Persistence in the Face of Change: Patterns of Community Service in Urban African-American Churches

Abstract

Once considered “social buffers” against the economic hardship created by segregation and neglect, churches that serve urban African-American communities today continue to engage in a wide array of programs. However, as both residents and church members relocate beyond the urban core, these congregations must respond to the changing demands of urban residents while preserving the loyalty and support of increasing numbers of commuting members. What does the service portfolio of such churches look like, especially in the throes of such residential change? And how does the mix of services offered by African-American congregations compare with all other urban congregations? This paper focuses on data from 117 congregations that serve African Americans in a Midwestern metropolitan region that has undergone serious disinvestment and population loss.