Pastoral Blog - “Preach the Word …”

All Saints is right next door to the late Jackson Pool.  I remember during the early to mid 80’s, as my father preached on Sunday morning, I could hear children splashing in the water.  Lifeguards could be heard blowing their whistles.  The music of FM 93.1 blared through speakers as well.  Jackson Pool was a focal point of recreation during that period.  After graduation from college, I moved away to live in the big city.  After 13 years away from Canton, I moved back in 2002.  I noticed that the pool was not utilized as it was during my college years.  The community was different.  I noticed empty houses.  Stories of killings persisted.  Drug activity was an open for all to see. 

I submit recreation is essential.  However, quality housing should be the focus for this community.  The effort to develop business ventures to provide goods, services and jobs should be pursued as well.  Lets not put the cart in front of the horse.  A viable plan, not driven by emotion, must be developed.  A group of qualified citizens is needed to create a think tank for the Southeast quadrant.  To think outside the box should be the endeavor.  A strategy for long term sustainability is needed.  Organization is essential.  There are opportunities within this section of Canton.  Vision is key.  I repeat - Vision is key.  Proverbs 29:18a states, “Where there is no vision, the people perish …”

Good housing, viable businesses will give birth to a recreational renaissance.  The sustainable community will be able to support or justify a swimming pool or a waterpark.  “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the dessert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.” (Isaiah 35:1)

Pastor Wilbur Allen, III

After careful observation, I’ve concluded there is a dilemma within our community.  It is not a recent phenomenon.  Since the 1960’s, the Southeast quadrant of Canton has seen minimal investment for development.  While other major Ohio cities have revitalized inner city neighborhoods, the Southeast section of Canton continues to suffer. 

Great opportunities exist.  They are economic in nature.  More specifically, economic development.   The only institution within the African-American community that is in a position to pursue such a feat is the African-American church.  The challenge of the 21st century for the black church is to rethink church.  The era of the preach and worship focused church, is a dim memory in light of the needs of this new century.  A focus on the spirit as well economics is key.  This day dictates that we cannot afford to be isolated in denominational or congregational spheres.  Congregations must pool resources to initiate economic development.  Pastors must think outside of the Sunday morning preached moment.  Parishioners are grappling with economic concerns that must be addressed.  A competitive global economy is bringing its effects to bare nationally and locally.  This requires a new paradigm of ministry. 

To approach 21st century problems with a 20th century model is a case study for failure.  Pastors must collaborate to determine an economic agenda to fix a 50 year old problem.   Southeast Canton can be fixed.  Creative vision, cooperation and strong anointed pastoral leadership.   Hard work and commitment is required.  The Cherry Avenue days of years past can be resurrected. 

A community which doesn’t have a grocery store, a viable gas station, a pharmacy or bank has long term sustainability concerns.  However Southeast Canton is replete with congregations that can address economic and housing needs.  There is a problem, there is a solution - the citizens of the Kingdom of God.

On another note, this blog is now enabled to receive comments.  If you any issues send an email to:  wallen@allsaintstemple.org. 

Pastor Wilbur Allen, III, B.A., M.Div

Recently I attended a school board meeting of the Canton City Schools.  Mother Anne Simon and Pastor Walter Moss shared a disturbing issue that exist at Hartford Middle School.  The reading performance of the students is at a critical point.  80% of the students are at high to medium risk in reading.  That means out of 280 students 220 have serious reading issues.  In addition, the feeder elementary schools are at 90% and higher poverty level.  80% of these students are African American.  Hartford is the only middle school in the district that has such a feeder school configuration.

The principle, Mr. Sandy Womack and his team have made improvements.  Hartford’s academic standing has moved from academic emergency to academic watch.  Significant strides have occurred in Math, Social Science, and Science.  However, No Child Left Behind Act dictates that when a school is considered in academic emergency or academic watch, school district resources are to be allocated to that school, to address the specific needs.  In this particular case, the principle has made requests to the district for additional teachers.  The response was, “there isn’t enough money”.  Another middle school in the same district, with critical reading concerns, was given additional teachers without requesting such assistance.  I find it troubling that the school district would not come to the assistance of the students of Hartford Middle School.

In such a technological and competitive era, it is key that children are prepared to compete.  Without the proper educational foundation, they will be relegated to second class citizenship.  Canton needs all of her citizens fully prepared to contribute to the long term sustainability of this local economy.

Therefore, one salient question persist.  Why does this situation exist?

On another note, congratulations to Vince Watts and the Greater Stark County Urban League in reaching the fund raising Goal!!!

Pastor Wilbur H. Allen, III, BA, M.Div

The Greater Stark County Urban League has encountered a period of challenge.  I salute the Interim CEO, Vincent Watts.  He is endeavoring to revitalize the mission of this storied organization.  It is obvious that he has inherited a troubled past.  However, his desire to formulate a renaissance (a rebirth) is something that must be duplicated throughout our community.  

There are other organizations in the African - American community that are in dire need of renewal.  We need young credential African - Americans to begin to take leadership positions within this community.  Competition is the mantra of this day.  We need proactive leadership and entities to be effective in the 21st century.  The effort to wait until a collapse is obvious - then turn it over to the next generation is futile.  Reverend Watts has embraced this challenge.  I can only wonder how effective he could have been if he was given the opportunity to lead, say five years ago.

My generation and the following will be in the mode of rebuilding our community.  A renaissance is key for greater Canton.  Fresh ideas, visionary thinking, out of the box perspectives is required.  The church must stand and come to the forefront.  Clergy with a God given call, anointing and passion for ministry must not only occupy pulpits, but lead congregations beyond the Sunday morning worship - to walk in the spirit!!!

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., encountered the slumber of apathy within the African -American community, during the 1950’s and 60’s.  His ongoing challenge to black folks of the South was to wake up.  Again, we are struggling with such apathy in all sectors of our community.  Isaiah 60:1 speaks to us all, “Arise, shine for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” (KJV) 

  Pastor Wilbur H. Allen, III, BA, M.Div

I received an email in response to my last blog entry, ‘The Fruit of Violence’.  The source of violence was mentioned.  I began to think about it.  A scripture came to mind.  “Discipline yourselves, keep alert.  Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour.” (I Peter 5:8 NRSV)  To devour is defined as to engulf or destroy as if by eating, or to prey upon.

To grapple with the issue of violence within our community or culture, it is key to understand from whence it comes.  Gang, drug, domestic violence have a spiritual source.  It is a satanic expression.  As the text indicates the devil prowls looking to devour someone, some family or community.  The spiritual objective of violence is destruction.  Satan has released an intense spirit of violence into the world.

Violence has engulfed the inner-city as well as suburban areas.  Unfortunately, violence is primarily associated with urban centers.  The shootings at Columbine indicate how widespread this spirit is.  Gang and drug violence has spilled over into schools and homes.  Th destructive effects of violence is well documented.

Therefore there are two ways to combat this problem.  1) Fight this issue in the spirit.  “For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12 NRSV)  How do we wage such a fight?  Prayer is key.  I celebrate Mother Annie Simon’s organization - Called to Pray.  This organization sends prayer teams out to pray over schools in the Canton City School district - it works!  “…The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.” (James 5:16 NRSV)  Our community needs spiritual activists, who pursue righteousness in their lives.  They are empowered by the Holy Spirit to pray and get results!  Any effort to counter violence must begin with prayer to the living God.  This current spirit of violence, requires the totality of a community engaged in prayer.  This is an effort that should not be relegated to the church or clergy only. ”If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 NRSV)

2) Engage our communities based upon the commandment put forth by Jesus - ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’.  This agape form of love should urge the people of God to minister to those who are struggling with forms of violence.  This is the time for to embrace the opportunities of ministry that persist.  Reach out to gang members.  Minister to victims of domestic violence.  We must allow the Holy Ghost to inspire us based upon our burden for ministry.  Any secular effort to neutralize violence without recognition of its spiritual nature, will not solve the problem effectively.  The power of God is necessary.

Jesus put forth the great commission - “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15 NRSV)  It is time for all of us to preach!!!

Pastor Wilbur H. Allen, III, B.A., M.Div

This past week I had the opportunity to attend a covenant signing ceremony sponsored by the Community Coalition Against Violence (CCAV).  Pastors, community activist, were present.  It was a time to reflect on the presence of violence in our community.  I salute Brother Zutali for the efforts of the organization. 

The pastors that were present signed the document.  It challenges the clergy to preach against violence.  Martin King put forth the notion that violence is immoral.  It is destructive.  It is a precursor to death.  Communities, schools, businesses, churches, families are the unfortunate victims.  Instead of functional African - American communities, urban waste lands exist.   Revitalization is key.  Neglect implies lack of vision.

We must not objectify victims of crime.  Christ put forth the notion that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves.  This agape love should drive God’s people to move to action.  Dr. Kunjufu believes that if the church does not engage in minstry to counter violence, the violence will violently come into the church. 

Our culture is aggressive.  Contrary to popular belief, violence persist in every sector of our society.  It is a cancer that is eroding the very fabric of this nation.  Civility no longer exist.  Mutual and self respect must be preached.  The church must put forth ministries to combat this national trend.  21st century relevance is the challenge for the church.

The CCAV covenant is a good starting point.  It states: We proclaim that we will tolerate No More Homicides In Canton.  Declare peace the norm and make it so:

• Preach for peace and against violence from our pulpits the first weekend of every month

• Exhort our congregations to work for peace

• Pray and speak for peace in our congregations and on the street.  Assert a strong presence on the streets in response to every homicides in designated Ceasefire zones. Counsel and support those who seek to change their lives through the provision of positive alternatives.  Adopt, mentor, and open safe havens for youth in our communities.  Actively rally and work against shootings and gun trafficking.   Actively work with each other in the neighborhood and in this Task Force to continue the purposes and momentum of this day.    

  Pastor Wilbur Allen, III, BA, M.Div

 The 21st century is a new era for the church to proclaim the gospel.  Many witnessed in the early 20th century a culture which centered around the christian values.  However, my generation and the following have experienced a reduced role of the church in society.  From the 1980’s to the seminal years of this new century, other forces have ascended on the horizon.  This is the time for the church to reconsider her method of ministry.

 I had a professor in seminary once say, “the church and the community must be one.”  His point was

that the church must eliminate all boundaries between itself and the surrounding community.  There was a time that the church thrived on a ministry within the walls.  The challenges that the church faces today is a culture that is secular.  The first century church was situated in a secular and paganistic culture as well.  Their mode of ministry was based on the great commission , “…go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (St. Mark 16:15KJV)

 A ministry of engagement is key for this time.  Engage the world for Jesus Christ.  Economic realities, educational disparities, violence, drugs must be engaged.  The church must put forth a witness of spiritual activism not isolated indifference.  The Lord gave me the concept of a African American Pastoral Summit.  The summit was an opportunity for pastors to come together and formulate a plan of ministry for the African-American community.  The pastors that met decided to put forth two approaches.  One will be an economic thrust.  The second is a missional emphasis.  This is an effort to impact our community with an agenda driven by the love of God and the great commission.  The African American community has economic, spirtual, cultural, questions that must be addressed.  The church is the only institution that has persisted for black folks since our introduction to the North American continent.  The church is the only entity that has the resources to grapple with such concerns.

 As a pastor I see this as our greatest opportunity for ministry.  We must build relationships with the community - then they will see and understand the power of God - unto salvation.

 Pastor Wilbur H. Allen, III, B.A., M.Div

President Barach Obama is engaged in a political battle centered on health care reform.  The result of this debate will have far reaching implications well into the future.  The troubling reality is that America has not totally embraced a public form of health care.  As this debate continues, health care for the citizenry is demonized as socialized health care.  Privatized coverage is protected and celebrated by certain groups.  At this point, a moral concern is obvious.  The wealthiest portion of our population receives the best health care.  While the working poor and the so-called middle class struggle with rising deductibles, pre-existing conditions clauses and increasing out of pocket expenses.

 Healthreform.gov indicates that, “…rising out-of-pocket costs affect all Americans, there are some families and individuals for whom exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses lead to crippling financial burdens, precipitating medical debt or the avoidance of necessary medical care. 

During his ministry on earth, Jesus provided free health care.  When he healed a man in the fifth chapter of Saint John, he was accused of violating the law.  Jesus healed him on the sabbath.  The person being healed did not care what day of the week  it was. - The key point was - he received health care.  Jesus only required that he would sin no more.   The conservatives of that day opposed Jesus’ efforts.

With each passing year, families face increasing deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses, requiring them to make difficult decisions in order to make ends meet. In fact, one recent survey estimated that 72 million, or 41 percent, of nonelderly adults have accumulated medical debt or had difficulty paying medical bills in the past year. A full 61 percent of those with difficulty had insurance. (Healthreform.gov)

Privatized health care is driven by the financial bottom line.  The point of departure is to minimize cost.  To stress excludable cost and other cost cutting strategies, are the primary means to achieve such a goal.  This is immoral.  To manipulate public opinion against what is good for all people is the antithesis of the love thy neighbor as thyself principle.  A good quality of life is not to be reserved for an elite class.  Life comes from God.  Jesus states, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”(St. John 10:10)  The Christ believed and believes in abundant living for us all.

Pastor Wilbur H. Allen, III, B.A., M.Div.

I recently heard Dr. Claude Anderson speak.  I was moved by his historic and economic analysis regarding African Americans. I thought I would share some of it.

Dr. Claude Anderson is President of Powernomics Corporation as well as an former assistant Secretary in the US Department of Commerce (appointed by Former President Jimmy Carter). He also served as a special assistant to the 1988 Democratic Convention.  He has authored a book entitled Powernomics.

Anderson puts forth the notion of economic self empowerment for African-Americans.  He indicates some grave economic realities.  2% of African - Americans own their own business. The unemployment rate for blacks is 34%.  In major urban centers such as Detroit, New York and Baltimore, the unemployment rate is as high as 45% - 49%. 57% of our youth are jobless. 45% of black children live below poverty.  In New Orleans the poverty level is 80%.  Black females head 52% of black households.

For those who are employed, 68% to 70% are employed by the government. The remaining 26%-28% work in corporate America, which are downsizing.  Hence Anderson believes that the there are three options for African - Americans: 1) Work 2) Welfare 3) Steal.

Dr. Anderson indicates that African American economic self empowerment begins with our own communities.  For the past thirty years there has been the effort to get away from the black neighborhood.  Without a concentrated base, a black economy cannot develop.  The concept to travel to suburbs and spend black dollars does not benefit African Americans.  Anderson describes this as “major displacement of capital out of the black neighborhood.”

Blacks must take steps to ownership.  Start, own and operate businesses that engage in financial transactions.  The industrial age provided labor intensive job opportunities. Blacks were needed to fill those jobs.  Anderson believes that due to globalization, the question for some is: “What do we do with an obsolete black labor force - comprised of 36 million people?” I believe opportunities persist. For African Americans the question of the 21st century is: How to compete in this new economic environment?

I believe the church can play a role in this new economic paradigm.  There is an opportunity for ministry.  Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu asked the question, “How many people does your church employ?” Black churches own property, receive income on a weekly basis.  On an aggregate basis, the black church is the largest owner of assets of any black entity.  A new agenda is required.  The church can take the lead to revitalize drug infested and crime plagued communities.  Why not put forth an urban renaissance?  A revitalization based upon a black economy.

Here at All Saints we will begin a seminar based on Dr. Anderson’s book Powernomics beginning May 21st.

Pastor Wilbur H. Allen, III

 The 21st century is shaping up to be quite different from the preceding century. The nation’s first African-American President was elected within the first decade of this new century.  A financial crisis that will have far reaching implications well into the future, is expanding it’s sphere of influence.  Technology’s impact on the culture is compelling.

The emergence of an credentialed competent African - American politician will effect the totality of the U. S. population.  The imagery of an African - American family in the White House has already initiated a change in the American consciousness.  The issue of race can no longer be placed in the pseudo past of America.  The current shadowy manifestations, replete with buzz words, must will be confronted and discarded - to fully participate in the global community.

The worst financial crisis of our time will prove to be pivotal in how all citizens make a living and how we compete in the marketplace.  Companies are concentrating on streamlining operations.  Interactions between the buyer and seller is increasingly international in scope.  The traditional job or career of the 20th century is quickly fading into history.  Technology also has accelerated this change.  Hence, to participate in this changing economic environment, one must have the technical skills. (Hit the ground running)

I believe the American standard of living will be altered as well.  During the last twenty years there has been an emphasis on wants.  The needs were taken for granted.  Many have bowed down to the god of materialism.  Let us not forget, it was greed on Wall Street as well on Main street that created this problem.  It will take years for the economy to correct itself.  During the great depression of the 1930’s, twelve years and World War II was required to climb out of that correction.  Many fell from prosperity to poverty.  This current recession is effecting all sectors of the economy. Therefore, prudent personal budgeting will be required.

For many African-Americans 1/20/09 is a watershed date. However this date also marks an new era of challenges as well.  President Obama represents a different type of African - American male.  He is a family man.  He is educated.  He is professional.  He is a bi-culturally competent person.  However, the thug persona has become a celebrated notion within the community.  Such mantras have come forth, “I want a thug”, “thug love”, and the list goes on.  The anti - intellectual notion within the African-American community must be eliminated.  Self imposed second class citizenship is quickly becoming a reality.  The African - American community needs black men who are willing to take on the Obamian image.  Technical African-American males, thinking black men, good fathers and husbands are needed for the 21st century. 

Spirituality is the key to process such rapid changes.  However, it is an imperative that the spiritual exercise does not exclude the existential reality.  To pursue the holiness of God and ignore necessary staples to exist in this world is a doomed effort.  Education, work experience, marketable expertise, bi-cultural competence are attributes that the church must celebrate and empower the laity to pursue.  This new era marks new challenges for the church and her ministry.  Hence, the bride must be prepared spiritually and culturally.   H. Richard Niebuhr put for a work entitled Christ and Culture.  He explores the tension between the church’s relationship with Christ and the world, in which the church is situated in.  Today the church continues to confront this timeless concern.  The pulpit and the pew must grapple with this comparision to maintain it’s relevance.

Of course the point of departure is as stated in Galations 5:16a, “walk in the spirit…”

It is a new day.

Pastor Wilbur H. Allen, III