Let the Church Say Amen

Say Amen #1

by ReShonda Tate Billingsley

Reverend Simon Jackson has always felt destined to lead, and he's done a good job of it -- having transformed his small Houston church into one of the most respected and renowned in the region. But while the good Reverend's been busy tending his flock, his family's gone astray. His nineteen-year-old daughter, Rachel, gives new meaning to "baby mama drama." David, the oldest at twenty-seven, has been spiraling into a life of crime ever since his promising football career came to an end. Blessedly, Jonathan, Simon's beloved middle child, is in control of his life and is poised to take his side as associate pastor -- or so everybody thinks.

At the heart of the Jackson family is Loretta, the Reverend's wife. She has always been devoted to her husband, but she's beginning to realize that enabling him to give more to the church than to their children was her biggest mistake. As things continue to fall apart and secrets are revealed, will Loretta be able to help her husband reunite their tattered family...before it's too late?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Fiction, African American, Audiobook, Christian, Book Club, Urban

277 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2004

About the author

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a general assignment reporter for KRIV-TV, the Fox affiliate in Houston, Texas. She is the author of the nonfiction book Help! I've Turned Into My Mother! and three previous adult novels: My Brother's Keeper, for which she received the prestigious Gold Pen Award for Best New Author from the Black Writer's Alliance and the Nova Lee Nation Award from the Greater Dallas Writing Association; the national bestseller Let the Church Say Amen, chosen for Library Journal's Best of 2004 list for Christian fiction; and I Know I've Been Changed, a Main Selection of the Black Expressions Book Club.
Her previous Christian teen novels are Nothing But Drama and Blessings in Disguise, both available from Pocket Books.
She is also a contributor to the story anthology Have a Little Faith.

Reviews

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third times a charm!

I tend to return to this trilogy every few years because I find I always get something new from it, and find ways to relate to the characters based on where I am in my journey. This time around is no different, as Simon's storyline is telling me to examine the priorities in my own life.

But enough about me...

This story gives a backstage look of a pastor's family full of dysfunction (think-Greenleaf). I believe the movie did the book a disservice by masking Jonathan's storyline.

5+ stars.

[Carmen Blalock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the Church Say Amen is the beginning of an wonderfully fantastic series by ReShonda Tate Billingsley.

Reverend Simon Jackson is the Pastor of Zion Hill Church in Houston, TX and he couldn't be more proud of the success of his church. In his time there he has increased the membership from 50 to over 900 and he has been profiled in the newspaper 26 times for accomplishments and programs at the church. Zion Hill is the perfect family for him since his own family is far from that!

Loretta Jackson is Simon's loyal and faithful wife and mother of his 3 children who understands his love of the Lord and the work that needs to be done in order to brings others to the Lord. Loretta's biggest struggle is making her children see how important their father's work is.

David is the oldest son of Simon and Loretta who had a promising career in pro football until a career ending injury put an end to his dreams of being successful and sent him on a downward spiral that caused a division in the Jackson family. Rachel, the only daughter is 19 and a mother of 2 who doesn't see why her father has such a big issue with her being unmarried, with 2 different fathers and partying all the time. It is one thing to be promiscuous but to flaunt it and be disrespectful in church, Reverend Jackson is not going for that! Jonathan, the middle child and Simon's pride and joy has returned from college, receiving his degree and is in line to become the next pastor of Zion Hill - according to Simon. Jonathan has some important issues to talk over with his father and hopes that his father will still love him the same.

When major changes hit the Jackson family will the family be able to pull together and work it all out or will they fall apart for good.

Let the Church Say Amen was an excellent book with a strong storyline that keeps you wanting more! ReShonda has shown us time and time again that she has staying power and I look forward to the next installment in this series.

[Nardsbaby Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one sin is greater than the next

Simon Jackson, pastor of Zion Hill located in Houston, Texas is a regal and revered man. Well that is at church at least. His home life is complicated. He can't seem to understand his oldest son, and only daughter. He's turned them over to God. His concern now is his middle child. The one he refers to as his prodigal child. His wife has been the only woman he's been with. It wasn't like he didn't have opportunities, but he honored God. He just wished that Loretta could see that there grown children needed to sink or swim.

Loretta Jackson, first lady and school teacher. She's been called a many names. Mainly she was devoted to her husband and her family. Though she didn't have much to say Loretta is the glue that holds her dysfunctional family together. She didn't dare argue with Simon about the children. Instead she tries to make up for him. It is Loretta's hope that her family eventually realize that they need one another. And no matter how they may feel they are all the others have.

David the oldest child had always been a problem child. Nothing major, he was a C student fun loving kid. Only problem David couldn't seem to adjust to, was not having his father's acceptance. Once he had a college scholarship and played football. Now things were so different. His family at times tried to help him.

Jonathan the middle child has always done precisely what it was his father wanted. A college graduate with a Divinity degree. Jonathan is struggling with the weight of the world on his shoulders. There is no easy way for Jon to divulge his secrets to his father. Not if he wants to maintain Daddy's love.

Rachel this baby girl gives new meaning to what it is to be a preacher's kid, as well as a drama filled baby mama. She doesn't have just one child out of wedlock, but two children, with two different men. Sister girl is still a partier! Yet she wonders why she can't make it to praise God on time!

This is a VERY BOLD story. It promises to keep you perched on the edge of your seat trying to read what is going to happen next. I tell you at times I was like this is some crap. At other times I was laughing aloud. It's filled with a family struggling with demons and as they bond the burden appears to get lighter. Those of you who haven't opened this book from fear that it's "religion" TRUST this book has a lot to offer.

God is an awesome God! AMEN...

We may not understand God's motives, but He knows what's best for us!

[Roslyn Carpenter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read both "Let the Church Say Amen" and "Everybody Say Amen" in a week. The story lines are are predictable which makes one inquire why there was a so-called sequel to "Let the..". They kept me hoping that I wouldn't be able to guess what was going to happen next but it was an epic fail. Anyone who grew up in a predominantly African American church could pretty much guess what was going to happen in each of the characters story lines. The Jackson Family is no different than any other church family who attempts to fake perfection in the eyes of the congregation. Actually, their family's issues are a bit bland. The story was laughable as the author made an attempt to make the storyline sensational. I shook my head all through out both books hoping for something different. Then I had the misfortune of suffering through the made for TV movie, at the request of my sister. Despite the extremely great actors and great director, the movie just like the book, fell flat. Do yourself a favor and give this book to someone you don't like.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was Christian fiction but it's not, it's way too sexually explicit. The theme is not bad though, even though God doesn't solve the problems of this minister and his family, they do learn that work--even for the church--shouldn't come at the cost of neglecting the ones you love. Rev. Simon Jackson has one messed up family--a wife who's afraid to stand up to him, a son who while he looks like he has it all together is secretly gay, another son who he has written off as a drug addict, and a daughter with 2 kids out of wedlock who is stalking her ex-boyfriend. Like I said, by the end the Rev. learns how his obsession with his church work has fed into all these problems, but along the way the reader gets to experience all the craziness as this family lashes out, acts out, and freaks out.

[Taneka · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, I finished this book, maybe a week ago, but forgot to log it. I didn't realize that there was a movie on this book until I started reading it and saw the similarities in the characters. Some of these characters were hard to swallow, especially the pastor. He was such a failure when it came to his family and his wife enabled him in the failed venture.

[Ranie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly written and inspirational story about the love of family through faith and forgiveness. This author always has a way for capativing her readers' attention from the delicate beauty based on each characters inter perspective.

I felt the pain, suffering, emotional turmoil and finally triumph of each member of the Jackson's family: Simon, Loretta, David, Rachel, and Jonathan. Each individual was created with such intense dialogue that as a constant reader of Ms. Billingsley's, I was able to sympathy with them throughout their devastating journey.

As always, I definitely and highly recommend this book and all other books by Ms. Billingsley.

[MZURAQT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Jackson ha fulfilled his dream of becoming a pastor.Tending to sheep at Zion Hill church has taken over his life that he fails to see his family has gone astray from lack of attention.

19 year old Rachel is the talk of the family,with her careless decisions and attitude she brings alot of drama to the table. With two kids all she cares about is chasing after her first love and will do nothing to stop until she gets him but little do she know that all she need was her fathers.

David the oldest boy had a promising life with a football scholarship on the table he is ready to make his family happy but after a tragic event his life spiraling out of control and the only thing that can save him is the love for his mother.

Jonathan is the apple of everyone in his family well most of his family.With his life on track his father has plans for his life that he cant seem to say know to but the secrets he is holding will make life very different for the Jackson family.

Last but not life is the women who is as held id down. Loretta first lady and mother has been everything the family needed to survive. dealing with home and church life has taken its toll but she is determined to bring the family back together.But will it be to late?


I love me some ReShonda. This story was great.Even though it was about church life it wasn't to churchy and had enough drama to keep your attention.The characters will have you laughing crying mad all in one paragraph.I will be finishing this series.

[Shaunte · Rating 2 out of 5]

My biggest issue with this book is that it is shelved as Christian Fiction. Having main characters who are Christians, does not by any means make this a Christian Novel. There is one scene in particular which is too explicit for a book promoted to Christian readers. I almost abandoned the book, but decided to read a few reviews first. Once I realized the worst was over, I decided to continue reading. The writing style and story line are actually good, the characters are believable although some pieces of the plot are a bit far fetched. If this book wasn't advertised as Christian I would've given it 3 stars (since I read both Christian and non Christian fiction). I just feel like the language and sexual content should not be included for a target audience of Christians.

[Iambrown Skinned · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how people act in real life 🤦🏾‍♀️

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a Christian fiction book just from reading the title & back cover, so I was a little disappointed. It was okay, but not great. A lot more sexual references & cussing than I expected. It did make me think about all the perspectives of each family member, which I hadn't expected either.
Overall I would give it a 3.5 if I could.

[His Wife7474 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book! I am a huge Kimberla Lawson Roby's fan, so when I finished reading all of her books I was anxiously looking for another author, with a similar storyline, to fill my KLR void. I picked this book because it is part of a trilogy. I love getting lost in a good sequence, and this book didn't disappoint. The story is about a reverend and his crazy, sinful, normal family lol. The characters were well-defined and their issues were believable.

How does it compare to KLR's Reverand Curtis Black? Similar theme. Different tone. More characters with equally complicated issues. KLR's stories move a bit quicker whereas Billingsley makes her readers "sit in it" (I'm invoking Ilyanla Vanzant lol) and stew for a bit. This doesn't hinder the storyline, but it forces the reader to appreciate the characters' angst.

Reverand Simon Jackson is a dedicated man of God who tends to his flock's every need... even to the point of neglecting his family. While he is leading, preaching to and healing others, his own family falls through cracks. His daughter is a party-loving hoodrat with 2 kids by different men; his oldest son is strung out on drugs; and his favored younger son is... well you have to read it to find out :).

I purchased this book from www.thriftbooks.com for $3.50. It was well worth the purchase. I am looking forward to watching the BET movie on Nexflix and starting the second book in the trilogy- Everybody Say Amen.

[Deb]

i thought this was christian fiction but it's not, it's way too sexually explicit. the theme is not bad though, even though god doesn't solve the problems of this minister and his family, they do learn that work--even for the church--shouldn't come at the cost of neglecting the ones you love. rev. simon jackson has one messed up family--a wife who's afraid to stand up to him, a son who while he looks like he has it all together is secretly gay, another son who he has written off as a drug addict, and a daughter with 2 kids out of wedlock who is stalking her ex-boyfriend. like i said, by the end the rev. learns how his obsession with his church work has fed into all these problems, but along the way the reader gets to experience all the craziness as this family lashes out, acts out, and freaks out.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first RTB novel. I wanted to read this prior to the debut of the movie on August 29th. I'm glad that I did! I loved the characters - Pastor Simon Jackson and First Lady Loretta and their three adult children, David, Jonathan, and Rachel. The drug-addicted outcast, the promiscuous daughter and the seemingly prodigal son all favor their mother over a father who would rather be taking care of church business than the business of raising a family. Loretta tries to hold it all together until a tragedy tears the family apart. Ms. Billingsley was able to create the perfect combination of drama and praising the Lord to build the perfect story-line of Let the Church Say Amen. By the end of the novel, I was shedding tears - some of sadness and some joy. I am looking forward to Say Amen 2, Everybody Say Amen.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, now I can watch the movie and compare. This book had just the right amount of drama. It wasn't over the top or so outlandish that it was unbelievable. Each child had their flaws that so many deal with but as a preacher's kid you get frowned upon even more for making bad decisions that are commonly made in this world. No one was perfect, not even the preacher and the First Lady. But I did respect the First Lady more when she caught me by surprise..can't say what or I'd give some of the story away. Rachel made you want to slap her silly, David made you want to save him one minute and cuss him out the next and Jonathan you just prayed he'd get it together and just be honest and set himself free. Overall good read that pulled me in from the start.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let The Church Say Amen was so good.
I can’t believe that I haven’t read this series earlier.

Reverend Samuel Jackson’s family is more dysfunctional than many. His wife is devoted to him. His oldest son David, had a promising career in the NFL but was injured and now steals to support his drug habit. Nineteen-year-old Rachel has had two babies by different fathers. Simon, is expected to become assistant pastor but he has a secret that will disappoint his father.

This was a excellent book.
I loved the characters and the story line developed throughout the story
The story will capture your interest from the beginning and hold it until the end.

[Yolanda King Stephen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reshonda Tate Billingsley always delivers. Let the Church Say Amen was no different. I enjoyed the church scenes and the plot of pastor's children gone wild. I never expected some of the plot twists and turns. I am not going to tell you what they are - you have to read them for yourself!

Great book and a quick read.

[ShayBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let the Church Say Amen started off slow at first, refusing to put it down it got better. The scene with the mother made me cry as I thought of my own mother. It is true what they say about Preachers kids, I wish I would have read this series before I read the collaboration of Rachel and Jasmine. I look forward to the rest of this series.

[Tamara Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely awesome book! It was sad that the Mama died, and I was hoping that Rachel would grow up a little, she got on my nerves! I'm glad David got clean..as a recovering addict, I know how hard it is. .I'm glad the family reconciled. This is the first book I've read by this author and I look forward to reading more of her work.....Re-reading it..it's that good!

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

David, Jonathan and Rachel are a handful for their father, the Reverend Simon Smith. He is devoted to Zion Hill Church while his congregation is beside themselves with gossip about the latest Smith family scandal. Pastor Smith tries to hold tight to his ties with church members but what about his own flesh and blood? A quick read that is pure entertainment.

[Dee Cherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Simon valued his religious duties, & his wife Loretta was a strong force in keeping their family together. Storyline was well written in looking at this family's structure, & content was valuable in showcasing what many families experience. This was a great introduction to the Jackson family & series.

[Melloways · Rating 3 out of 5]

Those of you who go to church often knows that there is always some kind of scandal going on. Gossip, affairs, sticky fingered preachers. It also shines light on honest good "down home" people that keep the black church going strong.

[Tanya · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is shelved with the christiian fiction. It is NOT. There is alotof sex, drugs, language, and family disfunction. The only christian thing is thebook is based on a ministers family. An ok read but not if you are looking for a`clean` book.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

All families have problems but some families are not willing to accept the fact that they do. The bible says to judged not and the only thing we can do is pray for one another and let God handle the rest.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great book. It dealt with things that a lot of people don't like to talk about in church and also what it is like to be a preacher's kid. This family had a lot to deal with. The writing was excellent. I can't wait to read the next book. I would highly recommend this book.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is like a true life story of an African American family, where the father is the pastor of a big church. However, his family goes astray due to lack of attention from him. It’s a good story with a “surreal “ feeling

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book, from beginning to end! I highly recommend this book! :)

[Iona R Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an uplifting story. It had me to look at my past challenges and present ones and remember all things are possible w/ our father even in the craziest times.

[Brandi Armstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was very good. There was a valuable lesson. No matter what we do we must remember that family is important. I am excited to see what happens in the other books in the series.

[Amy Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read and not a surprise of the typical church drama...lol

Simon: Pastor needs to heal from his past and not bleed his issues on his family and church. He not dealing with is past definitely put a strain on this leadership of the church, and his relationship with his wife and children.
Loretta: this lady deserves ALL the flower she can get. I had the Rachel attitude when it came to the disrespect the church women gave this woman.
David:
Jonathan:
Rache1: I'm glad her daddy left her in jail and her baby daddy asked for custody. She belongs in a mental hospital. I kept trying to say oh she is just 19 but NO!! I just wanted to get a belt and whip her.

This is book 1 of the series. I can't wait to read the next book.