Black Presbyterians have a great history. To be black and Presbyterian once guaranteed you entry on the “Who’s Who” list of the most highly educated people of African decent in America. Many black Presbyterians were among the first within the race to become doctors, lawyers, politicians, and educators.

Following the giant footsteps of John Gloucester, Lucy Craft Laney, and Henry Highland Garnett came strong leaders like Thelma Adair, Gayraud Wilmore, and Mary Jane Patterson. Most people in today’s African American Presbyterian community are familiar with the names Rita Dixon, Curtis Jones, Barbara Campbell Davis, Leon Fanniel, Robert Burkins, and Amy Sweet.

But who are the next line of black Presbyterian leaders? Are they in seminary or active in the pastorate? Have we lost some of our best potential leaders to other denominations? Young people are leaving mainline denominations in record numbers. It will take all of us working together to identify, encourage, and nurture the next generation of African American Presbyterian leaders.

The statistics for African American leaders 40 and under are startling. According to the Committee on Preparation for Ministry Office, as of April 2004, there were 139 African Americans enrolled in Presbyterian seminaries. Of the 129 reporting their age, thirty-four were 40 or under. According to the most recent data available from PC(USA) Research Services, of the 462 African American Presbyterian clergy serving in parishes, only twenty were young adults. Only three were teaching in a university or seminary environment, three were certified Christian educators, and one was identified as governing body staff at the presbytery, synod, or General Assembly level. None were active missionaries, and no one is currently enrolled as a volunteer at the Presbyterian Center.

The National African Heritage Young Adult Caucus “Jabali” (Swahili for strong as a rock) has been in existence for two years. Jabali was formed in partnership with the National Black Presbyterian Caucus and the young adult program area to provide a forum for African American young adults to network and strategize. It also provides encouragement for other young adults to consider professional and volunteer involvement at all levels of the denomination.

The Jabali steering team meets in Louisville each January in order to finalize plans for a July conference. A special track of workshops, Bible studies, business meetings, and social activities are planned especially for persons between the ages of
19 and 40.

Ways to Identify and Nurture Promising Young African American Leaders

• Provide scholarships for persons who are already in seminary.
• Encourage young African Americans to become leaders on the local, regional, and national levels.
• Become a mentor to a potential church leader.
• Encourage young African Americans to consider ministry options through the Pastoral Leadership Search Effort (P.U.L.S.E.) program (visit www.theplse.org).

• Make resources about successful African American leaders available in your congregation.
• Make sure resources about ministry vocation are visible and available to your youth and young adult groups.
• Invite an African American student to intern in
  your congregation.
• Call a young African American to join the pastorate team.
• Establish a relationship with young adults at local colleges and universities.
• Plan to send a delegation of young adults to attend the National Black Presbyterian Caucus conference.
• Organize a mission trip for young African American adults.
• Make a contribution to further the work of the National African Heritage Young Adult Caucus.

Steal Away: Journeying Toward Spiritual Maturity

This dynamic collection of prayers, devotions, and suggested readings for individuals or groups leads the participant from faith to actions.

Bridge Resources
Item #095640

$7.95

Faith Journey: Special Edition

Celebrate the tremendous achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. History!

Developed in partnership with the Office of African American Leadership Training and Resource Development, Faith Journey: Special Edition provides youth leaders with sessions for special times in the life of the African American Church.

Bridge Resources
Item #095641

$8.95

Black and Presbyterian: The Heritage and the Hope

Witherspoon Press
Item #095200

$13.95

African American Presbyterian Clergywomen: The First Twenty-Five Years

Witherspoon Press
Item #097705

$14.95

For more information about Jabali or the resources listed, contact Stephany Graham, Associate for African American Leader Development, or call (888) 728-7228, ext. 8488.