Igniting the Pew: A Call to Reclaim the Mission Mandate in the Black Church

There’s something sacred about the moment when an ordinary believer sitting quietly in the pew feels the unmistakable tug of God’s call and boldly says, “Here am I, send me.” Over the years, as founders of Sowing Seeds of Joy, Star and I have been humbled and awed to witness this transformation firsthand—again and again.

And yet, we can’t ignore a painful reality.

In our journey of mobilizing African Americans and People of Color for global missions, we have seen that this passion for the Great Commission often doesn’t originate from the pulpit—it arises from the pew. While we thank God for every pastor and leader who champions the call to “go into all the world,” we lament the widespread absence of a missions-driven mindset among the leadership in too many African American churches today.

This reality is both sobering and heartbreaking. How can the Church fully reflect the heart of God if it remains inwardly focused and disengaged from the nations? How can we raise disciples who carry the gospel across borders when missions is treated as an afterthought rather than a biblical mandate?

From the Pew to the Nations

Despite the silence from many pulpits, we have seen the fire of missions sparked in the pews. We’ve seen ordinary believers become extraordinary missionaries. We’ve seen the hesitant become the sent.

Star and I think of Timiko Covington and Frankie Williams, who now serve faithfully in Ghana. We remember Lori Pearson, whose call has led her to serve in South Africa. These are not just names; they are living testimonies of obedience and transformation—proof that when the Church opens its heart to the nations, God moves.

Through our ministry, Sowing Seeds of Joy, we’ve witnessed that once the spark is lit in a heart, the fire spreads. When churches partner with us—when they give us the opportunity—we don’t just talk about missions. We ignite it. We’ve made it our mission to “ignite the pew” with God’s passion for the nations.

But Shouldn’t the Pulpit Lead the Way?

Yes. Yes, it should.

Leadership sets the tone. The pulpit directs the priorities of the people. When the leadership of the Black church remains silent on missions or relegates it to a quarterly mention or a forgotten line in the budget, the message is clear: “This isn’t important here.”

And yet, God’s call remains unchanged.

The Great Commission is not optional. It wasn’t a suggestion for a few enthusiastic Christians. It is the charge given to every believer and every church. We must not wait for perfect conditions or endless resources. The call is clear: Go. Send. Train. Mobilize. Pray. Give.

A New Legacy is Possible

It’s time for a shift. A revival of sorts. One that awakens not just the pews—but the pulpits too. Let the Black Church reclaim its legacy in missions. From George Liele to Lott Carey to Amanda Smith, our spiritual ancestry is rich with missionary fervor. It is time we reawaken that heritage for the next generation.

We believe that when given the chance, God uses Sowing Seeds of Joy to reignite that passion. We invite pastors, ministry leaders, and congregations to open the door—let us walk beside you. Let us train, equip, and inspire. Let us walk with your people as they discover that the mission field may begin at home—but it certainly doesn’t end there.

Let’s not wait for another generation to pass. Let’s be the spark. Let’s ignite the pew—and the pulpit—for global missions.