A List of Black Pastors to Listen to
At this kairos moment in history, the American church must listen to Black preachers and pastors, for the sake of liberty and justice for all peoples, especially black lives harmed for generations. The gospel imperative compels Christians to care for every person created in the image of God, that’s why we must listen, as a first of many steps, to reconstruct a society that honors human lives of all, regardless of skin color—just basic human rights.
This is a short list of black preachers and pastors that have circulated among multiethnic evangelical-ish churches and events, to answer that question, “who should I listen to”—listed in no particular order—
- Dr. Tony Evans (Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship)
- Dr. Derwin Gray (Transformation Church)
- Dr. Efrem Smith (Bayside Church Midtown)
- Dr. David Anderson (Bridgeway Community Church)
- Rev. Dr. Brenda Salter McNeal (Quest Church, Seattle)
- Pastor Albert Tate (Fellowship Monrovia)
- Bishop Dale C. Bronner (Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral)
- Pastor Miles McPherson (Rock Church)
- Pastor Léonce Crump (Renovation Church)
- Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr. (First Baptist Church Glenarden)
- Bishop T. D. Jakes (The Potter’s House)
- Pastor Michael Todd (Transformation Church)
- Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates (Progressive Baptist Church)
- Pastor Eric Mason (Epiphany Fellowship Church)
- Pastor Dhati Lewis (Blueprint Church)
- Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile (Anacostia River Church)
- Dr. Bryan Loritts
- Travis Greene (Forward City Church)
- Keith Battle (Zion Church)
- Bishop Kenneth C. Ulmer (Faithful Central Bible Church)
- John Gray (Relentless Church)
- Bishop Walter S. Thomas (New Psalmist Baptist Church)
- Dr. Ralph Douglas West (The Church Without Walls)
Yes, there are many other prominent and less prominent pastors worth listing, this is a starter list. What’s also important is to build a long-term relationship committed to reconciliation, that’d be steps to take along with listening and learning. Healing and change for good can only come at the speed of trusted relationships. (heard that from Dr. Raleigh Washington)
Other Lists of Black Preachers
15 Greatest Black Preachers Revisited (copy from Ebony Magazine, 1993)
10 Most Influential Black Spiritual Leaders (Christian Post, 2008)
9 Greatest Black Women Preachers (Black Economics UK quoting Ebony)
From Glory to Glory: 20 Top Black Preachers (The Root)
Remembering Ten Black Christian Leaders (Huffpost)
10 Popular Types of Black Preachers You’ll Meet on Sunday (Christian Post, 2013)
Postscript
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(photo credit: Thrive Conference)
