Our “Black Church in Detroit” series looks at why some young African Americans attend church on a regular basis, while others are walking away or choosing not to enter the church doors in the first place.

Host Stephen Henderson sits down for a frank conversation with Pastor Ovella Davis of Always in Jesus’ Presence Ministries, Rev. Jonathan Betts Fields from Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, and Bishop Herman Starks of Christ Truth International Ministries of Deliverance. They talk about some of the reasons why a growing number of young people are not involved in the Black church and how congregations, the community and religious leaders can play a role in engaging and empowering youth and young adults.

Pastor Davis points to the loss of unity in the community and the breakdown of the family unit as factors leading to a reduced number of young Blacks going to church. She recalls how parents and grandparents used to make sure children went to church and how that is missing today.  Rev. Fields, who is Youth Minister at Hartford, speaks about the activities and events offered to young people at his church and the need to help the younger generation sift through a variety of messages they are receiving via social media about spirituality and religion. Bishop Starks remarks on how the Black church is no longer the hub of the community for various reasons and young people have so many options and distractions to deal with today.

The three ministers also discuss what is working for the young people who are in church and the importance of listening to their needs and concerns. The group talks about letting the younger generation provide their own understanding of what church is about in order to give them a sense of fulfillment and ownership.