The African American Church: A Sociological History - Paperback

The black church has also intervened between the society and the individual, in order to address specific problems or attain specific objectives. This has been particularly the case where the church has served as a training ground for leaders of the African American community. In addition to providing for (a) goal attainment and (b) a vehicle to implement specific interests, the church has also (c) contributed a latent resource for all kinds of activities covering a wide range of interests, (d) offered germane socialization services, (e) allocated its power and influence to issues identified as critical, (f) aided social interation of either (g) members of the African American community within the community itself or (h) the African American Community, its members and priorities within the majority white community. The African American church has prevailed as all things to all African Americans.