"From The Shepherd's Staff --The Remix: Words of Impact, Empowerment and Witness for a Challenging World" is a book that captures multi-platform reflections of a pastor to the church and the larger society. These reflections are devotional, self-improvement material designed to bring the Bible, the newspaper, and life's challenges together in a comprehensive fit, and to show spiritual and alternative ways of viewing what continuously happens around us every day. Because of their broad impact, these words extend from the congregation to the community at large. They serve as a primer on how to integrate one's Christian witness into one's daily life.
Foreword to “From the Shepherd’s Staff”
Frank A. Thomas
Most recently, at a conference of African American scholars, I asked the question as to why we do not write more. I was responding to my firm conviction that African American scholars, and in this instance, I include pastors, need to write much more. I realize that ours is an oral tradition, and much of the genius of the Black church travels in oral tradition. But there is something to be said for the written word because too much of the genius of the Black church has gone to the grave with our pastors, preachers, and scholars because we did not get much of it to paper. I believe that when we write, we leave a tangible and discernible record. When we write, generations not yet born can interpret and understand how we addressed, responded to, and met the challenges of our day. When we write, we shape and direct our own history, and our identity is not left for others to write, construct, and define. When we write, we name ourselves, and teach our people the ancient tradition of action and reflection – we need reflection to act and action to make our reflection meaningful. It with the firm conviction about the need for African American pastors, preachers, and scholars to write that I am excited to endorse this powerful book, “From the Shepherd’s Staff,” by Noel G. L. Hutchinson, Jr.
I have known Noel Hutchinson, Jr. for over fifteen years, and in that time he has distinguished himself as a great communicator and critical interpreter of the events of our time with a unique perspective that joins theology and current events. From these weekly contributions of “From the Shepherd’s Staff” to his weekly television program, he has sought to unapologetically interpret the events of our times and days through the lens of African American Christianity, or what he calls “Christoafrocentric” thought. Hutchinson sees his responsibility as an undershepherd that helps “congregants, through an understanding of the Bible, be able to interpret and navigate the times in which they live.” Many pastors would articulate the same thing, but so few write their reflections down for their people to read and study.
Based upon wise scholarship and deep compassion, Hutchinson addresses the issues of our day, and is, what many churches are criticized for not being, relevant. He is relevant to the needs, issues, concerns of his church community and the community outside the doors of the church. I without hesitation recommend this book to clergy, laity, and anyone who seeks to be relevant to the community that they serve. Hutchinson is a wise man, with wise thoughts that can change the world.
Frank A. Thomas
Professor of Preaching
Christian Theological Seminary
Indianapolis, Indiana
