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As we talk about the true purpose of the church, I would like to ask this question:
In light of the idea that the church's mission is to go out and "make disciples of men" (Mat. 28:19) what does this look like practically ?
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This is the core issue for our church aside from its purpose of "saving souls", which should never be diminished or cast aside as something that is not an important function of the church.
Practically, there is a lot that our church can do, but it will take black churches working together. Churches can band together and build community job training centers (which could train people for better paying jobs) or maybe open a own business within the community and staff it with people living in the surrounding area (i.e. a restaurant, a nice apartment building that would provide good housing for low income people).
Churches could even collaborate with other community organizations and seek out ways to better there surrounding community (i.e. small business administration ).
Practically, there is much we can do.
One thing that we've got to remember is that blacks are not a monolithic group. Many of the core issues that every black person faced years ago (whether rich or poor - from the north or the south) are no longer core issues among us. In years past, blacks united for equal treatment/access because that was something that EVERYONE faced regardless of class or locality. That's not the same today.
This is where my hesitation for the church to become a political platform comes into play. If my church wanted to rally for a particular issue that was in line with God's Word (i.e. abortion) or some other issue that was pertinent to the church (i.e. poverty) then that's great. Or as I stated earlier if the church held a political candidates forum or an economic summit, then that's great.
But when we go into the realm of "Greater New Hope Baptist church supports John Kerry or any other political candidate" then that's where I have a problem.