Episode 5

#5. A Harlem Church Addresses Needs in Its Changing Neighborhood

Pastor Mimsie Robinson offers insights about a traditionally African-American, Harlem church in the face of a changing neighborhood, immigration, gentrification, crime and injustice. He is a native New Yorker and native Harlemite who serves as the Missions Pastor of Bethel Gospel Assembly in Harlem, a neighborhood in New York City.

Episode summary:

Pastor Mimsie Robinson serves as the Missions Pastor of Bethel Gospel Assembly which is a traditionally African-American, Pentecostal congregation in Harlem, in New York City.  He shares his unique perspective as the church's neighborhood experiences change, gentrification, crime, injustice and a wave of new immigration from Muslim West Africans.

Scripture Referenced in Episode:

 

Topics Discussed:

  • What makes the Harlem community unique?
  • New immigrants in Harlem and growth of “Little Africa”
  • The international popularity of Gospel music and local tourism
  • Gentrification and the Harlem community
  • Holistic ministry in the local community
  • Understanding the “why” not just the “what” to have meaningful solutions in the community
  • Spiritual warfare
  • The church addressing injustice
  • Urban churches compared to churches in rural or suburban settings
  • French speaking West African Christians from Muslim backgrounds
  • Experiences of French-speaking West African Christians when converting from Islam (MBB), doctoral research findings
  • Persecution of Christians who come from Muslim backgrounds

 

Links Related to Episode:

https://www.bethelga.org/

https://www.heartformuslims.com/