In this new book on the rise of commercial black 'mega churches, ' Mary Hinton examines the rich legacy of the historic black church from the dual perspectives of theology and religious education. She explores the new religious models emerging from the tradition of the historic black church and questions whether they are continuing to operate and practice according to the wisdom of this unique form of American religion. Two mega church ministries, those of T. D. Jakes and Creflo Dollar, are examined in detail with regards to how they align with black church religious history. Hinton concludes by proposing that the fastest growing religious phenomenon within and outside of the black community in the United States-the mega church-should no longer be analyzed based on size alone. Instead, Hinton urges readers to consider the ecclesiastical structures of churches in making appropriate assessments in determining should and should not be classified as a commercial church

In this new book on the rise of commercial black 'mega churches,' Mary Hinton examines the rich legacy of the historic black church from the dual perspectives of theology and religious education. She explores the new religious models emerging from the tradition of the historic black church and questions whether they are continuing to operate and practice according to the wisdom of this unique form of American religion. Two mega church ministries, those of T. D. Jakes and Creflo Dollar, are examined in detail with regards to how they align with black church religious history. Hinton concludes by proposing that the fastest growing religious phenomenon within and outside of the black community in the United States-the mega church-should no longer be analyzed based on size alone. Instead, Hinton urges readers to consider the ecclesiastical structures of churches in making appropriate assessments in determining should and should not be classified as a commercial church.

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD Isaiah 55:8 In the cold, sterile room at the hospital, where we were quickly ushered the night of July 11, 2008, the piercing words of the Physician's Assistant sliced through the very core of my being: "We did everything we could...so very sorry....take you in to see him...toxicology report...was drinking...traveling at high rate of speed on the motorcycle...lost control." Oh, Father God, please let this be a dream. Please wake me up so I can walk down the hall, into Dane's room, and find him sleeping peacefully. I don't like this dream, Lord. I wasn't dreaming. My first-born grandson was lying on a bed in that hospital. No doctor would be able to bring him back to us. In the days and months following Dane's death, I would come to realize the generosity of a God who sends comfort to one of His hurting children. I would learn He had hand-picked a man and his wife to be by Dane's side as he lay wounded and dying. I would marvel as He sent dragonflies as a sign that Dane was with Him and all was well. Bruce and Mary, co-authors of this book, were the strangers who stopped and knelt at Dane's side. Each has heart-wrenching and heart-warming stories as to what God has done in their lives, before and after July 11, 2008. More than anything, this book is about a loving God who asks us to believe Him when He whispers to us that all is well when our grieving heart belies that truth.