A once-small Atlanta congregation led by Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell has grown from fewer than 200 attendees in 2023 to about 6,000 weekly worshippers, with young adults lining up before dawn for its intense worship services and unapologetically direct preaching. Many say Mitchell’s authenticity, raw storytelling, and uncompromising calls to repentance meet a hunger for spiritual depth among young Christians seeking more than feel-good messages.
Category: Religion
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 inObituaries
AME Bishop Reginald Jackson, a stalwart civil and social justice advocate, dies at 71Â
By Chianti Marks AFRO Intern The Black faith community, civil rights and justice advocates and supporters and well-wishers from around the world are mourning the loss of Bishop Reginald Jackson, a respected prelate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Jackson died Nov. 25 at the age of 71. “With profound sorrow, the Jackson family announces […]
Posted inReligion
Keep your head to the sky and… give thanks!
Angelique Walker-Smith is senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World. This week, she speaks on finding inspiration and encouragement in troubled times.
Posted inBaltimore News
Associated Black Charities announces the state of Black America: A national virtual revival for faith leaders, activists and community
Associated Black Charities will host a national virtual revival that will unite faith leaders, activists and community members in a call for renewed purpose and justice. Attendees nationwide will join ABC in renewing their commitment to justice and will answer a collective call to action for a more equitable future.
Posted inBaltimore News
A legacy remembered; a future inspired: Delta Lambda’s Annual Fall Concert at the Basilica
Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha hosted its Annual Fall Concert at the historic Baltimore Basilica, uniting more than 150 singers and musicians for a powerful celebration of sacred music and cultural heritage. The event honored the legacy of the late Dr. Kirk P. Gaddy Sr. and showcased the chapter’s commitment to uplifting future leaders through its Beautillion Scholars Program.
Posted inINTERNATIONAL
Pope calls on kidnappers in Nigeria to free 265 students and teachers after 50 pupils escape
Fifty of the more than 300 students and staff abducted from a Catholic school in Niger state have escaped, as Pope Leo XIV urged the immediate release of the 265 victims still in captivity amid growing alarm over Nigeria’s persistent mass kidnappings. Officials and analysts say weak security responses and a lack of consequences continue to fuel ransom-driven attacks across northern Nigeria, even as the government vows not to relent in securing hostages.
Posted inReligion
Pioneering UMC Bishop Violet L. Fisher leaves a lasting legacy at 86
Bishop Violet L. Fisher, the first African American woman elected bishop in the United Methodist Church’s Northeastern Jurisdiction, died Nov. 17 at age 86. A barrier-breaking leader and lifelong educator, she is remembered for her trailblazing ministry, global service, and enduring impact on women, Black clergy, and faith communities across generations.
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 inMusic
Maurette Brown Clark reflects on faith, music and finding her true calling
Gospel singer Maurette Brown Clark opens up about her journey from a traditional career path to answering God’s call through music. From her early doubts to a Stellar Award-winning career and a bold new season of freedom, Clark shares how faith shaped her voice and vision for the future.
Posted inWord In Black
As SNAP benefits stall, Black churches step up to feed America
As the government shutdown halts SNAP benefits for millions of Americans, Black churches across the country are stepping up to fill the gap. Congregations like New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia and Open Altar Ministries in Virginia are expanding food programs, feeding thousands, and demonstrating the Black Church’s long tradition of community care. With food insecurity disproportionately affecting Black households, faith leaders are mobilizing resources, donations, and volunteers to ensure no family goes hungry.
Posted inBUSINESS
Pastor Jamal Bryant launches digital protest of Dollar General
Pastor Jamal Bryant has launched an electronic protest of Dollar General, calling attention to the company’s practices in Black communities. Bryant says the chain contributes to health disparities and food insecurity. Rather than call for a full boycott, he is urging a digital protest to demand change without harming those who rely on the store.