fellowship and outreach. We had scheduled a couples fellowship for Sat. evening, I was in the middle of a series of messages for the new year and had begun a special Sunday school class on spiritual health that I intended to wrap up on that Sunday. Along with that we had our regular bi-weekly leadership training (which of course was to be followed by a viewing of the Pack vs. the Gmen.) The MLK Day of Service was to be a fitting cap to the weekend as the building we use was a registered site and we were expecting a few dozen volunteers whom we would work with and serve lunch to.

And yet there I was, confined to my room, getting no sleep and wondering (when I was somewhat coherent) how I could have chills and still sweat enough to soak through a couple of undershirts. But while I was down and out the Lord was working through the people of God. My wife remained with me to care for, comfort and console me. And the saints of God continued with the work of ministry. One of our good young brothers took over and preached the word of God, and one of our newer brothers (who coordinated the day of service for the local rec center) led our efforts on the MLK day of service. A couple of our faithful sisters thoroughly cleaned my office (I didn’t even know the carpet was green) and the saints called, prayed, dropped by and reaffirmed their love for me and my family. Through this short, light sickness the Lord reminded me of how grateful I should be for those I’m privileged to serve as pastor. They truly are my joy and I praise Him for their love for me, our Lord and His kingdom. Lord willing I’ll recall some of the lessons of this past week and learn to slow down, eat better and learn to say no. But if I don’t and the Lord suffers to put me on my back again for a week or so I can at least rest knowing that He will continue to work through His people for His glory and the praise of His glorious grace in Jesus Christ.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance

Bishop O.T. Jones Jr.

This past Saturday marked the passing into glory of one of God’s servants, the honorable Bishop O.T. Jones Jr. who served as pastor of the Holy Temple Church of God in Christ and presided over the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania jurisdiction of COGIC for many, many years. Due to declining health Bishop Jones had not actively served his church since the late 90’s. Though I’ve never been an active member of COGIC I have many family members who are and have attended many worship services at Holy Temple through the years. I greatly admired Bishop Jones for his humble demeanor and genuine love for those he pastored. He never came off to me as one who was caught up in being a bishop and though he was treated with great respect, love and care by those he served he never seemed to view them as pawns to be used to move onto bigger and better things.

One of the things I appreciated about Bishop Jones was the way he took time to speak with everyone who wanted to talk with him following a service or event at Holy Temple. I admired the way he spoke to those he served during the Commonwealth’s convocations when he exhorted God’s people to press toward holiness and witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I remember Bishop Jones when reflecting on God’s call for me to view and treat those I serve with gentleness, love, humility and respect. I deeply respect that Bishop Jones didn’t seem to need an opulent lifestyle to validate his status and that he lived in the community where he served. I’m especially grateful for how gracious and encouraging he was to me a young minister who was not apart of his church. It seemed that whenever I attended a service my mother, and aunt or cousin would take me to the front and once more introduce me to Bishop Jones. He was patient, kind, always smiled and never failed to encourage me to persevere in God’s calling.

My guess is that many within the wider evangelical church never even heard of Bishop Jones and as far as I know he wrote no books and didn’t have much interaction with mainstream evangelicals. Was Bishop Jones as Calvinist? No he was not. But he was what I hope to become. A man of God who loved his Lord, loved his people and served them faithfully until death.

The Lord’s Peace
Pastor Lance

West Side Story

Before blue-ray, dvd, and vhs there was CBS, NBC and ABC. Before disc, dish and cable there was CBS, NBC and ABC. Before Blockbuster, you tube and internet streaming there was you guessed it CBS, NBC, and ABC. When I was around 8 my mother told me of a movie called West Side Story that was coming on network television. Being in that stage between Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang and Enter The Dragon I pretty much blew off some dumb musical based on a play. However being the dutiful son I sat down and watched the first few scenes before going onto bigger and better things (btw what did we do before play station and Madden?)

Anyway from the first bars of the opening song I was hooked. That movie was baaaaaaaaaaaad. And the Jets were da bomb. I still remember the first few words of their theme song ‘when you’re a Jet you’re a Jet all the way from your first cigarette to your last dying day‘. I watched mesmerized as the actors danced and sang across the screen exulting in their complete control of their small piece of turf. Their joy in being a Jet was contagious and it seemed that nothing or no one stood in their way until the song was abruptly cut by Ricardo. Ricardo clearly wasn’t from the West Side and he definitely was not a Jet nor did they have any intention of making him one. At first Ricardo wasn’t much of a threat. However little by little more of his friends began showing up. (before I go on you need to know that this is not a piece on immigration or racial reconciliation) By the end of the movie the Jets are in a turf war with the Sharks.

Sometimes I feel like a Jet (stay with me here folks). I walk the streets of my community, shop at the local supermarket (which is a pretty decent one) for groceries and once in a while drop in on the local big box store and see the growing influence of Islam. I see African-American men and women who may or may not have had some kind of Christian influence adopting the garb of muslims. I look and wonder if the church is taking note of this and if so do we have any plans to address it. For all our wrangling over the supposed blackness of the church my guess is that these new converts aren’t embracing Islam because the music at Temple # 2 is more stimulating than that of Second Baptist or the local imam can bring the hoop with more power and eloquence than Rev. Brown. I’m concerned because while some of our churches are mainly focused on buying and filling abandoned sports stadiums local Muslims are investing themselves in our communities and working the youth. I’m concerned because the conviction that what one believes about God, scripture, mankind, sin, salvation, Jesus Christ and the church is an irrelevant matter of personal preference has left many of our members without the slightest clue of how to accurately and adequately present a cogent account of the gospel or explain other important aspects of biblical truth.
I’m concerned that when those looking for spiritual direction do drop in on us they’re treated to a superficial show that focuses on temporary bling (called blessings) and are told that these ‘blessings’ are directly tied to ensuring that the voodoo guru up front lives a fabulously lavish lifestyle generated from their income.

I'm concerned that my West Side Story might turn into a tragedy when what is now a trickle mushrooms into a flood as our older churches will close only to be purchased by those who declare ‘all praises due to Allah who has no son’.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance

I Like Mike!

I like Mike! (no, not that Mike, more on him later) I’m talking about Michael Nutter the new mayor of Philadelphia. Mayor Nutter was elected with well over 80 percent of the vote meaning that he pulled overwhelming support from the vast majority of city neighborhoods and voting public. In a city usually defined by our divisions Mayor Nutter did very well among all demographic groups. Blacks, white, the well to do and those not doing so well have marked Mike as our man for at least the next four years. Hyzone was sworn in yesterday and gave a stirring address regarding the problems, challenges and opportunities the City of Brotherly Love faces as the last years of the first decade of this new millennium drain away.

And what challenges they are. Like most large American cities Philly is plagued with violence, corruption, poor schools, dated infrastructure and an entrenched bureaucracy. Those however are just the symptoms of a city whose sense of hope, unity and optimism seemed to be in a deep freeze the last several years. In my pastoral prayer this past Sunday I prayed for our mayor and also those of us who populate the speed bump between N.Y. and D.C. I prayed that we would realize that Mayor Nutter is the mayor, not superman or a savior. That he’s one man and that this is our city and therefore we have a responsibility to get connected, get involved and do our part.

Praying for Mayor Nutter reminded me of the church’s witness within a city, community and region. Just how should we respond to a city struggling with a 45% high school drop out rate, senseless and random murder among our youth, an economic system that seems tilted to the well heeled and well to do, and politicians who many times seem more interested in a photo op than in tackling the issues of their constituents? How does the church’s mission to make disciples of Jesus Christ intersect with our ministry to the city? How far do we go in working with those who don’t believe in or acknowledge Jesus Christ? I voted for Mr. Nutter in the primary and general election. Does my responsibility end there? I also voted for our new councilman (we needed a new one since our old one just became the mayor) and am thinking of organizing a community meeting where he can come and address the issues of our neighborhood. In fact if I had the time I would seriously consider Mayor Nutter’s call to public service. The mayor has asked anyone who wants to submit his or her resume and take a position working for his administration. The position could be paid or unpaid and would involve working on the behalf of the city.

While some might argue that this is not my place I would beg to differ. God has ordained the institution of government and politics for the protection of the poor and powerless and the general order of society. Is the political process flawed? Of course it is. Politics along with every other human institution is populated by fallen, sinful, selfish people. However that doesn’t mean that believers must opt out of politics completely. And contrary to popular belief the church cannot and for the most part has no intention of really seeing to all of the needs of the dependent poor. It’s therefore superfluous and disingenuous of us to say that government should get out of the business of addressing the needs of the poor so that the church can do so even as we pour our resources into sound and light systems costing tens of thousands of dollars. Is government the answer to all our social ills? Not it is not. As I said before Mayor Nutter is neither superman nor savior. As such he needs both the church’s prayers and participation.

To Him Who Loves Us…
Pastor Lance