As some churches move to end livestreamed worship in hopes of boosting in-person attendance and offerings, critics warn the shift risks shrinking membership and excluding congregants who are ill, disabled or unable to attend in person. Advocates of virtual worship argue livestreaming remains a vital tool for outreach, inclusion and growth in an increasingly digital age.
Author Archives: Rev. Dorothy Boulware
Posted inReligion
A pastor wants Black men praying together at sunrise
Amid widespread calls for spiritual renewal, Bishop Kenneth O. Robinson Jr. is urging Black men worldwide to unite in prayer at sunrise on Dec. 1. The 6 a.m. call-in gathering aims to spark revival, foster accountability, and strengthen men’s leadership in families, churches, and communities through DreamLife Worship Center.
Posted inReligion
Viral TikTok: Will Black or White churches feed a hungry baby?
A veteran and mother of an 8-year-old, Nikalie Monroe launched a TikTok experiment during the government shutdown, posing as an impoverished mom seeking infant formula after SNAP benefits ran out. Her recordings of how various churches responded went viral — and after one compassionate Appalachian church stepped up, it received more than $90,000 in donations from around the world.
Posted inPolitics
Reality check: How Black ministers took on Charlie Kirk’s killing
Charlie Kirk, 31, an avowed Christian, White nationalist, and White House insider, had a history of bigoted, racist remarks. Since his assassination, conservatives have compared him to Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., but Black ministers pushed back on that comparison in sermons the Sunday after the murder.
Posted inReligion
As services shrink, churches step up
Black churches across the U.S. are stepping up to fill gaps left by government cutbacks. Across the country, clergy members and congregants are providing food, jobs and essential services to their communities.
Posted inReligion
Rho Alpha Tau: Where co-ed Christian creatives unite
Rev. Stephanie Atkins, a prolific author, founder of Rho Alpha Tau Christian Writers Fraternity & Sorority, and now president of its Lambda Chapter, uses her creativity to empower, educate, encourage, and entertain, while advocating for social justice and racial equality.
Posted inWord In Black
As L.A. burns, Asheville is still recovering from Hurricane Helene
Hurricane Helene has left residents of Asheville, North Carolina facing a reality of grieving and rebuilding, with faith leaders providing support and resources to help them rebuild.
Posted inReligion
Video of church shaming unwed pregnant woman sparks heated backlash
A young woman publicly apologized for her pregnancy outside of marriage and was met with a public shaming by her pastor, raising questions about Black church traditions and shame.
Posted inWord In Black
How to handle grief during the holidays
Dr. Jesaira Glover-Dulin, a licensed counselor, professional coach, and corporate trainer, provides advice on how to cope with grief during the holiday season, emphasizing the importance of communication, consistency, and creative expression, and suggesting ways to support children who are grieving.
Posted inReligion
Watch Night: Escorting the New Year in with prayer
On New Year’s Eve 1862, African Americans gathered in secret to celebrate Watch Night, a tradition of prayer and reflection, as they awaited the Emancipation Proclamation and the promise of freedom.
Posted inReligion
7 Christmas carols that bear a touch of soul
African American artists have contributed to the repertoire of Christmas carols with songs such as “Mary’s Boychild”, “Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow”, “This Christmas”, “Go Tell it On The Mountain”, “Sweet Little Jesus Boy”, and “Jesus. Jesus. Oh, What a Wonderful Child”, which have been recorded and re-arranged numerous times since their inception.
Posted inMusic
10 new Christmas albums to add to your holiday playlist
Jennifer Hudson, Ruben Studdard, CeCe Winans, and Brandy are among the artists who have released new Christmas music, blending gospel, soul, and contemporary worship to deliver fresh takes on beloved holiday classics and original songs.