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

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)

AAM has been a catalyst for change, community and connection for African American ministry leaders and their churches. It has provided a community within our denomination where we experience growth and affirmation that we are a viable part of the PCA. Through its support and leadership, my wife and I (along with church members new to the PCA) have found community with fellow African Americans with similar struggles and beliefs. I’ve formed lasting and deep relationships with current pastors and emerging leaders.

Howard Brown, Pastor of Christ Central Church (Charlotte, NC)

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)