This Week on American Black Journal:

Detroit’s religious community discusses pastoral care and the church’s response to death

The Black church has always been a place people turn to for healing, comfort and funeral services to say final goodbyes when loved ones pass away. Ministers are called upon to deliver eulogies, provide hope for the grieving, and educate the bereaved about the funeral process. 

American Black Journal’s “The Black Church in Detroit” series looks at the tireless role of ministers who provide pastoral care before, during and after death. Host Stephen Henderson talks with three members of Detroit’s religious community about the Black church’s response to death and the responsibilities placed on faith leaders. 

Pastor Semmeal Thomas of City Covenant Church talks about the growing number of funerals he has officiated or attended as the baby boomer generation ages and passes away. He explains how this places a burden on pastors and how faith leaders are affected emotionally as well.

Rev. Dr. Constance Simon from Fellowship Chapel speaks to the compassion of ministry, the comfort care provided, and the aftercare the church offers to loved ones left behind. Ashley Lewis, a seminary student and member of Fellowship Chapel, reflects on her own experiences of burying two loved ones within weeks of each other. She discusses the important role pastoral care played in her family’s life during that difficult time. 

The group also discusses the Black church’s response to unexpected, senseless deaths often resulting from violence. Lewis talks about the fatal shootings at a Detroit Lions tailgate in Eastern Market and how it personally affected her.