It would be extremely naive to believe that the ongoing battles in our communities are solely the result of dysfunctional families, lack of quality schools, systemic racial injustices, and low-paying jobs. These are all factors that contribute to a variety of societal issues, but we as a people have neglected to hold the church responsible for the role it plays, or fails to play, in Black society.

At one point, the Black church experienced a downward trend where it was observed that men no longer attended services, and the only men in attendance were deacons, bishops, elders, and pastoral staff. Later, there was another time period when it seemed that no one was attending services. But overall attendance has picked up in recent years, and other problems have emerged.

The church has always been an influential stronghold in the Black community and has long been the soul of many families. As the children of church-going mothers, most of us had no choice in whether or not we wanted to get up early Sunday mornings and attend services. We had to.

We sat quietly on hard pews while ushers passed out programs and wooden-handle fans. We listened to a harmonious choir's rendition of "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms", as the preacher's booming voice echoed throughout the building.

But whether we were forced to attend church or not, the church family helped contribute to our overall development as people. It provided us with the Biblical principles needed for prayer and guidance. It also spawned a style of gospel music and inspiration unlike any other spiritual institution. As we matured over the years, the gifts from our churches became more visible in the way we lived our lives. Still today -- our history with the Black church keeps us grounded in our spiritual upbringing.

It is difficult to say the same for today's churches and their impact in the community. Our future, as a society in need of change -- will be strongly influenced by our faith and the ability to overcome obstacles both inside and outside of the church. Eventually, we need to ask ourselves: "Is the Black church helping or hindering progress?"

The church, at its fundamental core, is a microcosm of our own society. Both positive and negative elements that lurk within the community, also reside in the church. There are bad business-people in the corporate world, and there are churches often being led by those who have no business running a business.

Similarly, other community issues such as infidelity, greed, elitism, hypocrisy, gossiping, rumoring, selfishness, and lack of education -- find their way into our churches. So much so, in fact, that we are being overly exposed to drama and entertainment -- rather than being washed in spiritual leadership and worshipping as God intends. Too often, the size of ones pocketbook, or their status in the community gathers attention, while true character goes unnoticed. We cannot continue to use the word church to "dress up" those things that do not belong in God's house.

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