Our Neighbors Faith
Summer Sermon Series for St. Andrew's and Faith Lutheran by Pastor Doug Givan
*This is not intended to be a complete review of any faith tradition, just notes from me
from a book called “Our Neighbors Faith” from Augsburg Fortress.
African American Methodist/Episcopal Church (AME)
Our African American Christian brothers and sisters gather for worship with a shared praise to God in Christ and to be spiritually fed by the Word. They share a common history of struggle for survival as Africans in American, and a deep sense of kinship. The are deeply aware of the power and promise of God. The preached Word, heard and experienced, allows one in this faith tradition to know “there is a way out of no way” and frees worshippers to celebrate with all
kinds of acts of worship.
Founded by Richard Allen (1760-1831) he was the first Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal church, and grew up as a slave in Philadelphia. Today, the AME church body is really a term for several denominations important to the African American community. They have their roots in the Methodist church (signed Altar and Pulpit Fellowship with the ELCA in 2009). John Wesley, the founder of Methodist church, was known for his anti-slavery statements. Eventually the number of Methodists grew and moved away from opposing slavery. This caused African Americans to move away from this “mother” church and form their own congregations and denominations to allow them to fully participate in the church. The African American Methodist worship service is seen as “spirited” and often will include choirs, gospels, and African hymnody along with instruments, organ/piano and drums.
For more information:
Book: Fortress Intro to Black Church History by Anne/Anthony Pinn, 1998, AME publisher
Website: www.ame-church.com
Website: https://en.m.wikepedia.org
