African-American Outreach

With approximately 38 million black citizens in our nation today, Focus on the Family has launched an outreach to this community. Our research shows that this ethnic group has the highest percentage of Christians, is united with rich cultural traditions and a strong spiritual heritage, and is eager for family resources. Mutual concern about family-related issues is the catalyst for developing strong relationships between Focus and this community.

Our vision is to influence African-Americans with the gospel by intentionally reaching and partnering with pastors and churches. A few of the ways we’ve endeavored to meet the needs of these ethnic families is by publishing the book Soul Food and Living Water by Yolanda and William Powell. This book equips African-Americans for success, from the unique spiritual and cultural perspective of today’s black family. We have also introduced an African-American family, the Washingtons, to our characters in the popular Adventures in Odyssey radio drama for children.

This year we are attending several conferences and conventions. As we meet people, we offer complimentary resources to them. Many conference/convention attendees are surprised to learn we are vendors or sponsors at their events. Partnering with Hampton Minister’s Conference, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International and E.K. Bailey’s Conference are a few places we serve.

We are also partnering with colleges and universities to build awareness among black students of the Focus on the Family Institute. This semester-long program trains future leaders who will be advocates for preserving and building traditional families.

Our hope is to better understand core concerns and build advocates in local communities. While we have a long way to go to achieve this goal, we will continue partnering with other ministries, churches and pastors, in order to effectively strengthen families in the black community. We’re increasing awareness that Focus on the Family is the organization to turn to for assistance about family issues.

Alex Person is the manager of the African-American outreach at Focus.