It's important for any organization to examine itself and be willing to look at the positive and negative and try to enhance its overall effectiveness. Author, Dr. Lee N. June, Ph.D

Powerful preaching. Soul-stirring singing. Social activism. And an all-consuming experience, typified by joyous shouting, dancing, and hand clapping. These are all well-known characteristics of the institution known as the "Black Church"--those denominations created by, established for, and stewarded by African Americans. Historically, the Black Church has been the most influential organization in the African-American community. Its message of hope, love, and unity has been a healing balm to the souls of a people still grappling with the harmful effects of slavery and racism. It has met multiple needs in the lives of its members--emotional, mental, spiritual, social, political, and economic, to name a few.

Undoubtedly, the Black Church has progressively improved the lives of African Americans and the community at large. But, sadly, the same institution that has helped to mend so many shattered spirits has also unwittingly been the cause of tremendous psychological suffering, says Dr. Lee N. June, Ph.D., in his newly released book, Yet With a Steady Beat: The Black Church through a Psychological and Biblical Lens (MoodyPublishers/Lift Every Voice). A psychologist and professor at Michigan State University, June spent more than 25 years researching and recording his observations of the Black Church experience and found many traditions to be detrimental to the psychological wellbeing of its members. A Christian and long-time member of a black congregation, June said he felt "led" to write Yet With a Steady Beat, which provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological impact of the Black Church throughout history.

"It's important for any organization to examine itself and be willing to look at the positive and negative and try to enhance its overall effectiveness," said June. "We need to ensure that this institution continues to make the tremendous impact that it has made throughout history and that it still serves the needs of this community." June said the book's central purpose is to compel church members to consider some of the long-standing practices, tendencies, expressions, attitudes, and behaviors that may "do more harm than good." For instance, one example June shares in the book is the popular saying among Black Church members, "I got Jesus and that's enough." The statement is intended to express faith in the supremacy and sufficiency of God, June said.

Preachers can trigger feelings of guilt and shame

Dr Lee June PhD I'm trying to get people to think a little more about statements that are made that sound good, but in actuality are very harmful. Author, Dr. Lee N. June, Ph.D

But, without realizing it, people who make such comments can "innocently" trigger feelings of guilt and shame in other believers, making them "feel that they are not 'Christian enough'" because they require natural assistance to manage their problems, he said. "But there are individuals in the congregation sometimes who are seeing therapists or on medications and they feel belittled," said June, speaking from his years of experience as a counselor. "Many of these individuals will not tell you the negative impact (of such statements)." "I'm trying to get people to think a little more about statements that are made that sound good, but in actuality are very harmful," he continued. Yet With a Steady Beat offers practical suggestions and resources to assist people in minimizing such consequences.

It will appeal to pastors, other Christian leaders, seminary professors and students--anyone who wants to "help the institutional church live up to its enormous potential," June said. June admits that the critical slant of his book may be considered "a little controversial." But, he says, his primary concern is seeing God's people become all that God created them to be. "Because of my love for God and this institution, I want us to look for ways to maximize our potential, so that God will be thoroughly pleased with what we are doing," said June, 62. "If a church setting or a Christian is really serious about Jesus Christ, then they would be willing to examine this and then do what is biblically correct."

"The Bible tells us to strive toward perfection. The word perfection doesn't mean being perfect, it means moving toward full maturity. It also says to 'study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,'" he said, quoting the essence of Matt. 5:48 and 2 Tim. 2:15 from the Bible. "That's all I'm trying to get people to do."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Lee N. June, Ph.D., serves as associate provost for Academic Support Services and Multicultural Issues, vice president for Student Affairs and Services, and professor in the College of Education at Michigan State University. He has previously served in the role of director of counseling at MSU.