of St . Luke “ Community ” United Methodist Church in Dallas , Texas , thinking more like a real estate developer than a pastor made the most sense as he thought about new ways to support the broader community . He even joked that Abraham from the Bible was the first real estate developer . Leaning on his education , skills , and background raising institutional capital for private equity projects and as a commercial real estate developer , he saw a bright future and endless possibilities for more African American people with a bit of creativity and ingenuity .
Together with the African American Pastor ’ s Coalition in Dallas , Rev . Butler developed a unique real estate venture . The planned community would create 300 single-family market-rate homes . The model was not focused on low-income or subsidized housing because Rev . Butler truly believes homeownership puts people on the path to economic prosperity . This real estate project generated more than $ 100 million in tax revenue for Dallas , and all the businesses that worked on the project were African American-owned . Rev . Butler shares this vital truth with congregations : “ You need to remember that you are an investment , not a charity . You are worth the time and money people invest in you , and what you give back to the community is invaluable .”
Despite these successes , many Black and Brown people are still dealing with the challenges posed by gentrification such as increased living expenses , lack of a cultural connection with the newest members of the community , and ongoing micro-aggressions , so tensions can run high . And while the brilliance and forward-thinking idea put forth by Rev . Richie Butler can be implemented by some congregations , many are left to struggle with the realities of their situation . Together with numerous inequities , these frustrations have prompted many faith leaders to look for new ways to bring people together . And just like those that have gone before them , Black church leaders continue to be a voice for those who do not have one . They continue to fight for social justice , equity , and fundamental civil rights . The Black church ' s role remains vital as people of color navigate harsh realities that may impede a better and brighter future for the next generation .
African American clergy are also rethinking how they minister and support the life of their congregations . For some Black churches , technology is another area that cries out for investment . As COVID-19 fast-tracked the move to online services across the country , digital literacy for congregation members of all ages is something many faith leaders have committed to pursue in the coming years .
Over the next decade , more needs to be done to support Black faith leaders serving underrepresented and under-resourced communities . Now more than ever , Black faith leaders are calling for more convening , innovating , and listening to propel bold and effective action .
Partners acknowledges the critical learnings that came out of these sessions and is committed to doing more , including serving as a connector to more resources . Every session of the convening was thoughtful , enlightening , and empowering . Yesterday , today , and tomorrow , the African American house of worship remains a beacon of hope , a place for solace , and the beating heart of the Black community .
Roundtable Attendees & Interviewees
• Imam Idris Abdul-Zahir Masjidullah Mosque , Philadelphia , Pa .
• The Rt . Rev . Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows , Bishop The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis , Ind .
• Dr . Byron T . Brazier Apostolic Church of God , Chicago , Ill .
• Rev . Dr . Heber Brown III Pleasant Hope Baptist Church , Baltimore , Md .
• Rev . Dr . Amos V . Brown Third Baptist Church of San Francisco , San Francisco , Calif .
• Rev . Richie Butler St . Luke “ Community ” United Methodist Church , Dallas , Tex .
• Rev . Dr . Wayne Croft Sr . St . Paul ’ s Baptist Church , West Chester , Pa . Trustee , United Lutheran Seminary , West Chester , Pa .
• David Daniels Church of God in Christ , Chicago , Ill .
• Rev . Dr . Gerald Dew Antioch Missionary Baptist Church , Chicago , Ill .
• Rev . Dr . Gregory V . Eason Sr . Flipper Temple AME Church , Atlanta , Ga .
• Rev . Dr . Lucretia Facen St . Paul United Methodist Church , Dallas , Tex .
• Rabbi Capers Funnye Beth Shalom ( B ' nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation ), Chicago , Ill .
• The Rt . Rev . Daniel G . P . Gutierrez The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania , Norristown , Pa .
• Rev . Aramis Hinds Bethel Community Transformation Center , Detroit , Mich .
• Rev . Canon Betsy Ivey The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania , Norristown , Pa .
• Rev . Veronica Johnson Hyde Park Union Church , Chicago , Ill .
• Rev . Kevin Johnson Dare to Imagine Church , Inc ., Philadelphia , Pa .
• Rev . Eustacia Moffett Marshall New River Presbyterian Church , Philadelphia , Pa .
• Rev . Bill Moore Tenth Memorial Baptist , Philadelphia , Pa .
• Rev . Melanie Mullen The Episcopal Church , Washington , D . C .
• Bishop Joseph Perry Archdiocese of Chicago , Chicago , Ill .
• Rev . Charles Quann Bethlehem Baptist Church , Spring House , Pa .
• Rev . Dr . Gary V . Simpson , Senior Pastor The Concord Baptist Church of Christ , Brooklyn , N . Y .
• Rev . Mark Tyler , Senior Pastor , Mother Bethel AME Church , Philadelphia , Pa .
• Rev . Alyn Waller Enon Baptist Tabernacle , Philadelphia , Pa .
• Rev . Joe Watkins Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church , Philadelphia , Pa .
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