Efrem Smith

“I believe the most important staff position within the urban church after senior pastor is the youth ministry leader.”

Every other month, as I write this column, I think about who might read it. Do urban youth ministry workers see it? Do youth ministers in the suburbs or in rural areas skip by the column, seeking articles they think speak more to their context of ministry? I don’t wrestle with these questions because...

In urban and African-American communities, the barbershop can be a sanctuary of sorts, especially for young men. I recently went to the barbershop myself for a haircut—just a normal one, not a “doo”—and I had the chance to talk a little barbershop theology.

Sunday morning worship in the urban church: How far is too far? How can we present the gospel in a modern, relevant way that doesn’t water down—or drown out—the timeless message of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior? There should be no debate about whether to include in corporate worship those elements...