Recently, several black pastors were awarded with ‘Blessing of the Elders’ at the Museum of the Bible at Washington DC., United States. The award, which was covered by Religious Service, is in recognition of the impact of the pastors’ works over the years on their community and beyond.
One of the awardees was Pastor A.R. Bernard, who is the chairman of the Blessing of the Elders Steering Committee. He is also the pastor at the Christian Cultural Center (CCC) in Brooklyn, New York, with a 45,000 congregation.
Renowned Hollywood actor, Denzel Washington, presented the award to him.
While introducing Pastor Bernard, Washington said that “he is a man of God with a mind of God. It has been a blessing for all of us to be students of Pastor A.R. Bernard. It's been a blessing for me personally to have someone that I can talk to and ask questions.”
While being honored at the museum's World Stage Theater, Bernard said, "Embracing Christianity, blacks didn't seek to imitate white Christianity. Instead, we created a parallel religious culture. We created our own brand of Christianity with our own hymns, music, style of worship, which was influenced by the challenge of slavery.
"Christianity gave Blacks hope in the midst of a hopeless situation, and we're not done yet. I believe the 21st century will see the Black church lead the way to hope and healing in a deeply divided nation."
Other honorees at the event include Pastor Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas; Pastor Shirley Caesar of Mount Calvary Word of Faith Church in Raleigh, North Carolina; Bishop Charles E. Blake of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ; Bishop T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House in Dallas, Texas; Evangelical civil rights leader, John Perkins, and Bishop Vashti McKenzie of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Pastor Bernard added that they are happy that there is recognition of their impact on the American society.
He said, "The remarkable history of the black church in America demonstrates a biblical faith under pressure that should inspire people of any generation. We are elated that the indelible mark of our community on the fabric of American society is finally being acknowledged.”
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