Author Praises History of African American Church

Author praises history of African-American church
(http://www.post-trib.com/news/neighbors/1411040,suffering.article)

February 5, 2009

By Janna Odenthal
Post-Tribune correspondent

CROWN POINT -- Members of Bethel Church in Crown Point were encouraged to expand their cultural horizons recently when thinking about the Christian faith.

Author Robert Kellemen came to the church on Broadway to speak about the history of the African-American church and about his book "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African-American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

Kellemen was raised in Gary, where he developed a passion for multiculturalism. He spoke about his realization that the public knows little of the social contributions of the African-American church. He said his desire is to "unbury" its legacy.

Herb Devine of Crown Point attended with his wife, Rhonda.

"I think it's really important to know the historical context of different cultures," Devine said. "I think that's what it takes to break down barriers in Christ."

The presentation included vignettes on African-Americans in church history. Kellemen spoke of slavery, giving examples of several slaves who gained freedom and went on to make significant contributions to Christianity.

"My desire tonight is that everyone will be able to fight sin better because of their example," said Kellemen. "They didn't have a GPS (global positioning system) to follow the North Star, only a physical North Star. Jesus Christ became symbolic as their spiritual north star."

Kellemen told of African-American spiritual leaders throughout history.

-- Lemuel Haynes fought for theological standards.

-- Daniel Alexander Payne, an African-American educator and author during the Jim Crow era, motivated Rosa Parks by standing up for justice.

-- Zilpha Elaw modeled spiritual friendship by starting a school for black girls.

-- Author Maria Stewart reminded black women that they were formed in God's image.

Kellemen paused for a moment of silence. He asked those attending to reflect upon which character quality they would like to incorporate into their lives. He encouraged them to be thankful for the examples set before them.

Cherry Hoffner of Cedar Lake said the program was inspiring.

"I was encouraged by the examples --their faith and tenacity," Hoffner said.

Steve Fuentes of Merrillville said he would like to build bridges in the Christian community.

"Churches are multiracial, but not multicultural,"?he said. "Having a better understanding of their history and church is going to help me reach across racial lines."

At a glance

For more information about Robert Kellemen and RPM Ministries, call 662-8138 or visit the Web site www.rpmministries.org.