Every February, we celebrate Black History Month. For the church, this is far more than marking a date on the calendar—it is an essential rhythm of our faith. We must remember that Black history is not a footnote to Christian history; it is the heart of it.
The Black church has carried the gospel through the fires of slavery, segregation, and systemic injustice. In hidden "hush harbors" and crowded sanctuaries, believers clung to Jesus when the world refused to acknowledge their humanity. Their faith was not a theory; it was a lifeline. Spirituals were sermons set to music, and prayer meetings were acts of resistance. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Fannie Lou Hamer, and countless local pastors didn't just seek policy change—they spoke from a radical trust in Jesus’ command to love neighbors, seek justice, and walk humbly with God.
The entire Body of Christ has been shaped by this witness.
For pastors, this month is an opportunity for "truth-telling" from the pulpit. It is a chance to lift up stories of faith that inspire courage today, proving that the gospel speaks directly to real life, real suffering, and real hope. For the congregation, this is an invitation to move beyond the headlines. We grow when we listen to the deeper stories, learning how those who came before us lived out the teachings of Jesus in the hardest of times.
True remembrance requires integrity. It is easy to post a quote or sing a song, but it takes spiritual maturity to build real relationships and stand up for the dignity of every person made in God’s image. The church is at its strongest when truth and grace walk together. We tell the truth about injustice, offer grace as we learn, and move forward as one.
This month, consider taking a few intentional steps. Read a book by a Black theologian, share a story of faith and justice in your small group, or teach your children about the spiritual conviction that fueled the civil rights movement. Ask yourself: how does our community truly reflect the welcoming love of Christ?
Black History Month is not separate from our mission; it is part of it. God has worked powerfully through Black believers to strengthen the whole church. As we remember, may we also recommit ourselves to loving God fully and loving our neighbors well.