The African American Congregational Support Office
Our mission
Take a 'Spiritual Vitamin' each day
Read the words three times and let them feed your soul and inspire you for the work of ministry.
The African American Congregational Support Office assists the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in addressing the needs of African American Congregations. It works in partnership with Mid Councils to nurture conversations and facilitate ministries that will transform African American congregations into a more vibrant and healthier congregation.
The office emphasizes principles that will encourage, nurture, support, motivate, equip and empower leaders and disciples of Jesus Christ, to become more intentional about engaging in spiritual practice that nurtures a transformational spirituality and leads towards transforming communities and the world, The Beloved Community or The Realm of God on Earth.
What is God up to?
Find out “what God is up to” in Presbyterian African American Congregations across the United Sates. Experience and share the stories, history, and good work of Christ’s words in action through our most vibrant churches.
We also invite you to share the stories within YOUR own congregation as we come together to celebrate the joy of knowing and experiencing God’s love.
—Acts 2:42-47
Latest news
Haitian students watch a puppet show put on by members of Royal Oak Presbyterian Church
Mission in Haiti: young adults working to help others
March 29, 2012
LOUISVILLE - “When Mark [Hare] spoke to our congregation, I started thinking I could do something to help by using my skills as a dentist,” Mariana Haughey said. “So I started asking other dentists if they had items to donate or could help.”
Haughey is a young adult who attends Royal Oak Presbyterian Church in Royal Oak, Mich. Mission co-worker Mark Hare spoke at her church in 2011 about his work in Haiti. He serves Christ by working with farmers in rural areas. He’s helping them improve their crop yields so they can feed their families and sell what’s left, giving them a livelihood.
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The First Presbyterian Congregation in America
John Gloucester organized The First Presbyterian Congregations for Africans in America. He was a slave in Tennessee, a white Presbyterian minister Gibeon Blackburn saw the potential of this man for ministry and purchased hi for his personal servant. Gloucester received his training under Blackburn and was taken under care of The Presbyterian Union of Tennessee. It was here that John Gloucester was to return and later to be ordained.
Gloucester came to the attention of Dr. Archibald Alexander, pastor of Third Presbyterian Church and chairman of the Evangelical Society of Philadelphia. Alexander prevailed upon Blackburn for Gloucester’s services, Gloucester was given his freedom and called to organize the work in Philadelphia in May 1807.