Congratulations: Pastor Gee recently had a letter featured in The Christian Century! Check it out at christiancentury.org or on our Resources page.

Deliverance for oppressed and oppressor

The early Black church understood that the church is not just a place for worship—it is a launching pad for liberation.

by Alex Gee in the May 2026 of The Christian Century issue Published on April 16, 2026

We asked experienced pastors and seminary professors to put themselves in the apostle Paul’s shoes: You’re writing a letter to a present-day ministry leader. What issues do you want to address, and what theology can you bring to bear on them?

Dear Pastor,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! I write to you today with a deep sense of urgency and conviction. As a young Black pastor leading a multicultural congregation in these turbulent times, you carry an immense weight. I know the struggles you face. You are ministering in a time when racial discord is dividing our nation, and the church itself is often a poor example of unity and love. But take heart—God has chosen you for such a time as this and has equipped you with the spiritual authority necessary to lead your people toward healing and reconciliation.

Let’s not beat around the bush. The church in the United States has been deeply misshaped by the toxic forces of White supremacy and racial oppression. For too long, Christianity in this country has been distorted by the ideologies of race and nationalism, which have undermined the liberating and life-giving power of the gospel. We must acknowledge that the church, the very institution that claims to embody Christ’s love, has too often been complicit in the commodification and demonization of Black and Brown people. Our faith traditions, which should have been sources of liberation, have been hijacked to justify systems of oppression.

This is the uncomfortable truth that we must face if we are ever to lead our people into true freedom. Unless we are willing to confront the role of racial supremacy in shaping and distorting the American church, we cannot hope to model the unity and love that Christ commands of us. The church cannot heal from this wound until it first acknowledges it.

And yet, here you stand—called to lead in this broken, divided, and unjust world. As a young Black pastor, you represent a lineage of faith that has withstood centuries of false teaching and spiritual abuse. Our ancestors were told that they were less than human—unworthy of dignity or value—and that this very idea was somehow biblical. But despite these lies, they clung to their faith in Jesus. They saw through the deception, and their faith—tested and proven in the fire of oppression—is exactly what is needed now to restore the vitality of the church.

This is your inheritance. You have been entrusted with a faith that has stood the test of time and emerged victorious in the face of persecution. And it is precisely because of this that you now have the spiritual authority to speak life into the American church. Those who have been systematically disenfranchised and overlooked are the ones who will resurrect the relevance of the church in this hour. We are not waiting for someone else to come along and fix the church. We are the ones God has called to do this work.

But make no mistake, this will not be an easy task. As you lead a multicultural congregation, you will face resistance. There will be people who want to avoid the difficult conversations about race. They will tell you that addressing racial issues is divisive or political, and they will want you to preach a gospel that is more comfortable, more palatable. But we cannot afford to sugarcoat the truth. Multicultural congregations cannot thrive by simply ignoring racial distinctions. Unity in Christ is not achieved by pretending that we are all the same or that race doesn’t matter. True unity begins with repentance and healing, and that means confronting the legacy of racial commodification and demonization head on.

The first task of any multicultural congregation is to offer a space where the sins of the past and present can be named, confessed, and healed. For centuries, racial identities have been distorted and commoditized for the benefit of others, and until we deal with that painful truth, we will never experience the true unity that Christ calls us to. You must lead your congregation in this work of healing—preaching a gospel that not only saves souls but heals wounds and restores dignity to those who have been marginalized.

But we also must acknowledge that many churches in this country do not even have multicultural congregations—and yet they need a biblical multicultural theology. This need is urgent, because the gospel is not confined to one culture or people group, and the church must not be either.

Many Pentecosts occur in the book of Acts, and the power of God falls in each of them. And in each instance, the Spirit of God crosses boundaries, barriers, and cultures to empower outsiders and the marginalized. Pentecost isn’t just a moment of tongues—it is a movement of reconciliation, a divine declaration that God’s kingdom is for all people.

This reconciling unity is what will serve as a bold and compelling witness to Christ’s love. I believe it is this kind of radical, boundary-crossing love that will rivet the hearts of seekers and nonbelievers—as you and I have witnessed.

This theological foundation is critical because the church must not only preach freedom for the captive but also dismantle the systems that enslave. Just as Paul and Silas, after being miraculously freed from their prison, choose to stay and minister to their jailer, baptizing him and his household (Acts 16:25–34), so too must we be willing to set free those who are bound by systems of oppression—even when they are the ones those systems benefit. The salvation of the disenfranchised evangelizes the jailer, and in the same way, marginalized people today possess the spiritual authority to preach deliverance to those still trapped in systems of supremacy and oppression. This is the gospel’s power at work—transforming not just the oppressed but also the oppressor.

The American church must engage in this work. It must free the captives—not just from the social chains of poverty, racism, and incarceration but also from the theological chains that have imprisoned both oppressor and oppressed. It must dismantle the false, idolatrous identities that come from historically individualistic and capitalistic theologies that prioritize personal success over communal well-being. This version of faith has often been a cloak for supremacy, enabling oppressors to believe that their success and privilege are divinely ordained while ignoring the suffering of those they marginalize.

This is where the church has lost its prophetic voice. When we fail to address these systems of injustice, we lose our moral and spiritual authority. The American church can no longer afford to preach a gospel of individual salvation without addressing the collective injustices that plague our communities. We must be about the work of freeing the captives in every sense—socially, economically, spiritually, and theologically.

As a pastor, your ministry must extend far beyond the four walls of your church building. We are called to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world, and that means engaging in the work of justice and community transformation. Our congregations must be at the forefront of creating community ministries, businesses, family support services, and wealth generation strategies. We need to be involved in advocacy for housing reform, prison reform, and educational equity. We need to be unapologetically present in our communities, fighting for justice and building systems that empower our people to thrive.

You see, the early Black church understood that the church is not just a place for worship—it is a launching pad for liberation. The church has always been a refuge for those who have been marginalized, but it must also be a place where we equip our people to fight for their own freedom. We need to be teaching our congregants how to build wealth, how to create businesses, and how to leave a legacy for their children and grandchildren. Wealth generation is not a dirty word—it’s biblical stewardship that can be used to bless families and communities.

And let’s be real—this work cannot wait. Too many of our brothers and sisters are caught in a cycle of poverty, incarceration, and systemic injustice. Too many of our children are attending failing schools that don’t value their potential. Too many of our families are being displaced by gentrification and struggling to find affordable housing. These are not just political issues—they are gospel issues. Jesus himself declared that he came to set the oppressed free (Luke 4:18), and we must take up that same mantle of justice in our own ministries.

But here’s the beautiful part: We don’t do this work alone. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives within us, empowering us to do the impossible. The Spirit is calling us to build ministries that not only preach the gospel but live it out in tangible ways—through advocacy, education, housing, and economic empowerment. Unless we model this kind of faith and unity, we will continue to lack the moral and spiritual authority to speak prophetically into the brokenness of our world. We will be nothing more than a private sanctified social club—irrelevant, ineffective, and powerless.

But God has given us the authority to change that. He has called us to be agents of reconciliation, not just within the walls of the church but in the world. So I encourage you to stay strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. This work will be challenging. You will face resistance. But God has already equipped you for the task. Surround yourself with wise counsel, lean on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance, and never forget that you are not alone.

We are in this together, and there is a generation rising up with you—so you and other Black leaders should take heart. And others as well: White pastors, don’t faint. Latino pastors, prevail in prayer. Asian American and Native American pastors, don’t ignore your powerful traditions. Everyone, strive for the unity of Christ. Let’s all stand ready to join this fight for justice, healing, and true reconciliation in the name of Jesus.

In my next epistle, when I have more time, I will address the egregious and unbiblical assault on women in the church by Christian leaders! Please give my greetings to Pastor Ta-isha, Deaconess Monica, and Overseer DeMarcus. Please have them bring my iPad and AirPods when they visit. May the Lord bless you and keep you always. Amen! 

^{Illustration by Laylie Frazier (Dear pastor icon by Nicholas Blechman)}

Women's Ministry Book Study - DATE UPDATE: The FOL Women’s Ministry book study group will meet on May 30th at FOL at 1:00 PM this month for our next session.  If you have any questions, please contact Sis. La Tasha Fields.

Men’s Choir: Men's Choir to sing 2 songs on Mother's Day, May 10th. Rehearsals will be on Saturday, May 2nd and Saturday, May 9th at 10am at FOL. For those who’d like to participate, please contact Bro. Jacob Rainey for further information.

Wednesday Bible Study: Wednesday Night Bible Study is cancelled on May 6th due to the Opening of the Center for Black Excellence event. We encourage you to attend that, and we will be back on Wednesday, May 13th.

Baptism: On Sunday, May 31 we will celebrate baptism after our Sunday service. This is a sacred time of standing with people in this church and celebrating their commitment to God. Please contact Pastor Úna with any questions. 

August South Africa Trip Informational Meeting: Pastor Úna will be leading a team to South Africa in August and would love for more people from FOL to join us. If you would like to know more about this trip, please meet Pastor Úna in room #10 downstairs on Sunday, May 3 after church.

Prayer Walk: The 4th Watch Prayer Team is happy to announce our participation in United Week of Prayer: April 26-May 2nd; organized by the Collaboration Project.

We are joining with our sisters and brothers in praying Jeremiah 29:7 for our community: Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.

Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper. To this end we encourage you to join us in a church wide Prayer Walk. We will meet here at FOL Saturday, May 2nd at 10:00 a.m. to walk our neighborhood in prayer for the Kingdom of God and for the people and places in this area and beyond. Come ready to share the love of Christ. And wear your blessing shoes. Contact Sister Sherry Lucille for details.

Freedom Seder: Please join the African American/Jewish Friendship Group on Sunday, April 26th at 5:00 PM for their 4th Annual Freedom Seder. Please RSVP by April 21 by clicking HERE or emailing Betsy Abramson.

Worship Arts V.I.P. Experience: Calling all singers, musicians, dancers, and worship arts creatives! Join us for The Worship Arts V.I.P. Experience: “Moving in Kingdom Authority as V.I.P.s – Victorious in Praise!” This exciting two‑day music workshop at FOL will feature fellowship, skill‑building, reflection, singing, songwriting, and breakout sessions designed to refresh, equip, and inspire. Happening Friday, May 15 (5:30–9 PM) and Saturday, May 16 (8:30 AM–3 PM)—please bring a bag lunch Saturday. The Workshop Choir will minister during worship on Sunday, May 17. Registration is required. Please register here or contact Sister Julia Saffold.

Reclaim Our Hearts: Reclaim Our Hearts is a free 15-month heart health wellness program designed to support women in Dane County, living with clinically diagnosed high blood pressure (hypertension). Through monthly heart health circles, wellness activities and classes, walking groups and optional support from a Community Health Worker, participants are empowered to improve their heart health, regulate their stress and move with intention. Learn more and apply today at ffbww.org/reclaim. Applications close Sunday, April 12, 2026 at midnight!

Pastor Lilada provided this handout during her sermon on Sunday: Who Do You Think You Are?

Use it to continue processing the truth she shared and allow God to speak truth and reveal lies in what you believe about yourself.

Additionally, you can watch the sermon here.

Black Women Leaders to South Africa Trip: Pastor Lilada is leading the second cohort of Black Women Leaders to South Africa in September of 2026. Contact Kaye if you are interested in additional information.

Save the Date: On Wednesday, May 6th, from 2-6 pm, Pastor Gee and the staff of the Center for Black Excellence invite you to attend the Grand Opening Open House of the Center for Black Excellence and Culture, where you can receive a tour of the building and a joyous celebration to commemorate this historic milestone! Please RSVP here. 

Women's Ministry Planning: Calling all FOL sisters! Do you love planning, connecting, and creating joyful spaces for women to grow in faith and community? The FOL Women’s Ministry Planning Team is looking for you! We meet monthly to dream, plan, and host activities that align with our church mission and our heart as a ministry—nurturing deep relationships with God, self, and one another through worship, shared experiences, and joyful gatherings. If you’re interested in joining the fun and helping shape meaningful experiences for FOL women, contact Sis. La Tasha Fields. Come serve, connect, and create with us—we’d love to have you!

InterVarsity Bible Study: Join us online Fridays from noon to 1:30 PM CST, Jan. 16–May 8 (except April 3 and 10), for Explore Mark’s Gospel Amid Empires—a free series of 15 sessions. What does Jesus say to us in today’s political challenges? From its opening line, Mark’s Gospel engages empire: “Son of God” was Caesar’s claim, too. Together we’ll examine passages, mark up provided manuscripts, and share insights in community. Jonathan Walton, who leads InterVarsity’s Political Discipleship Team, and Christy Gates, National Director of Scripture Engagement, will guide these interactive discussions for all experience levels. Discover how Jesus confronted the powers of his day—and what that means for us now. Register for calendar invites and meeting links, and bring your questions to John Egleston. Let’s deepen the discipleship of our politics—together.

FOL SNAP Benefits Cut Response: We are continuing to encourage our congregation to fill out an FOL SNAP Response form either online or through one of the half sheets on the back table (which you can turn in with the offering). If you need food assistance, want to donate, or want to commit to exit to serve, please fill these out. Also, we have links to information on food resources here.

Pastor Alex Gee challenged us to boycott greed and consumerism, to have conversation with God about our resources. These are the specific steps he challenged us with:

1. Ask God to show you your own views towards you financial resources.
2. How has that changed over your financial growth or decline?
3. Lean in the next few sermons about biblical discipleship and stewardship to receive direction from the Holy Spirit.
4. Put your faith in God's promises to the test by practicing sacrificial giving as an act of faith, love, and discipleship (which is partnership with God!).

Additionally, you can watch the sermon here.

OctoberFast 2025 has concluded, but you can still access the resources here.

Children's Choir: Children grades K through 5 are invited to sing with the Children's Choir! The choir sings for worship throughout the year. Rehearsals are on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30. Please contact Worship Arts or Bro. Brandon Pittman for more information.

Seeking to Worship daily? In her sermon during the August 24th service, Minister Ali encouraged up to pursue the goodness of God. One of serveral ways she highlighted for doing this is worshiping daily. And here is the playlist she provided to support that endevour: FOL Worship Playlist

Keep in contact with us! If you are new here or want more information about Fountain of Life, we invite you to go to the table in the fellowship hall and talk to a member of our welcome team. If you have a prayer request, would like to talk to a pastor, or have any other needs, please let us know. If you would like to receive our weekly email, please fill out a communication card and indicate so in the notes area.

Worship Arts: Join the FOL Worship Arts Ministry! We are welcoming team members in a variety of areas, including Children's Choir, PowerPoint and more. Stop by our table after service or contact the Worship Arts leaders.

Poetry Performance: Our very own Dr. Fabu Carter recently performed some of her own poetry at the Kennedy Center in Washington as part of a celebration of Mary Lou Williams' life. See the performance here!

Pastor Lilada provided this handout during her workshopy sermon (or sermony workshop) on Sunday: Take Your Life Back.  

Additionally, you can watch the sermon here.