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June 21, 2023

”Church Health” - Reviving Our Roots and Strategies for the Black Church of Tomorrow

”Church Health” - Reviving Our Roots and Strategies for the Black Church of Tomorrow

Buckle up for an exciting and enlightening episode as host D-Rich engages in a dynamic conversation with the remarkable Rev. Lakesha Womack, Rev. JerQuentin Sutton, Rev. Carline Brown, and Dr. Chelece Brown. Together, they unveil groundbreaking strat...

Buckle up for an exciting and enlightening episode as host D-Rich engages in a dynamic conversation with the remarkable Rev. Lakesha Womack, Rev. JerQuentin Sutton, Rev. Carline Brown, and Dr. Chelece Brown. Together, they unveil groundbreaking strategies aimed at transforming the future of Black churches.

 

Gone are the days when the church solely served as a social hub for the Black community. Rev. Lakesha Womack passionately asserts that the true essence lies in theological engagement—helping individuals grapple with real-life issues. It's not about superficial changes like logos or fancy effects, but rather about empowering people to navigate the adversities they face, both spiritually and practically.

 

To usher in a brighter future, Black churches must evolve beyond traditional norms. By shining a light on mental health, social justice, and financial literacy, church leaders can become beacons of support for their congregations. It's time to address spiritual abuse, collaborate with faith-based organizations, and uplift entrepreneurial endeavors within the community. Together, these efforts will guide the Black community toward diversity, justice, and economic empowerment.

 

Get ready for an empowering journey as these visionary leaders illuminate the path toward a more inclusive and equitable future for Black churches. Tune in to discover the transformative strategies that will shape the destiny of the Black community. The revolution starts now!



Quotes

• “It's not about getting a logo or taking the altar out of the church or turning off the lights and bringing in fog machines. It's about, how do you really help people wrestle theologically with the issues that they're dealing with.” (11:25-11:37 | Rev. Womack) 

• “The solution is talking about trauma within the church, because there's a lot of trauma, especially with churches in urban communities.” (14:50-14:56 | Dr. Brown)

• “When the church is able to forgive someone who has strayed, it helps us to understand reconciliation and solidarity with the poor and the oppressed.” (30:04-30:16 | Rev. Sutton) 

• “A lot of people say, ‘I'm a Christian’. But, when they say they're a Christian, what I've come to realize through therapy is that they may not have a relationship with Jesus.” (36:01-36:14 | Rev. Brown)

 

Links


Rev. Carline Brown

 

Rev. JerQuentin Sutton

 

Rev. Lakesha Womack

 

Dr. Chelece Brown



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Rev. LaKesha WomackProfile Photo

Rev. LaKesha Womack

Author | Minister | Entrepreneur

Rev. LaKesha Womack is the Founder of Rethinking Church Strategies, a social impact community to equip faith-based leaders with tools to rethink how they engage their congregations and communities. She is also the published author of 20 books and an advocate for economic justice.

Rev. JerQuentin SuttonProfile Photo

Rev. JerQuentin Sutton

Reverend JerQuentin Sutton, M.Div.
Reverend Sutton is married to Diane Sutton and has two beautiful children, Spencer and Isabella. After graduating from Irvington High School, he attended and graduated from Kean University and received a Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Reverend Sutton advocates for social justice and is a Life member of kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Incorporated.
Reverend JerQuentin Sutton, Pastor of the Lebanon Baptist Church (Westwood), Reverend Sutton was installed as the full-time pastor of Lebanon Baptist Church, Westwood, NJ in November 2011is also attending Howard University School of Divinity, pursuing a Doctoral degree. Reverend Sutton currently host and produce his weekly radio show, called The New Day Show since 2011. Reverend Sutton can be heard live every Sunday from 6pm-8pm at www. wrsu.rutgers.edu.. In addition Reverend Sutton also serves as the Executive Director of the Lebanon Baptist Church, CDC. Reverend Sutton has made an indelible impression on the Westwood community, the nation, and the world because he believes in providing sound, practical teaching and keen opportunities to edify the Kingdom of God. His ministry is centered on prayer, dynamic worship, study and fellowship. Reverend Sutton has enthusiastic love for Jesus and selfless love of people. Reverend Sutton is committed in letting his light shine so that men and woman may see his good works but glorify God.

Dr. Chelece BrownProfile Photo

Dr. Chelece Brown

Therapist/Social Worker

Dr. Chelece-Atavia Brown, CEO/Founder of “Just Be, LLC” is a native of Teaneck NJ. She
is a licensed Social Worker/Therapist and has 6+ years of experience working with children,
adolescents, and adults diagnosed with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and
developmental/intellectual disabilities. Dr. Brown is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive
Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Dr. Brown is a certified facilitator in Teen Mental
Health First Aid by the National Council of Well-Being. She graduated with her bachelor’s
Dr. Brown is passionate about Implementing
Trauma Informed programs in African American Congregations and dispelling stigma about
mental health. She empowers others by reminding them they are made in the image of Christ. Her slogan “Jesus Cares About Your Trauma” from 1Peter 5:7 “Cast your cares on him because he cares for you,” is used to assist others as they heal from the pain of their past and journey forward to their future. Dr. Brown’s goal is to provide a safe space for others to “be, feel,
and become.”