The relationship between Christian education practices and lifestyle discipleship in African American churches

Abstract

This dissertation examined the relationship between the Christian education methods and practices being implemented in African-American churches and the life-style discipleship lived and exemplified by the members of those churches. The aspect of Black consciousness was also considered alongside the practices to examine what if any difference this makes in the relationship. The study detailed the research concern and posed five research questions to study the relationship.

Discipleship was examined from an Old Testament perspective as well as a New Testament perspective. An evaluation was made of practices in the contemporary church, focusing on discipleship in the local church as well as Christian education methodologies. There was examination of the African-American church in particular, examining its history and its practices, as well as the unique characteristics of what has been defined as Black Theology.

This was a mixed method study that gathered information through surveys, completed by pastors as well as congregants, observation and interviews. The population examined was the African-American churches of St. Louis, Missouri. The case study method employed allowed for an in-depth study involving the attendees of the selected churches. Three previously approved instruments, Waggoner's Discipleship Inventory, Erskines' Church Discipleship Practices Survey and Mamiya and Lincoln's Black Consciousness Profile were used to complete the study.

The study examined the implications established for the local churches studied and how these implications may apply to the African-American church population of St. Louis, Missouri. Implications for further study were discussed.

Key Words . African American Church, Black Church, Black Church History, Black Theology, Christian Education, Discipleship