Book Review

Parker, Rev. Dr. Brianna K., What Google Can’t Give, Mansfield, Texas, Black

Millennial Café, LLC, 2018, p. 136.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF AUTHOR

Rev. Dr. Brianna K. Parker (Rev. Bri) is a pastor, scholar and researcher on Black Millennials and faith with more than a decade of experience in full-time ministry. She is the founding Curator of the Black Millennial Café, LLC. (BMC). In her work leading the BMC, she coaches church leaders on developing healthy relationships with Black Millennials. She regularly dispenses with feedback to make churches and organizations more relevant in the lives of younger generations. Rev. Bri is also a sought after public speaker, millennial engagement coach and Associate Professor of Religion. You can learn more about her by visiting her website, following her social media or attending one of her quarterly webinars.

SUMMARY OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION: Dr. Parker introduces us to the fact that much of what can be found on Google about millennials is not necessarily relevant to Black millennials. Dr. Parker writes this book from her research that she did because Black millennials backgrounds and their life situations do not match that of middle class white millennials. The purpose of this book is to keep the lines of communication open between the Black church with its traditional ideals and the needs of the Black millennial generation. If this is not done the Black church will cease to exist.

CHAPTER ONE: Little Voice, Little Value: Black millennials value church, but their voices are not heard often. Black millennials are expected to fit in and mirror the systems and values of the older generation. The older generation uses outdated information and methods that prevent millennials from using their gifts. They are given position without authority. Black millennials seek a church that addresses their life situations in an ever changing world.

CHAPTER TWO: Calculations that Produce Change: Millennials often feel like they are sitting on the front row at a funeral. Churches offer ministries that are now dead because the old ministries do not offer millennials empowerment, inclusiveness, and fluidity. Evangelism is not working because technology replaces knocking on doors with communication by social media. In this chapter Dr. Parker analyzes traditional ministries and their disconnection with the millennial generation. A list of ministries that address concerns deemed important are listed and addressed. Pastoral care and pastoral trust are more important than the pastor’s Bible knowledge. Pastoral trust and how money is valued guides millennial financial support to the church. The pastor’s vision, strategic plans and acknowledged wins will attract future generations.

CHAPTER THREE: New Voice, New Value: In chapter three Dr. Bri reports her findings from her survey of four participants. The survey helps to dispel the myth of a monolithic generation. Millennials have been divided into three categories that describe the church related experiences of millennials. A fourth category, the fugitives, is persons that attended church but were never believers although people assumed that they were believers because they were members of the church.

CHAPTER FOUR: Ministry that Misses the Mark: Millennials and fluid members are frustrated by leaders that refuse to budge thinking that they have all the answers. A second type of leader is the one that has charisma to attract people but fail to empower the church to hold people once they are no longer around. Black millennials are attracted to white mega churches because of excellent organized participation and production. Worship includes use of every learning style. Black millennials want a church that is engaged in the facts of their lives in their communities that often are devoid of social justice. Churches must know their calling that makes them better than everyone else in the community. Millennials are idolized in churches at the expense of loss of other generations.

CHAPTER 5: A Biblical Model for Millennial Engagement: John 5:1-5 is used as an example of the approach to millennials through ministries that meet individual needs; not long held assumptions about millennials. Churches must stop making assumptions about those in need, and start with asking questions that inquire what the needs and desires of those they minister to. Jesus knows the man’s needs, but He begins with what the man wants. The Black church must be open to non traditional ways to minister to the needs of Black America millennials, and their responses to their healing. The Black church cannot rely on information about white evangelical millennials to minister to Black America millennials.

CHAPTER SIX: What Google Can’t Give: Reach & Relationship: Google can give information, but Google cannot build authentic relationships between people of diverse back stories. The Black church fails to ask Black millennials about their personal and professional concerns and challenges within the church. Black millennials must be given the voice to ask their questions related to concerns and needs that previously were less important in preceding generations. Dr. Parker intends to continue her research in order to help provide steps that the Black church can minister to millennials both inside the church and nonbelievrs. The Black church is not dead and millennials don’t loathe it.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

Dr. Diane Parker has researched the lives of Black millennials that have been reared in the church and those outside the church. Her research offers suggestions that the Black church can use to minister to Black millennials and include them in the ministries of the church. Dr. Parker offers new and different perspectives on scripture passages that can help the traditional church to understand the backstory of Black millennials so that the church can offer relevant ministries that meet the concerns and needs of Black millennials.

Dr. Parker’s research helps the Black church to see the need to move from long held traditional ministries that are no longer relevant to ministries that effectively engage today’s Black millennials. I believe that one of the most important points that Dr. Parker makes is that the Black church cannot rely on information about white evangelical millennials to minister to Black millennials because the two groups have unique differences in their life experiences. The Black church will not be able to form relationships with Black millennials if it continues to insist on making traditions more important than the lives of people.

I recommend this book to pastors, teachers, and all leaders in the Black church. This is necessary if Black church ministries are to be relevant to new church members and members in the church that remain non participants in the church ministries. Finally, the Black church must begin to look at the future of the church instead of insisting on holding on to its traditions and methods.