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A Community Devoted to the Flourishing of African Americans in the PCA

Grow in Community · Mature as a Leader · Shape Our Culture

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Out of over 5,000 teaching elders in the PCA, only 1% are African American.

The lack of representation in leadership is reflected in our pews. The results negatively affect how we experience the PCA.

1%

African American teaching elders

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I spend more time explaining my culture than I do building deep relationships.

I struggle adjusting to the style of worship that is custom in most PCA churches.

I feel more valued as a “quota” than a person with real needs and experiences.

I feel an internal and external pressure to culturally assimilate so I don't feel like an outsider.

I’m often asked for my opinions on matters of race and justice simply because I’m black.

My leadership and fellow church members don’t understand my cultural concerns.

We Understand How African Americans in the PCA Feel

We’re committed to implementing a strategy that unites current African Americans in the PCA, invites those who are outside of our circles, and positions us to thrive and serve well in our local contexts.

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1

Recruit new African American leaders who desire to serve in and outside of the pulpit.

2

Support emerging leaders by connecting them with existing leaders & advocates, regardless of ethnicity.

Carl Ellis

3

Equip leaders through resources that help them effectively lead and minister in their church, work, and community.

4

Mobilize emerging leaders by encouraging them to plant churches, serve locally, or serve on committees in the PCA.

About AAM

The African American Ministries (AAM) seeks to advance the vision of the PCA, which is to “glorify God by extending the kingdom of Jesus Christ over all individual lives through all areas of society and in all nations and cultures.”

To reach “all cultures,” we need the presence, perspective, and influence of African American leaders, as well as churches that welcome them.

AAM aims to catalyze new church plants led by African American elders.We do this by building an influential community of thriving African American leaders and congregants through resources and relationships out of which we recruit, support, and mobilize church planters.

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Testimonials

As a wife and a mom of four, the thought of returning to school to pursue my seminary education was daunting, to say the least. I saw how male students were encouraged in this pursuit, but as a Black female in the PCA, I wondered if the same would hold true for me. I reached out to AAM to seek their counsel. They listened to my concerns and helped me think through options for funding. More than that, they cheered me on in my pursuit, and cast a broader vision for the involvement of African American leaders (both male and female) in the PCA. Connecting with AAM strengthened my commitment to my studies, my church, and my denomination.
Candace Robins, Seminary Student (Jackson, MS)
As a worship leader, I’m always looking for ways to improve and grow. But being at multi-cultural PCA church poses unique situations. I reached out to AAM, and they connected me with two other leaders in my area dealing with the same situation. We chat on a weekly basis now and share challenges, praises and even song ideas! This experience has been above and beyond encouraging. It's been nice to hear about the successes and challenges of others like me. I look forward to our conversations, and this experience has offered me a point of connection that I didn't have before.
Patience Teague, Worship Leader at The Village Church (Huntsville, AL)
I'm extremely grateful for the blessing that AAM has been in my life. It has been an invaluable encouragement to be linked with other leaders from similar backgrounds and in similar situations, and to share in the joys and sorrows of ministry. It’s been a place to sharpen my skills and equip me to serve the African American community. I'm so thankful to be a part of this ministry.
Thurman Williams, Pastor of New City Fellowship - West End (St. Louis, MO)
As a young African American man with little history and few connections in the PCA, I felt called to plant a church that included the rich legacy of the traditional black church, was open to all cultures and classes, and was committed to community development. At first, I didn’t see many churches like that in the denomination. Over time, AAM introduced me to like-minded leaders and similar church models in the PCA. Through their support, I learned how to contextualize my black church experience and passion for justice and development in a cross-cultural Reformed setting.
Ronnie Perry, Pastor/Church Planter of New Song Church (West Palm Beach, Florida)
Being in the PCA for almost 30 years has been a rich blessing in my family’s life. An intricate part of that blessing has been having a relationship with AAM. The love and fellowship of brothers and sisters who share my culture and background has been life-sustaining for my wife and I, which results in our ability to bear fruit in our ministry. To Jesus be the glory!
Kevin Smith, Pastor, New City Fellowship (Chattanooga, TN)

Ready to Get Started?

1

Register with AAM

Tell us about yourself and add your contact information to our database for exclusive rewards and much more.

2

Schedule a Call

An optional 30-minute conversation to learn more the ministry and how you can take full advantage.

3

Attend a Conference

Fellowship with other African American PCA members from across the country or connect with leaders close to home.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Presbyterian Church in America was formed in 1973 to be a denomination that is “Faithful to the Scriptures, True to the Reformed Faith, and Obedient to the Great Commission.” Read more at pcanet.org.

AAM is a ministry of Mission to North America. MNA coordinates church planting, church renewal, and missional partnerships to serve PCA churches and presbyteries in North America in their mission to grow and multiply biblically healthy churches.

Starting new churches is the most effective way to grow the body of Christ and promote gospel renewal. We need PCA churches that will reach all kinds of people, and that will address issues that affect all kinds of communities.

African American PCA teaching elder Carl Ellis says, “Addressing concerns requires new models of the church – models able to appreciate the old traditions yet armed with theology that is biblical, cognitive and applied to addressing legitimate African American cultural core concerns.”

If you are an African American leader who is interested in starting a Church, please register with AAM to let us know.

There are people like you all over the country, and maybe even some in your area at other churches. Tell us where you are so that we can connect you to people and resources. Register with AAM.

The African American Presbyterian Fellowship (AAPF) is a relational body that provides support to pastors, their spouses and emerging leaders (such as interns and seminary students) for the purpose of encouragement and resilience in ministry. Our goal is to create regional fellowships in the following locations: Mid-West (St. Louis), South (Jackson, Alabama, Tennessee), Southeast (Georgia, South & North Carolina), East (Virginia, Maryland, DC, Baltimore).

Please click here to submit a job description.

We are working on a system to both track open positions and develop emerging leaders to become qualified candidates in the future. Give to AAM to support this initiative.

Thanks for asking! When you register with AAM, we’ll present you with specific ways to get involved, including prayer. Also, would you prayerfully consider partnering with us so that we can support leaders and help some of them plant churches?

Give to AAM

Join African American Ministries

Would you like to be a part of African American Ministries? Fill out the form below and tell us more about yourself and receive more information.

Want to learn more about the history of African American Presbyterianism?

Enter your email below and we will send you a digital timeline that highlights African American leaders and events in the PCA.

African American Ministries

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