The Role of the Church in Young Black Men’s Lives!

    Many churches have noticed a decline in attendance among young Black men (roughly 16–24), and the reasons are layered — some cultural, some institutional, and some generational. Here are some key factors often cited in research, surveys, and community discussions:

1. Generational Shift in Faith & Spirituality

·      Nationally, younger generations across all races are less likely to attend church than their parents. The rise of the “nones” (those with no religious affiliation) is most substantial among Gen Z and Millennials. 

·      Many young Black men say they still believe in God, but they view spirituality as personal, not tied to church structures. 

2. Relevance & Representation

·      Some feel churches don’t address their daily realities: systemic racism, police encounters, unemployment, mental health, and identity struggles. 

·      They may see sermons focused on tradition, morality, or politics instead of guidance for navigating the challenges they face as young Black men. 

3. Masculinity & Church Culture

·      Church spaces in some traditions are perceived as more welcoming to women, children, and elders, but not to young men.

·      Some young men say they don’t see strong male mentorship or leadership that resonates with them, or they feel the church expects a kind of vulnerability they aren’t comfortable with.

4. Distrust of Institutions

·      Broader distrust of institutions (government, schools, even religious organizations) runs deep.

·      Scandals, church politics, or leaders seen as disconnected from the community can discourage engagement.

·      Some also perceive churches as too tied to money or as judgmental rather than supportive.

5. Competition for Time & Identity

·      Sports, jobs, school, and social media occupy a significant portion of their lives. Sundays are often workdays for those in hourly jobs.

·      Online communities, music, and peer groups often provide a sense of belonging that churches once offered.

·      Some associate the church with their parents’ or grandparents’ generation and see it as old-fashioned or restrictive.

6. Unanswered Questions & Doubt

·      Young people often wrestle with questions about justice, suffering, race, gender, and sexuality.

·      If their doubts are dismissed rather than engaged, they may walk away.

·      For Black young men in particular, unanswered questions about racism and God’s role in their struggles can create distance.

7. Alternative Sources of Purpose.

·      Social justice movements, community groups, or even online platforms sometimes fill the role of giving meaning and mission. 

·      Instead of seeing the church as the primary site of community leadership (as in past generations), they look elsewhere. 

But it’s not all in decline.

Many churches have created authentic mentorship programs, job pipelines, safe spaces for men to discuss their concerns, youth-centered worship styles, and relevant discussions on race, justice, and identity. Young Black men do show up — and stay.

Here are a few examples of what’s working.

1. The Brotherhood at The Potter’s House (Dallas, TX – Bishop T.D. Jakes)

·      Offers male-focused mentoring, life skills workshops, and brotherhood groups.

·      Connects biblical teachings with real-world issues such as employment, leadership, and relationships.

·      Uses conferences and media that appeal to younger men through music, culture, and honest conversation.

2. New Birth Missionary Baptist Church (Stonecrest, GA – Pastor Jamal Bryant)

·      Runs programs addressing incarceration, job training, and reentry — speaking directly to the struggles of young Black men.

·      Youth events often blend hip-hop culture, social justice activism, and spiritual teaching.

·      Creates spaces where young men see leaders who look like them and talk about their lived experiences. 

3. The Men’s Ministry at Alfred Street Baptist Church (Alexandria, VA)

·      Offers mentorship, college scholarships, and networking for young Black men.

·      Partners with HBCUs and community organizations to prepare high school and college-aged men for leadership.

·      Uses forums where young men can ask raw questions about faith, race, and manhood without judgment.

4. Impact Church (Atlanta, GA – Olu Brown, founder)

·      Known for attracting Millennials and Gen Z with innovative worship styles, modern music, and tech-driven services.

·      Places emphasis on mental health, entrepreneurship, and service projects — issues young Black men care about.

·      Welcomes men into leadership early rather than asking them to “wait until they’re older.”

5. Young Men’s Ministry at Abyssinian Baptist Church (Harlem, NY)

·      A historic church that ties faith directly to Black empowerment and activism.

·      Runs mentoring programs and workshops on education, career, and personal development.

·      Uses the church’s history of social justice to connect young Black men with a larger mission.

6. The Manhood Development Program (Oakland, CA – linked with schools & churches).

·      Though school-based, it’s heavily church-supported.

·      Helps young Black men learn about history, leadership, and brotherhood in a safe and affirming space.

·      Participants have shown reduced dropout rates and stronger academic performance.

7. Hip-Hop Ministries & Urban Church Plants.

·      Some churches utilize hip-hop culture, spoken word, and graffiti art as forms of worship.

·      These ministries resonate deeply with young men who feel traditional church culture doesn’t reflect them.

·      They also tackle real-world issues, including police brutality, fatherhood, financial literacy, and identity.

Common denominators with these and your churches are:

·      Mentorship & Brotherhood: Older men intentionally guiding younger ones.

·      Relevance: Tackling issues of race, economics, justice, and manhood directly.

·      Cultural Connection: Using music, style, and language that reflect young men’s worlds.

·      Practical Help: Job pipelines, scholarships, mental health resources, reentry support.

·      Leadership Opportunities: Not just asking them to sit in the pews, but to lead projects, ministries, and conversations.

In short, where churches meet young Black men in their reality — not just in tradition — they show up.

As a community, it's worth considering if we are truly supporting our youth as best as we can. I sometimes feel like I could do more. I admit that I fall into stereotypes when I see them, and I don’t always take the time to understand what they’re going through. I can sense their frustration just from their gestures, tones, and looks. Sadly, I realize I’m not in the close-knit village of the past that played a part in raising each other’s children. 

When it comes to reaching young Black men (16–24), some church models are thriving, while others are struggling. Here’s what works vs. what fails:

Some Models Succeed, why?

1. Authentic Mentorship

·      Churches that intentionally pair young men with older brothers/fathers in the faith create bonds of trust.

·      These mentors walk with them through school, work, and personal struggles, not just “church stuff.”

Example: Churches’ scholarships & mentoring programs.

2. Relevance & Real Talk

·      They don’t shy away from tough topics: racism, police brutality, masculinity, mental health, sexuality, and money struggles.

·      They connect biblical principles to real life, rather than remaining abstract.

Example: Many churches focus on reentry programs for young men leaving incarceration.

3. Cultural Connection

·      They embrace hip-hop, spoken word, social media, and fashion, rather than condemning them.

·      Worship feels alive, not stuck in another era.

Example: A few churches are using hip-hop culture to attract young men.

4. Opportunities to Lead

·      They don’t tell young men, “wait until you’re older.” Instead, they let them plan events, lead discussions, play music, and run projects.

·      This gives ownership — not just attendance.

Example: Impact Church’s practice of giving Gen Z/ Z/Millennials leadership early.

5. Practical Support

·      Career workshops, job pipelines, scholarships, mental health counseling, and entrepreneurship training.

·      These help young men build futures, not just “get saved.”

Example: Brotherhood and Front Liners at churches with job/life skills programs.

6. Community & Brotherhood

·      They create spaces for male bonding without judgment.

·      Sports, retreats, barbershop talks, safe spaces to be vulnerable.

·      This builds trust and keeps them connected.

Why Some Models Fail

1. Overly Judgmental Atmosphere

·      Churches that hammer on sin without offering hope or solutions drive young men away.

·      Especially harmful when they feel singled out for how they dress, talk, or live.

2. Irrelevance to Daily Life

·      When sermons focus solely on tradition, prosperity, or abstract theology, young men tend to disconnect.

·      They want answers to their reality, not just rules.

3. Lack of Male Role Models

·      If they don’t see men their age or older leading, serving, and thriving in the church, they assume it’s not for them.

·      Many Black churches are majority female in participation and leadership roles (outside the pulpit), leaving young men feeling out of place.

4. Church Politics & Hypocrisy

·      When leaders compete for power, money, or reputation, young men may begin to view the church as just another flawed system, similar to others they are familiar with.

·      They crave authenticity, and hypocrisy is a dealbreaker.

5. Failure to Adapt to Culture

·      Refusing to embrace technology, social media, modern music, or new ways of worship creates a disconnect.

·      Gen Z lives online — if the church isn’t there, it becomes invisible to them.

6. No On-Ramp for Newcomers

·      Some churches expect young men to “show up and fall in line.”

·      Without intentional outreach, discipleship, or small groups, they slip out unnoticed.

The Bottom line is:

Many successful churches recognize young Black men as partners, not projects. They walk alongside them, empower them, and truly listen. On the other hand, churches that face challenges might overlook them, talk down to them, or hesitate to make necessary changes.

 

 

Young Black Youth Face Many Challenges!

Challenges faced by our Black Youth can be tough, but together, we can find ways to support and uplift them. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward creating a more inclusive and caring community where every young person feels valued and empowered.

This is a topic that has been quite eye-opening, extending beyond the political upheaval, and it has been equally eye-opening for me. I’ve been eager to learn more about this issue on a national level rather than just locally. There are many interconnected challenges facing young Black men (ages 16-24) across the U.S., impacting them socially, economically, legally, educationally, and psychologically. Below is a summary of the research and data, along with some of the underlying causes and potential responses. 

1. Higher rates of “disconnection” (not in school, not working, or training).

·      Studies find a sizable number of young people aged 16-24 are disconnected (neither working nor in school), and Black youth are overrepresented in this group. ([Brookings][1]) 

·      Employment among Black male teens is particularly low. For instance, one report notes that among Black males ages 16-19, only about 1 in 5 are employed — a decline from past decades. ([CLASP][2]) 

2. Educational gaps and high dropout/low graduation rates.

·      Black male students often face higher rates of absenteeism, suspension, and dropping out, which lowers their chances of graduating high school on time. ([Stanford News][3]) 

·      College enrollment, retention, and completion rates lag behind those of many Black males relative to their peers. ([MKE Fellows][4]) 

3. Economic hardship and joblessness.

·      Unemployment and underemployment are more common among young Black males; the gap between Black youth and white youth in employment is large and persistent. ([CEPR][5]) 

·      Poverty and low family income are often significant obstacles. This intersects with limited access to resources like reliable transportation, technology, mentoring, etc. ([SRCD][6]) 

4. Exposure to violence, premature deaths, and health risks. 

·      Rates of homicide among Black males aged 15-24 are alarmingly high. Suicide is also a concern. These are not just statistics; they reflect deep trauma and a public health crisis. ([SAGE Journals][7]) 

·      Mental health issues, including depression, are exacerbated by discrimination, economic stress, limited access to mental health services, and stigma. ([The Conversation][8]) 

5. Discrimination, systemic barriers, and identity/psychosocial issues. 

·      Black males frequently report discrimination in schools, in the labor market, in dealings with law enforcement, etc. This shapes how they see themselves and their expectations. ([The Conversation][8]) 

·      There are issues around masculinity, identity, societal expectations, and sometimes a lack of mentorship or representation. These can contribute to feelings of marginalization or disconnection. ([Stanford Graduate School of Education][9]) 

Underlying causes or contributing factors. The challenges are not from lack of desire or ability, but often structural: 

·      Historical and institutional racism – in housing, education, criminal justice, and employment. These have downstream effects over generations.

·      Under-resourced schools – many Black youths attend schools with fewer resources, less access to advanced courses, experienced teachers, or support services. Disciplinary practices (suspension, etc.) disproportionately impact Black male students. ([Stanford News][3]) 

·      Economic inequality and poverty – growing up in poverty brings more barriers: food insecurity, unstable housing, less access to health care, less opportunity for enrichment, etc. 

·      Criminal justice system involvement – disproportionate policing, arrests, incarceration, or just arrests that may disrupt lives, even if they don't lead to lengthy sentences. This can lead to reduced future employment opportunities, lower educational attainment, and diminished trust in institutions. 

·      Mental health stigma and limited access to care – Black young men may face cultural stigma around seeking help, fewer culturally competent providers, cost and logistical barriers, etc. 

·      Social environment – neighborhood effects (violence, lack of safe spaces, limited recreation/mentoring), family stress, role models, peer pressure, etc. 

·      Some positive interventions & what works. There are also many promising efforts and proven interventions that help: 

·      Programs like “Manhood Development” in Oakland, which are culturally relevant and incorporate mentorship, social-emotional learning, and history/relevance in schooling, have shown reductions in dropout rates. ([Stanford Graduate School of Education][9]) 

·      Mentorship, positive role models, and programs that connect young Black men to employment, apprenticeships, or training.

·      Community-based efforts include safe “third spaces” (places outside the home/school), youth programs, and college prep resources.

·      Policy interventions include more equitable funding for schools, reform of disciplinary practices, criminal justice reform, and enhanced economic support for families. 

·      Mental health services that are accessible and culturally responsive. 

What’s at stake? If these patterns continue:

·      It can lead to greater economic disempowerment and inequality. 

·      Increased social and health costs: mental health, violence, and incarceration. 

·      Lost human potential — many young people who could contribute in huge ways don’t get the support or chance. 

·      Strained communities: family instability, intergenerational effects. 

However, there is also potential for change — focusing resources, policies, and community engagement can make a real difference.

Sources:

[1]: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/employment-and-disconnection-among-teens-and-young-adults-the-role-of-place-race-and-education "Employment and disconnection among teens and young adults: The role of place, race, and education | Brookings."

[2]: https://www.clasp.org/publications/report/brief/feel-heat-unrelenting-challenge-young-black-male-unemployment"Feel the Heat! The Unrelenting Challenge of Young Black Male Unemployment | CLASP." 

[3]: https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2019/10/access-program-black-male-students-lowered-high-school-dropout-rates"Access to program for black male students lowered dropout rates | Stanford Report."

[4]: https://www.mkefellows.com/the-need "The Need.“| MKE Fellows 

[5]: https://www.cepr.net/report/high-joblessness-for-black-youth-more-than-500000-jobs-are-needed "High Joblessness for Black Youth: More Than 500,000 Jobs are Needed - Center for Economic and Policy Research."

[6]: https://www.srcd.org/research/addressing-inequities-education-considerations-black-children-and-youth-era-covid-19 "Addressing Inequities in Education: Considerations for Black Children and Youth in the Era of COVID-19 | Society for Research in Child Development SRCD."

[7]: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0021934719895999 "Premature Deaths of Young Black Males in the United States - Sharon D. Jones-Eversley, Johnny Rice, A. Christson Adedoyin, Lori James-Townes, 2020."

[8]: https://theconversation.com/black-men-face-high-discrimination-and-depression-even-as-their-education-and-incomes-rise-141027 "Black men face high discrimination and depression, even as their education and incomes rise."

[9]: https://ed.stanford.edu/news/access-black-male-achievement-program-lowered-student-dropout-rates-stanford-led-study-finds "Access to Black male achievement program lowered student dropout rates, Stanford-led study finds | Stanford Graduate School of Education "

Happy 13th Anniversary, ALI!

 Thirteen years ago today, I shared a story on this blog about finding spring in the fall on an elevator. I won't go into all the details, but we got married four years later—and we’re still happily together! Happy anniversary, my love! I love you!