The Role of the Black Church in Working with Black Adolescents

Six hundred and thirty-five Northern black churches were surveyed regarding the offering of youth support programs. Of these, 176 reported having at least one program directed at adolescent nonmembers of the church, primarily from low-income homes. The most common programs consisted of Christian fellowships, ministry, counseling, group discussions, rap sessions, seminars, and workshops. Sports activities were second in frequency. Least common were AIDS and youth health-related services. It appears the greatest interest in youth programs are in churches that are Methodist, older, middle-class, large in membership, owned or mortgaged, and with more paid clergy and staff. Characteristics of youth-oriented pastors are discussed. Generally, it was found that some of the most prominent issues facing black adolescents are not being adequately addressed by black churches. Suggestions for improving this situation are made as well as citations of promising programs.