A Survey of the Black Church in America: Exploring Its History, Ministry, and Unique Strengths

by Tony Evans

If the Bible is allowed to be the standard by which blacks and whites determine truth, then freedom from this moral and racial malaise will be the outcome; for as Jesus taught, the truth has a unique capacity of making people free. Dr. Tony Evans Respected and beloved pastor Tony Evans provides an accessible overview of black church history. Evans opens the eyes of the reader to the black presence in the Scriptures and takes a focused look at the uniqueness and place of the black church. Drawing from stories and historical events, best-selling author Evans addresses the myth of black inferiority and looks at the rise of black evangelicalism. In addition, Evans faithfully interacts with movements such as Black Lives Matter, Critical Race Theory, and the 1619 Project. This timely resource is for anyone seeking unity and understanding. In an age where division and confusion abound, A Survey of the Black Church in America  provides a divine, clear, kingdom-focused perspective.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 2, 2024

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Anthony Tyrone "Tony" Evans Sr. is an American evangelical pastor, speaker, author, and widely syndicated radio and television broadcaster in the United States. Between 1976 and 2024, Evans served as senior pastor at the over-9,500-member Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas.

Reviews

[Graydon Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book can a helpful introduction for Christians who would like to begin learning about African culture and religion that shaped Black Americans, the Black Church, Black historical figures, the emergence of Black evangelicalism and Black Theology, and how to discern today’s social issues. There are more thorough sources for each of those topics and I didn’t agree with all of his conclusions, but this is an accessible starting point for Christians who are unfamiliar or even skeptical of this conversation. In that way, Tony Evans has given the church a beneficial resource.

[Martella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evans provided extensive knowledge about the black church forming in the U.S. since slavery. I liked how he paralleled prominent and less known people who were radicals for Christ from the biblical world to modern day America. Growing up AME, I was enlightened by Evan's introduction of how it began.


The text is easy to follow and gets right to the point without being overrun with philosophical thought. Evans injects biblical context as needed to support his ideas. As an academic researcher, I found his supporting research evidence to be impeccable, not that I expected less.

This was my first time reading one of Evan's books. I am now a fan. He references others' work as well which I look forward to reading.

Good Read!

[Abby Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book club book 7 - I’m thankful to have read this book and to learn about the history of the black church. A lot can be gleaned from Evan’s book. I loved his kingdom mindset in all things. Great point that unity happens in looking at the broad scope of the gospel. Learned a lot reading this!

[A. Jacob W. Reinhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent survey of history that probably all would do well to read regardless of ethnicity. While I may question some of the assertions, Evans is definitely in a good place to speak with Scriptural and factual competence.

[Aaron Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tony Evans did a good job on this book. I would recommend this book. He makes some good points and observations about black churches.

[jjuan Hakeem]

Hard historical truths. But God.