Black Church Leaders Release Books on History and Hope for the Future

Three prominent Black church leaders released books in early 2026 that examine the African American church's past and its path forward.

Rev. W. Franklyn Richardson, chair of the Conference of National Black Churches, wrote "Never Lost: The Black Church as God's Ark of the Covenant." Richardson argues that the Black church must include young people in leadership, integrate technology into worship, and stay committed to social justice to keep younger generations engaged.

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church published "Roots of Resilience: Black History Through the Eyes of Faith." Snorton focuses on resilience as the defining quality that has allowed the Black church to survive and advance through centuries of hardship.

Rev. Boise Kimber, president of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc., wrote "Breaking the Stained-glass Ceiling: A Critical Analysis of Women in Ministry in the Black Church." Kimber calls for expanding leadership roles to include more women's voices at every level of church governance.

The three books arrive as the Black church faces questions about its relevance to younger generations. Surveys show that millennials and Generation Z are less likely to attend traditional church services than older generations.

Religion scholars say the books reflect a broader conversation happening inside Black congregations about how to adapt without losing the church's historic identity as a center for community, education, and advocacy.

The Black church remains the largest owner of Black land in America and continues to provide educational and social services in many communities where other institutions are absent.