To Educate, Equip, and Empower: Black Church Sponsorship of Tutoring or Literary Programs

Abstract

The Black Church has a long history of sponsoring youth educational programs. Yet Black students continue to lag behind their White counterparts in academic outcomes. This research note examines; (1) sponsorship of tutoring or literacy programs based on a national sample of 1,863 Black churches across seven denominations and (2) the forms of congregational cultural capital that influence such efforts. Results show denominational differences. Moreover, larger churches as well as those with formally educated leaders and members are more likely to sponsor tutorial or literacy programs. Churches that provide religious and religious-education programs, include gospel rap music during worship, and strive to increase members’ awareness of racial, social, and political issues are also more likely to sponsor these programs. Lastly, although the influence of spiritual dictates varies, churches that more frequently expose members to sermons about personal spiritual growth are also more apt to offer these youth educational programs. Best practices are provided to identify and harness the various forms of church capital found in Black congregations to improve educational outcomes for Black students.

Black Sexual Minority Men’s Disclosure of Sexual Orientation Is Associated With Exposure to Homonegative Religious Messages

“…They have also been sites of health education on topics such as cancer (McNeill et al, 2018) and HIV (Bryant-Davis et al, 2016). In addition, many Black churches provide economic resources and supportive networks for their members who face poverty and racial oppression (Barnes, 2015; Butler-Barnes et al, 2018; Lincoln & Mamiya, 1990). These institutions are cornerstones in many Black Americans’ lives.…”

“Plant my feet on higher ground”: Understanding how Black megachurches create a college-going culture.

“…While the counterstory evidences the capital possessed by leaders and transmitted to youth members and their families to create a college-going culture, my analysis would be incomplete without noting how the unique structure of Black megachurches supported this type and scale of work. Whereas Black churches have historically worked to meet the needs of their communities (Barnes, 2015), the sheer congregation size and building structures characterized by Black megachurches afford them opportunities to secure grants and offer services and programs that address the full educational needs of their youth members (Walton, 2011). Additionally, the political and social connections of senior pastors and members within Black megachurches position them to meet the educational needs of the community (Walton, 2011).…”

“…In addition to these benefits, since their inception, Black churches have placed an emphasis on education (Billingsley & Caldwell, 1991; Park et al, 2020). Black churches have often been great assets to the communities in which they are located, providing resources when schools, libraries, and other social institutions were inadequate (Barnes, 2015; Green-Powell et al, 2011). Many Black churches have received grants and other funding to facilitate after-school and summer programs, where students receive mentoring, tutoring, and other academic enrichment (Green-Powell et al, 2011).…”

Whose Authority? Perceptions of Science Education in Black and Latino Churches

“…Existing work focuses primarily on the “Black Church,” which has historically served as an important cultural institution in the black community (Lincoln and Mamiya 1990; Shelton and Emerson 2012). Indeed, numerous studies illustrate how black churches promote health initiatives (Rowland and Isaac-Savage 2014), political mobilization (Pattillo-McCoy 1998), and educational achievement (Barnes 2015). Educational achievement remains the most relevant here, as scholars (Gaines 2010; McCray et al 2010) argue that religious institutions influence how black students view education and educational achievement, an influence that has traditionally been ignored by many educators as they try to establish authority with black students (Ford and Sassi 2014).…”

“…One common doctrinal commitment for theologically conservative Protestants is literal interpretation of the Bible, a belief that researchers suggest might lead to tension for black students considering STEM degrees (Granger and Price 2007). Therefore, while numerous studies document the role of the ''Black Church'' in promoting positive educational outcomes (Barnes 2015), others argue that the Protestant Christian tenets espoused by black churches might limit educational attainment, particularly in STEM.…”