Minority Evangelism in the Twenty-First Century

The great commission is to “make disciples”. Further, it is to tell every creature the good news. Our focus is upon those who have been least evangelized and least acquainted with the vision of the New Testament Church as portrayed in Acts.

College of the Scriptures began in 1945 with the goal of reaching and training African-Americans for ministry among their own people, as well as around the world. At the time Blacks were excluded from education in most white schools, including those of the Restoration Movement. Over the years social and legal restrictions on all races have eased creating a new environment, yet in many ways the need for evangelism among minorities has never been greater. Now the minorities have increased in America by birth and immigration. In many areas the Latino population exceeds the Black population. In addition, we have for the first time in our history elected a man of color as President of the United States. All of this means we are living in challenging and exciting times.

College of the Scriptures is on the cutting edge of these events and needs. The 2000 U. S. Census Bureau reported that there were 36.4 million African-American souls in the U. S. which is 12.9% of our population. In addition the Black population increased over the total population in births by 15.6%. Three-fifths of these people live in ten states. The total number of Black congregations within the Christian Church (Independent) is no more than129 nation-wide. The need is obvious.

The 2004 Directory of the Ministry reported the Christian Church (Independent) as having 5,464 congregations nation-wide with an estimated membership of 1,210,715. And there are only 129 African-American congregations. That means about .02% of the African-American community have been reached for Christ by those committed to the New Testament Church.

Our focus is still upon the minorities, African-American and now Latino. We are committed to:
1. Training evangelists.
2. Training leaders for the local congregation.
3. Starting new congregations.
4. Aiding existing congregations.

We are doing this through a variety of programs such as traditional classes, extension classes, correspondence classes and on-line classes as well as a new program utilizing a core group of African-American and White church leaders to assist local congregations.

We are challenged by the need; excited by the opportunities; dedicated to the great commission in this mission field within the continental United States. Would you like to be a part of this? Are you challenged by the need? Are you obedient to the Lord’s command to “make disciples”? Then study with us. More than that, enter the field and labor with us until the Lord comes!