CLEVELAND — For centuries, the Black church has been the heart of African American culture, offering spiritual guidance and a sense of belonging. Today, it continues to play a vital role, adapting to societal changes and addressing global issues while finding new ways to connect with younger generations.
Rev. Dr. Jawanzaa Colvin, pastor of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland, says the church’s mission is evolving.
“It’s always important when you talk about the Black church to put it in social, historical context,” Colvin said. “Most communities rely on family to be the centerpiece of its society. Black people don’t have that experience. It was the Black church, which was the gathering point, the value-building instrument that, after slavery, we had to rely on even as we were putting our families back together.”
Healing and Hope Post-Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to churches across the world. At Olivet, it meant rethinking how to minister to its congregation while supporting their mental and emotional well-being.
“COVID came out of nowhere,” Colvin said. “It really hastened us leaning into technology in a way we had never done before. Emotionally, I think people are still dealing with the effects of COVID as it created a whole conversation around mental health.”
During lockdowns, the church had to innovate.
“We were saying, when people were worshiping at home, ‘God is everywhere,’” Colvin explained. “But when COVID was over, we wanted to get people back into the church. We had to help people understand that, yes, God is everywhere, but there’s something about gathering. And it’s not just spiritual; it’s emotional. It also helped us realize that our mission has to go deep within the soul and the psyche of people—really touching and connecting with people on the deepest levels.”
Reaching a Younger Generation
Another challenge for the church is engaging with a younger generation that has less loyalty to religious institutions than their predecessors.
“There are young people we see every day that pass by our church, but they may have never been in these doors,” Colvin said. “For us, it’s how do we reach them where they are? That doesn’t always begin simply with a message.”
He emphasized that outreach goes beyond sermons or worship services.
“The ministry of Jesus wasn’t just messages. It was also healing, feeding, communicating, and connecting with people that society oftentimes marginalized,” Colvin said. “Sometimes it’s our feeding ministry, our workforce development programs, or women-in-transition initiatives that first build that connection.”
Addressing Social and Political Issues
The Black church has long been a space to process and respond to societal issues like racial injustice and political upheaval. Colvin says the church’s role remains critical.
“It’s interesting you ask that question,” Colvin said. “The African American church is predominantly comprised of Black women. When you looked at this most recent election, you saw an African American woman rise to a level of political ascendancy we had never seen. So with her loss, there came a great deal of grieving. It was hurtful for the entire community. We use this pulpit and this platform to be present—a space and place for emotional processing.”
Faith for the Future
Looking ahead, Colvin sees faith as essential in navigating the challenges facing communities today.
“We’re going to need a whole lot of it,” Colvin said. “When you think about the environment, the state of political unrest and uneasiness, inequities, and disparities in health and wages—we’re going to need faith to believe that a better future is possible. The future waits for us, but also, we have to work for the future.”
At Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, the voices of the choir rise in hope, healing, and unity—offering a beacon for those seeking guidance and connection in an ever-changing world.
Learn more about worship at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church HERE.