When the movie Straight Outta Compton debuted at the top of the box almost a decade ago, our media discernment ministry, Plugged In, gave the film a half “plug” (out of five) for family friendliness in its review.
It’s no wonder. Life in Compton, California is anything but family-friendly. I should know – I lived in Compton for part of my childhood. When I was only 8 years old, I was in my bedroom when a murder took place just 10 feet from the window.
Growing up in that environment is anything but easy. Drive-by shootings, crime, poverty and vice were a way of life. Little boys grow up without male role models and girls are vulnerable to all sorts of dangers. My heart is tender to their plight because that was me. While many families in Compton are working toward a better city – and I applaud their efforts – trouble remains. I believe we’re called to do what we can to help.
On my “ReFocus” podcast this week, we’re featuring a roundtable discussion I had with six men who are making a difference in the inner cities where they live. We focused on the harsh realities facing families living in that environment. We took a particular look at the challenges faced by the African-American community where more than 70% of babies are born without a dad in the home. Many of the men on the panel shared their own stories – tales of enduring the murders of friends, drugs, jail time, growing up without male role models and violence that seemed normal.
We also focused on what the church can do to help. The six men I talk to – Bob Woodson, Pastor Darryl Webster, Kurt Moore, James Miller, Tyrone Miller and Robert Bigsbee – can all attest to the life-changing power of a personal encounter with Christ. Their faith compelled them to go deeper into the inner city to bring hope and model the faith. We share practical ways churches can help bring life and truth to the inner city. I’ll briefly share three of the points we discussed:
1. Reach the men
Fatherlessness is a root cause of many of the ills plaguing the inner city, so we have to reach the men. The Church needs to teach them biblical principles. Help them be accountable. Programs like Pastor Darryl’s “Boot Camp” helps get men off the streets through a combination of spiritual instruction and practical help, like teaching job skills.
2. Unleash the Gospel
Jesus didn’t send His followers out to create “self-help” groups. “Education is not the salvation of man,” says Darryl. “Education informs us. Prison reforms. But the Gospel transforms.” The Church needs to recognize the power of the Gospel and the blood of Jesus Christ to reach into the darkest pit and save the lost.
3. Help residents of the inner city find jobs
Heart-change alone won’t help pay the bills. That’s why supporting groups like The Woodson Center is so important. The organization helps community and faith-based organizations with training and technical assistance. It links them with sources of support. The group provides the practical help families need to overcome the daily obstacles that threaten their success.
These three items provide only a hint of the topics we discuss on the podcast. It’s a program full of action items for the Church. After listening, I hope you’ll be moved to pray and see how God can use you and your church to get involved in what He’s doing in the toughest cities in America.