As I look back, I realize that we have lost so much because we have lost our sense of community and replaced the church with other things. What happened? Did we give up those things we cherished for the sake of progress? I certainly don't believe the exchange was worth it.

by Dr. Henry Johnson

It takes a village to raise a child. We often use and hear the African Proverb - “It takes a whole village to raise a child”. This proverb holds a great truth because a child needs as many people as possible in their life to provide guidance, discipline, education, and encouragement in addition to and reinforcing what the parents are doing. This proverb however, assumes that the people in the village are living right. If the people in the village aren't living right, it effects the whole village including the children and generations to come.

I can remember growing up in Colorado Springs on the north side of town. We lived at 607 East St. Vrain. On that street their was a mixed culture over numerous races. In spite of the mixed cultures and races, there was a bond. The adults in the homes knew the children who lived on the block and in the area. These adults didn't mind correcting us and letting our parents know they corrected us. As a child, I got angry because these people would correct me and call my parents but, as I look back, I praise God for each of them. Even though they weren't my parents, these adults wanted to see me become a man of integrity. It was as though I was an investment, and they wanted to be a part of the pay off. The street I lived on had a sense of community. There was a genuine interest on everyone's part to make sure the area was safe, clean, and respectable. In the community, you could find a church to meet your needs. The church for many of us was the center of the community, the center of family life.

In my neighborhood, we would walk to Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. As we walked, there were adults who knew our parents and they would make sure we were acting right. If not, they didn't mind correcting us, nor did they fear reprisals from our parents for doing so— which is the reason many of us hesitate to correct errant behavior these days.. The church offered activities to meet our needs. The Pastor and leaders of the church knew each of us by name as well as our friends who came to church with us. The Pastor didn't have to beg anyone to work with the Youth because people wanted to be a part of our lives. They wanted to be a part of developing the potential God had placed in us. I can remember as early as nine or ten years old, some of those youth workers and church mothers said, “Boy, one day you are going to be a preacher!” I don't know what they saw, but they saw it and planted the seeds to help me. Even though it took about thirty years for the seed to produce the plant, they saw it. The church was a place of peace. I know there had to be arguments and mess in the church, but children never knew it. We were ministered to each time we came to church as though there was no better place in the neighborhood— no better place on earth— than the church. Most of us felt there was no better place in our lives because we felt loved and accepted in the church.

As I look back,

I realize that we have lost so much because we have lost our sense of community and replaced the church with other things. My heart grieves over this loss. I miss those days because the village was a healthy place to live. The village was a place that people cared about one another. The village was a place were children were valued and nurtured. The village was a place that families existed and extended families were cultivated.

The village was a place where the church had a prominent position. The church was more than a place you went on Sunday: it was the place where you could go seven days a week and there would be something to meet your needs. The church was a place where all were accepted, loved, and nurtured. The Pastor's word was better than money. He could go to court and the judge would show him honor as a man of God. The Pastor could speak on your behalf and the judge would release the person to the custody of the Pastor.

Back in the day, there wasn't any drive by shooting or senseless violence because the families wouldn't allow that sort of foolishness. What happened? Did we give up those things we cherished for the sake of progress? I certainly don't believe the exchange was worth it. Moving on up by means of moral and spiritual decline can't be worth it. Our babies are having babies. Drugs and violence seems to be everywhere. In some cases, parents don't want to be parents. They would rather have an abortion or kill their child. Adults are not willing to correct children for whatever reason. The church is no longer the center of the community. This is a clear statement that God is not valued in the community as a result the community is in trouble.

Since the village is in trouble, there is only one solution if the village wants to get well. The solution is to turn back to God (2 Chronicles 7:14). The church must become the center of the community. It must develop programs to meet the needs of the community. Children must be valued. Parents must be equipped, empowered and supported so they can raise their children. The Pastor and leaders of the church must get more involved in the community rather than having their own little corner and comfort zones. The people of God must stand against the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11) and take back what the devil has taken. We have the authority over the devil, so what are we waiting for? It's time for us to stand up for the cause of Christ and make the village a place where He dwells, where He rules and where He abides. Where His love is spread. We can do this one person at a time if each one of us will reach out to someone in love. With only a little courage, a little commitment, and a little faith, God can empower each of us to move beyond our comfort zone and make our community the village it once was and can be again.

Just Keeping It Real!

Reverend Dr. Henry Johnson
30 October 2002
doctorj@praisenet.org
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