To Serve This Present Age ─ Social Justice Ministries in the Black Church

At a time when the African American church is increasingly associated with the controversial prosperity gospel, pastors Danielle Ayers and Reginald Williams remind black church leaders of the prophetic call to "do justice." Exploring first the biblical foundations for justice work that goes beyond charity, the authors also recall the storied history of the black church's leadership in the Civil Rights Movement. From there, this practical resource establishes the contemporary need for justice ministries in the congregation and the community. From initiatives of care and education to programs of action and collaboration, discover the transforming impact the church can have on society, culture, and community through diverse social justice ministries. Features Spotlights on real-life ministries and initiatives, as well as two training manual sections, "Doing Justice" and "Our Vote."

DANIELLE L. AYERS is Minister of Social Justice at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Mobilizing more than one-thousand individuals in the Dallas community around the Jena 6 and serving as lead on the Annual Faith Summit on Poverty are just two of the many social justice initiatives in which she has been involved. Ayers holds a Master of Arts degree in Urban Affairs and a certificate in Law and Public Policy from the University of Texas.