Leading in White Spaces: The Experience of African American Pastors as Leaders in the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA)

Colin P. Watson Sr., Calvin Theological Seminary

Abstract

The Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) has had mixed results in attracting and maintaining Black leadership. This research seeks to identify the reasons for this mixed record by examining the experiences of nine current and former Black and African American CRCNA leaders.

Significant inclusion of Black and African-American leadership in the CRCNA is not only possible, but desired by the individuals interviewed. This work examines various challenges experienced by the pastors that were interviewed, and then provides potential next steps that address these challenges and increase the longevity and success of Black leadership in the CRCNA.