(The Black Church has historically been a source of hope and strength for the African American community.)
Call And Response With-In The Black Church!
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Call and response did NOT originate with the Black Church. But it has been part of our culture for many generations. In fact did you know that the enslaved blacks used call and response as a form of communication--be it on Sunday morning, when preachers called "exhorts" would bring the message of God, or in day-to day communication when they would sing hymns to one another. This form of communication became very important as it was used to plan escapes via the Underground Railroad or whatever. They would plan escapes from slavery to the North, or even to Canada. One slave would begin to sing a song like, "Crossing the River Jordan." The others would respond with an answer verse. A perfect example of this is "Wade in the Water." It can be sung this way: Wade in the Water, Wade in the Water, children, Wade in the Water...
In the church I grew up in we had a preacher/teacher who was very loud with his preaching. Now if the pew sitters felt that he was speaking directly to them by the unction of the Holy Spirit, someone might answer him back with:
Help 'em Lord!
Well?
That's All Right!
Amen!
Glory Hallelujah!
Note in this video how the congregation responds to the preacher. Also note how the preacher's very presentation style makes room for the audience response. He pauses between phrases to make room for the congregation. In this way the pastor knows his congregation is "feelin'" him, or connecting with him. They are understanding him, and they are also getting how he wants it to apply to their lives.
Good post. Call and response does indeed come from the African culture where the listener in an active part of any discourse. In some cultures, responses like the "amen corner" would be considered rude. In the African tradition, not to respond would be considered rude or inattentive. It's expected. That's right Miss Ann.
Its gets to be ugly if some don't agree. Why not just do what you do and allow others to do. What they do. I don"t find it necessary to yell all through the service. I need to focus and understand what the speaker is saying.
My church is not "black" per se, but we say Amen after almost every sentence of the speaker. This is based on Paul's word in I Corinthians 14, where he argued that speaking or praying in plain words was more beneficial than using the gift of tongues. Verse 13 says, "Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how shall he who fills the place of the unlearned in tongues say the Amen at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?"
Thank you for sharing this important historical and cultural context regarding the origins of call and response in African American culture. It is true that call and response has been an integral part of the African American experience for many generations, including during the time of slavery when it was used as a form of communication and expression.
R eader, the video posted below was from a large rally in Orlando, Fl at the UCF CFE Arena, March 6, 2016, of Paula White endorsing Donald Trump. Why support someone like Trump and you Pastor a multicultural church? Trump has disrespected Blacks, Hispanics, and woman. This really baffles me about Paula White. Somebody's definitely listening to an evil spirit saying Trump is born again. As Jesus said, "You will know a tree by its fruit". Anyhow, the rally had a great turnout .....many supporters had to be turned away due to fire code. Pastor Paula White provided stories about Donald Trump and how he is a true Christian man. She also provides insight about how passionate he is with his religion. Youtube Comment: Now for a woman who preys on people of color to pay her facelift and Saks bill for St John's suits, she sure is openly on the wrong side. Paula...girl...I knew I didn't like you. Now I know why.
Y'all you never know when it'll be your last time. I've met this young man once, but I follow him on social media. He was an anointed preacher, pastor and singer who loved God and was committed to the kingdom. To hear of him passing last night while performing is a hard one. He was one of gospel music rising stars and a powerful preacher.
R eader folk on social media are calling a prominent Zimbabwe preacher out for a lavish gift given to his wife at the expense of the poor. Spirit Embassy founder (now Good News Church), Pastor Uebert Angel, has reportedly splashed out big bucks for a Lamborghini sports car for wife Beverly as a Valentines present.
Church I found the above picture on someone's Facebook page that I followed and decided to post it here. Check out the post below and tell me what yall think: "Joyce, I am so disappointed in you that you would use the money from the ministry that people send to your ministry and use that money for your face because you don't want to look old. To get plastic surgery for your face. I've seen you on Fox and Friends one day and I couldn't even recognize you I'm disappointed. God did not give the ministry to you to take advantage of the money. You should be ashamed of yourself being irresponsible. think about the story in the Bible where Jesus got really mad the way they were using God's Temple for gambling. Do you remember how mad he got? So think about how you're using that money the same thing as the people using the synagogue for gambling for their own gain. they use the temple for the wrong reasons as you use the money for the wrong reasons and f
This is a doggone shame , there’s little to no credibility left in today's folks who claim to follow Christ. Most of these, so called Gospel artists need to sit down some where and stop leading folks astray. Gospel singer, songwriter, producer, pastor and actor Deitrick Haddon has taken to his twitter page in an effort to try and head off some negative press that is headed his way, because of a child he has fathered out side of marriage. He's claiming also on his twitter page, that he had to keep his newborn baby girl out of the public eye because of evil people. " It’s time to stop! Deitrick and Damita were not divorced until October 2012 and Damita still loved him. He cheated with someone younger and yes had a baby in the beginning of the 2012?? Yes I’m speaking “The truth! That’s not right. Stop lying and tweeting that you and Damita were/are friends. You are lying! Stop tweeting and saying Damita was in agreement. Damita Did not want the divorce. Da
Yall the above picture has set off a firestorm online after Worship Leader Chandler Moore post a picture of him simulating doggy style as his wife “twerks” on him after their wedding. In my opinion, this is an inappropriate picture to post on social media, especially if you are claiming to work for the kingdom of GOD. The picture is distasteful and inappropriate for public consumption. They should’ve kept that to themselves. Don't get me wrong, they’re young and probably wouldn’t share this with the world as they grow and mature in Christ. Any believer who doesn’t see anything wrong with it is revealing where they are in Christ and how much they reverence the Lord. The spirit of the fear of the Lord is missing in the church today. This pic is evidence. I pray God will open their eyes to show them a better way of glorifying Him. Chandler Moore is an American Christian singer, songwriter, and worship leader. Moore is a member of the Maverick City Music collective and has a leading r
Is young Willow Smith being indoctrinated into an industry based on shock-value and things that are way heavier than just a look? Her look right now is very manufactured and marketed to a very young generation. Article here!
Good Sunday morning online congregation, if you haven't been under a rock these last couple of days then you heard about the drama that's brewing online concerning the Legendary Clark Sisters. One of the Clark sister Denise Clark-Bradford is speaking out "against" her sisters. Apostle Denise Clark Bradford is online now speaking with Larry Reid Live check it out below:
I can't believe the church did this, this is a travesty. The widow of Archbishop Brown will be evicted today. This should be an eyeopener for all Pastorwives/1st Ladies/Elect Ladies. They should obtain their OWN INSURANCE policy OUTSIDE the church on their husbands. Some of these churches will leave you up the creek without a paddle. Everyone has a different perception of what it is to financially care for someone after the death of their spouse. You better make sure you can take care of yourself. Let us pray for Lady Paula Scarlett-Brown.
Good post. Call and response does indeed come from the African culture where the listener in an active part of any discourse. In some cultures, responses like the "amen corner" would be considered rude. In the African tradition, not to respond would be considered rude or inattentive. It's expected. That's right Miss Ann.
ReplyDeleteJackie thanks for your comment and Amen.
ReplyDeleteIts gets to be ugly if some don't agree.
ReplyDeleteWhy not just do what you do and allow others to do. What they do. I don"t find it necessary to yell all through the service. I need to focus and understand what the speaker is saying.
My church is not "black" per se, but we say Amen after almost every sentence of the speaker. This is based on Paul's word in I Corinthians 14, where he argued that speaking or praying in plain words was more beneficial than using the gift of tongues. Verse 13 says, "Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how shall he who fills the place of the unlearned in tongues say the Amen at your giving of thanks, since he does not know what you are saying?"
ReplyDeleteWhat a great history lesson! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this important historical and cultural context regarding the origins of call and response in African American culture. It is true that call and response has been an integral part of the African American experience for many generations, including during the time of slavery when it was used as a form of communication and expression.
ReplyDelete