Blue Ridge Christian News

What's a Christian Black Church–White Church? | Robert Garner

Searching for a church? Black church, white church—which is the best church? The answer is simple: religious self-discrimination should not be found in any Christian congregation.

Worshipping together can lead people to Christ and eternal life. Matthew 18:20 says, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Perhaps that gathering is in a living room, an apartment, or even a conversation with a stranger while shopping. Wherever believers gather in Christ's name, He is present through the Holy Spirit.

The words black and white found in Scripture are not references to racial discrimination among nations, kindreds, people, or tongues. Consider Lamentations 5:10: “Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.” The Strong's Concordance defines the Hebrew word ( ) as becoming hot or scorched.

Likewise, Song of Solomon 1:5 states, “I am black, but comely, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, as the tents of Kedar, as the curtains of Solomon.” Here, black (Strong's ) refers to physical color, while comely (Strong's ) means beautiful or lovely.

What is religious self-discrimination? It is when individuals or groups limit their religious expression or participation because of perceived social, legal, or professional consequences.

The "white stone" mentioned in Revelation has no implication of race. In Revelation 2:17 we read:

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.”

The Greek word translated white (Strong's ) conveys brightness, purity, and holiness. White garments throughout Scripture symbolize the purity of the redeemed soul.

Revelation 1:5 reminds believers:

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.”

Perhaps every church should boldly display a sign reading:

"All Nations, Kindreds, People, and Tongues Welcome Here."

Revelation 7:9, 13–14 describes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before God's throne clothed in white robes, having “washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

I asked artificial intelligence the question:

"What's the difference between a Christian Black Church and a Christian White Church?"

The response included this caution:

"This is a sensitive topic. Racial composition does not determine theology, holiness, or value."

It noted that many predominantly Black churches are known for expressive worship, spontaneous prayer, rhythmic music, and gospel choirs. Many predominantly White churches are often associated with more restrained worship styles, contemporary music, or traditional liturgy. It also observed that there is significant overlap between the two, with both embracing the core doctrines of Christianity. It suggested that Black churches have historically emphasized community, perseverance, and justice, while many White churches have often focused on individual salvation, missions, and doctrinal teaching.

These observations describe broad historical trends rather than fixed rules. Every congregation is unique.

The Apostle Paul warned believers not to elevate one person above another. First Corinthians 4:6 says:

“...that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written... that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”

As this article developed, one conclusion became clear: people attending churches around the world come from every race and background. Rather than becoming entangled in endless debates over which denomination is "best," this article intentionally avoids comparing denominational doctrines. According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, there are more than 45,000 Christian denominations worldwide.

America is also experiencing what many have called a "great dechurching." The book The Great Dechurching: Who's Leaving, Why Are They Going, and What Will It Take to Bring Them Back? by Jim Davis and Michael Graham seeks to address that trend. While the author has not read the book, its subject reflects an important discussion taking place throughout the Christian community.

One recent news report also noted that the U.S. Department of Defense significantly reduced the number of recognized religious preference categories used administratively for military records. Readers are encouraged to research the details from reliable primary sources and understand the distinction between administrative categories and official recognition of religious freedom.

Perhaps the best recommendation for everyone is to look first to God's Word.

Deuteronomy 31:12 declares:

“Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.”

Then the New Testament points us forward through the Gospel.

Acts 15:7 records Peter saying:

“...that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.”

This leads to an important question for every Christian and every church:

Who—or what—is your authority?

First Timothy 3:15 describes “the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.”

Ultimately, however, Christians recognize that truth is found in Jesus Christ Himself.

John 14:6 records His words:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

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