Suggested Reading

Roses and Thorns

Dr. Richard Dickinson
Available - Black Ministry Services
Recounts a critical part of that bittersweet legacy. It is not only the story of struggle through adversity, but it is also the tale of success through perseverance. In a whole variety of very meaningful ways, the passionate account that follows captures the spirit of James Weldon Johnson's verse: "We Have Come."

Black Christians:  The Untold Story

Dr. Jeff Johnson
Available - Concordia Publishing House

The Black Agenda

Dr. Jeff Johnson
Available - Black Ministry Services
This work asserts that the agenda is to affirm, encourage the full implementation of, and support our ministry as Black Lutherans.

Harvest Waiting:  Reaching Out to African Americans

Nikki Rochester
Available - Concordia Publishing House
Jesus commanded us to "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Matt. 28:19), including those "nations" within our own community. In order to reach out to the various races that are American, the church needs to be familiar with the background of each. To that end, this book provides a resource of historical and sociological information about the African-American people.

This I Remember

Dr. Richard C. Dickinson
Available - Black Ministry Services
For the person who is unfamiliar with Black Lutheran history, especially in the LCMS.

African Americans and the Local Church

Dr. Robert H. King
Available - Concordia Publishing House
The purpose of this anthology is to present major church situations faced by African-Americans in the Lutheran Church and society generally. Concerns are identified with which African Americans have been and still are affected as the redeemed people of God. Some noteworthy situations, concerns, experiences, problems, needs and challenges encountered by African-Americans are pointed out by the writers. Moreover, they disclose some of the cultures, lifestyles, mores, characteristics, customs, values and traditions with which many African-Americans are identified and in which they find meaning, purpose and satisfying fulfillment as human beings created by the heavenly Father, redeemed by Jesus Christ and called to be saints by the Holy Spirit.

This Far by Faith Hymnal

Available - Augsburg Publishing
This resource has been developed by a cooperative inter-church process involving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. Each church body has been responsible for its own review process.

Together We Shall Overcome—Life story of Dr. William A. Schiebel

Available - Black Ministry Services

Pastor Jenkins Said, Hang on to Matthew 6:33

Dr. Robert H. King
Available - Concordia Publishing House

Biblical Study of Tithing

Rev. Paul Anderson and Rev. Stephen Wiggins
Available - Black Ministry Services
Is designed to present the historical basis and biblical origins of tithing, to explore the benefits of tithing and to reinforce the practice of tithing as an effective means of financial stewardship in the context of the church today.

The Struggle for Unity

Rev. Richard O. Zehr
Available - Elahar Enterprises
A personal look at the integration of Lutheran churches in the south.

Voices from the City

Rev. John Nunes
Available - Concordia Publishing House
Offers pastors who minister to urban congregations ways to connect the Word of God to the urban experience. Excerpts from interviews with ministers-voices from the city- provide added insights into the urban dynamic that shapes these Black, White, Hispanic, and Asian communities. Also included are sample sermons for multiethnic audiences, which rejoice that "God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that you ask or think."

Light in the Dark Belt

Dr. Rosa Young
Available - Concordia Publishing House

The story of mission work among the colored (Black) people of Alabama. The story is woven around the life of Rosa Young, a pioneer in this work. Miss Young wrote her story in gratitude to Almighty God, who, to use her own words, "led me and a host of others out of the gross darkness, which hung like a dense fog over our souls, into the marvelous light of His salvation."

Dare to Dream, Dare to Do

Dr. Phillip A. Campbell
Available - Black Ministry Services
Dare to Dream of your congregation helping people reach out with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your community. Dare to Do the reaching, the touching, the serving, the preaching and the teaching that will help others to experience Christian love.

Eight Models of Ethnic Ministry

Dr. Robert H. King
Available - Concordia Publishing House
This book gives good insights into practical approaches for sharing the Gospel with different people and groups. It should be read by every seminary professor, student, and pastor.

Days in the Life of Dr. Richard C. Dickinson

Deborah Dickinson-Mitchell & Dr. Frazier N. Odom
Available - Black Ministry Services

Biography of Dr. Richard C. Dickinson

Outreach through Lutheran Schools: "Hands Stretched to the Lost"

Dr. Willie P. Stallworth, Sr.
Available - Black Ministry Services
Developing a Plan for Outreach: the school staff's ability to think beyond the classroom and realize that what they do to share the Gospel with students will impact the lives of their students' parents.