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
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