Walkin' the Talk!: Keepin' the Faith in Africentric Congregations
By: Julia Speller

Historically black churches, says Speller, have stood in the gap providing not only a place of worship but also sources of mutual aid, educational encouragement, and cultural identity for their members.

But what does it mean today to be black and Christian? Realizing that this question has both a cultural (black) and spiritual (Christian) basis, Walkin' the Talk seeks to identify a practical spirituality that will assist black congregations as they embrace both aspects.

The book takes a look at three diverse congregations---Imani Temple Christian Fellowship, First Afrikan Presbyterian Church, and Trinity United Church of Christ---to offer readers a glimpse into these settings to see how they have successfully merged faith and culture.

Julia Speller is assistant professor of church history at Chicago Theological Seminary. She earned her Ph.D. and her M.A. from the University of Chicago. She also holds a M.A. in Christian education from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.