BCM Book List

Edited by Charisse L. Gillett

The paperback edition is available only through Chalice Press.

Too often, African American women leaders are pushed to bend, shrink, or “shift” who they are—especially in the church. Soul Stories cuts through the noise with unapologetic wisdom from trailblazers who lead with fierce faith and unshakeable community. Claim your voice, stand in your calling, and step into the freedom to lead—and flourish—on your own terms.

Soul Stories invites African American women leaders into a space where their gifts are seen, heard, affirmed—and nurtured. In a world where sexism, racism, hierarchical systems, and crooked rooms and pulpits pressure them to shrink or distort themselves, Soul Stories will be a trusted guide. Eleven seasoned church leaders, including Rev. Terri Hord Owens, leader of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), share narratives rooted in faith and family, revealing what it takes not just to survive these structures but to flourish. Gain a clear path forward by recognizing the hidden forces working against your leadership, reclaiming your voice with resilient faith, practice restorative self-care, embrace vulnerability as strength, and building the undefeated village that makes thriving possible. Resistance becomes resilience when African American women lead with prophetic clarity, unshakeable dignity, and a God-given call that no system can silence.

Contributors:

• Rev. Dr. A. Denise Bell
• Rev. Dr. LaTaunya M. Bynum
• Rev. Dr. Nadine Burton
• Rev. Dr. Dara Cobb-Lewis
• Rev. Dr. Monique Crain Spells
• Rev. Joan Bell Haynes
• Rev. Dr. Delesslyn A. Kennebrew
• Rev. Dr. Charisse L. Gillett
• Bishop Valerie Melvin
• Rev. Terri Hord Owens
• Rev. Dr. Christal L. Williams

by Brenda M. Cardwell and William K. Fox, Sr.

The paperback edition is available only through Amazon.com.

With roots stretching to before the Civil War, the National Convocation of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) today serves as the connection between African Americans and the Stone-Campbell Movement. Founders of the African American Convention movement were visionaries, coordinating the opposition to slavery, forced relocation of free African Americans to Africa, and a multitude of social ills. Following emancipation, organizations that later became the National Convocation worked to improve the lives of freed slaves and their descendants. Journey Toward Wholeness: A History of Black Disciples of Christ in the Mission of the Christian Church, chronicles the predecessors of the National Convocation and the movement’s roots and growth through almost three centuries.

By Darryl M. Trimiew

Launching his investigation from H. Richard Niebuhr’s enormously influential The Responsible Self, Trimiew seels to clarify and expand the implications of morally responsible behavior, providing an illuminating and redefining persepctive from the viewpoint of the marginalized–the poor, disenfranchised, the oppressed–whose voices and experiences have been overlooked or ignored in formulation a coherent and cohesive ethical standard.

By Darryl M. Trimiew

The paperback edition is available only through Amazon.com.

Mighty waters, indeed, these powerful and affecting sermons by African-American preachers in the Christian Church(Disciples of Christ). Captured between these covers like dammed-up rivers, these messages are reservoirs of God’s spirit in the world. Held in reserve and ready to burst forth on a dynamo, they spin new human wheels of endeavor, inspiring new converts, ministers, and disciples. African-American readers will immediately recognize the masterful preaching on themes and issues they know well; others will learn new lessons about life and faith. No one who sips from these pure springs will be unmoved.

By Darryl M. Trimiew

The paperback edition is available only through Amazon.com.

Darryl Trimiew examines current and historical debates regarding economic rights. What is our obligation to the poor, and how are economic rights related to civil and political rights? Beginning with the debate that surrounded President Jimmy Carter’s support of economic rights, Trimiew reviews and answers the objections of those who would deny economic rights, and in the process articulates the positions of such figures as Henry Shue, Alan Gewirth, David Hollenbach, and Nicholas Wolterstorff. In addition, he argues that rights based on religion are finally more adequate than those based on purely political grounds. How we as a nation treat the poor goes far towards defining what America is. In this provocative book, Trimiew calls for a renewed obligation to the poor in a way that recognizes the interdependency of economic, political and civil rights.

By Sr. J. O. Wiiliams

By Rev. Dr. Delores Carpenter (Editor), Rev. Nolan E. Williams Jr. (Editor)

The hardcover edition is available only through Amazon.com.

Eight years of inspired work by a committee of more than 30 musicians and pastors, all leaders in African American worship and gospel music, have resulted in this compendium representing the common repertoire of African American churches across the United States. For the first time in an African American hymnal, traditional hymns and songs are notated to reflect performance practices found in the oral tradition of the black church in America. At a time when such traditions are falling victim to modern technology, this book strives to preserve this rich heritage for future generations. Presented are litanies for “Fifty-Two Sundays of Worshipful Celebration” outlining an African American church year, including such special days as Martin Luther King Sunday, Elders’ Day, Mother’s Day, and Men’s Day. Also included are 52 responsive scripture readings from the Old and New Testaments and an extensive index that includes scriptural and thematic cross-references.

By Monique Crain Spells, Luis Gierbolini, Chesla Nickelson, Olivia Updegrove

The PDF is available only through Disciples Home Missions resource website.

Taking inspiration from acclaimed book, The 1619 Project by Nikole Hannah-Jones, “Forward Toward Freedom” offers historical accounts of black experiences in America alongside biblical stories that help illustrate consideration of the following themes: freedom of culture, freedom of body, freedom of mind.

By Monique Crain Spells

The PDF is available only through Disciples Home Missions resource website.

In 2021, Juneteenth became a federal holiday, but it means more than a day off work. As Disciples, we are learners. Take advantage of Juneteenth resources for your congregation. Wisdom makes us stronger and more loving like our God.

By Rev. Derrick L. Perkins, Sr.

The PDF is available only through Disciples Home Missions resource website.

Remembering The Past, Maintaining Courage For The Present & Participating In Hope For The Future.

By Monique Crain Spells

The PDF is available only through Disciples Home Missions resource website.

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration held in the United States and also celebrated in the Western African Diaspora in other nations of the Americas. The celebration honors African heritage in African-American culture, and is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a feast and gift-giving.

By Brenda Cardwell and William Fox, Sr.

The PDF is available only through Disciples Home Missions resource website.

A One Page PDF featuring the significant dates we need to know to celebrate the history of Black Disciples. Adapted from “Journey Toward Wholeness” by Brenda Cardwell and William Fox, Sr.

By Monique Crain Spells (Author) and Elizabeth Clark Ray (Narrator)

The PDF is available only through Disciples Home Missions resource website.

African American History Month

The history of African Americans is weaved into the tapestry of America.

African American History has impacted history of our church, community and world. We give special attention to the lives of African American Disciples who have committed their life and ministry to be a blessing to the entire Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Join us in celebrating Black Disciples History now and always!