Thanks I know some of the staff at SAGU,
I played for some of the professors at a few services. :-)

Hi Paul,
I've been in large churches, and small churches with AoG, and one thing is always aparrent within the majority. African Americans do not stay long, they may visit, but many do not stay. Being an African American myself the only reason that I see is that there is not an acceptance of the culture. I had attended an AG church of about 1500 members and maybe 8% african american. I was involved with the worship team. I cant remember ever being invited to an anglo's house for dinner, or fellowship, mind you I was at this church for years. Now In comparison to the hispanic culture you will find that churches will implement a "spanish" service to cater to the hispanic population. However regarding the African American Culture Many anglo churches cannot relate. They cannot play the style of music that we are accustomed to, and (from my own experience)many worship leaders/musicians are intimidated by the skill of many african american musicians. In almost every church that i have played for there was an uneasy intimidation from the ministers of music because of the lack of ability. which in my opinion is crazy. But that is the reality of it. Just a personal experience and observation, nothing negative.

Hi yulandop...

Is this 8% of African-American attendees somewhat reflective of the local population's diversity? The population of the United States consists of about 10-12% African-American. However, this number is often different in regard to the local community. There is a greater concentration of African-Americans in or near major cities or in southern communities. It might be interesting to notice the racial or ethnic makeup of your community before considering any sort of bias.

The last AG church that I attended was about 65-75% hispanic -- which was reflective of the ethnic makeup of that community. There were certainly services implemented for those who could only speak Spanish. However, these services (both English and Spanish) were devoid of "cultural influences."

But one question needs to be asked: What African-American "culture" are you speaking about? Music? Dress? Speech?

Don't you think that our "culture" should be lost in regard to our relationship with the Lord? When I came to the Lord, my preferences were for a certain style of music and dress (although I was quite eclectic in my tastes). However, my relationship with Christ caused me to let go of those things in exchange for simply knowing Him. In other words, I "let go" of those things in favor of something "greater."

I have seen quite a bit of discrimination within the mouths of individuals who claim to be a part of the body of Christ. This is quite disappointing. However, I don't suspect that meetings that are devoid of particular "cultural" styles of music, dress or speech are reflective of racial or ethnic bias. My wife, Mireya, is hispanic (born in Mexico). We attend a bilingual congregation. However, the traditional Mexican "culture" does not dictate our meetings. People don't come to meetings wearing sombreros. There aren't any Tejano, Mariachi or Salsa songs played during worship. In fact, the songs that are sang in Spanish sound quite a bit like the English counterparts -- except for the language in which they are voiced ([i]Amazing Grace[/i] sounds lovely in Spanish, btw).

I am a musician. I play both the guitar and the piano/keyboard. However, I'm not asphyxiated with a cultural "style" when I play for the Lord. I simply use my instruments as an object of worship and praise.

In regard to the Assemblies of God, I haven't noticed much of a racial or ethnic problem within the congregations. Most of the congregations that I have attended (both large and small) are reflective of the communities in which they are found. The exception is with Spanish congregations that are built upon the [u]language[/u] of the meeting (rather than a "culture"). In the congregation that I currently fellowship, I am one of only a small handful of "anglos." However, I do not expect the congregation to cater to my own English-speaking needs.

My sister attends a lovely AG congregation in the Dallas area (in Cedar Hill). While African-Americans in Cedar Hill represent approximately 30-35% of the population, there are significantly fewer that attend this particular congregation. However, many African-Americans are new to the town (a huge increase over the past 10 years, most relocating from Oak Cliff). The African-American brethren in the area tend to frequent the new, predominantly African-American congregations (which might explain some of the racial/ethnic disparity). I would prefer that there were fewer congregations altogether -- which could allow greater interaction amongst brethren from all backgrounds.

I hope this helps.

:-)

By the way, I have been privileged to attend Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship on a couple of occasions (both in the old gym building and the new sanctuary). It seems to be a wonderful, primarily African-American congregation led by Dr. Tony Evans.

_________________
Christopher

"My sister attends a lovely AG congregation in the

Dallas area (in Cedar Hill). While African-Americans in Cedar Hill"
If you're referring to trinity you really don't want to know my experience with that church. I attended that church for four years. not a pleasant experience.

Hi yulandop...

_________________
Christopher

Good Morning! :)

Ah yes i remember crossroads assembly, i have been there before.


"I think that the most important thing, by far, is simply to know the Lord. When I play music for Him, my biggest question is to find out what He desires".


I see and slightly agree, however there's a difference between personal worship, and leading worship in a congregation. In personal worship you are having your own intimate worship to God, however when leading a congregation it's not "Playing for Him" it's ministering to His hurting people and what the Lord wants to accomplish through you via worship for His people through the anointing within you.

When you are a "Leader", of which there is a difference spirtually and in the natural in relationship to level of skill for musicians and Worship leaders spiritual maturity. Your focus intimately, and spiritually is for you. However as a result of personal intimacy, God's anointing should be an overflow in the service, and the congregation of which you are leading. I'm speaking from a leadership point of view, not from the perspective of a musician.

"But I think that I understand where you're coming from. I've attended several congregations that were "trapped" in the traditions of their Church. One congregation, in particular, was confined to allowing an organ to lead every song. I've never enjoyed an organ very much".

Arent you contradicting yourself??
In one statement you're saying that the most important thing is "that you know the Lord"
Then in the next statement you're saying that a church was "Trapped in tradition" because the only instrument that they had was an organ.
"I've never enjoyed an organ" well for you that may be fine, however for the church you visited with, possibly that may be the only instrument that they had at the time, and if "Knowing God" is the most important thing to you then why would a church that only had an organ be "trapped in tradition" from your personal perspective?

"Actually, I am very much a "minority" within my own town"

Well in your "town" I guess that you can relate to know what being a minority is like, however there's a whole world out there besides your little town that may not understand, or accept people different from themselves. In any case If you're content with the Assembly of God thats great for you, continue to support your denomination. However whats perceived from the inside is not always what is perceived from the outside. One thing that I am in total agreement with you on is that "God makes no distinction to Race or Ethnicity" I guess that would mean that in many churches God may not be the focus if they do make distinctions to race or ethnicity.

In any case let's not go back and forth about this I'm glad you're blessed where you are, and I hope God uses you Mightily :)

Take Care. Please, there is no need to respond. :)




ccchhhrrriiisss wrote:
Hi yulandop...

Hi yulandop...

Not trying to drag this out by any means, but I just wanted to comment on your questions.

_________________
Christopher