As we enter black history month, we have an opportunity to celebrate those black voices that have pointed us to God. Here are just a few recommendations of individuals that are great to read or listen to this month and year.
Jo Saxton
“Over the course of her career, she has led in ministry and non-profit settings as well as pastoring and church-planting. She has also written several books to help women be intentional with their influence – Ready to Rise, More than Enchanting, The Dream of You, and High Heels and Holiness. Currently, she co-hosts a podcast with good friend Pastor Stephanie O’Brien called Lead Stories, where they share stories and encouragement to equip leaders who listen in.” As well, Saxton was the author and speaker in the amazing Philippians bible study on Right Now Media that one of our women’s Life Groups did and loved.
Dr. Derwin Gray
Dr. Gray is the founding and lead pastor of Transformation Church, a multiethnic, multigenerational, mission-shaped community located in South Carolina. He has written a number of books including: Hero: Unleashing God’s Power in a Man’s Heart (2010), God, Do You Hear Me? (2021), and How to Heal the Racial Divide (2022). A devotional from him, Ephesians: Life in God’s Diverse Family, found on YouVersion, is great place to start.
Michael Todd
An incredibly well known preacher, and lead pastor of another Transformation Chruch in Oklahoma, Todd has received a lot of attention for his sermon series, Relationship Goals. As well, his new book, Crazy Faith, guides us on a faith journey as he helps you gain a new perspective on God’s plans for you: a future you’ve barely dared to imagine.
Priscilla Shirer
Shirer is singularly focused on preaching the uncompromising truths in God’s Word. She is a speaker, filmmaker, and New York Times bestselling author. Through her ministry, Going Beyond Ministries, she works to equip people through books, Bible study resources, conferences, and through films like War Room, I Can Only Imagine, and Overcomer. One of my favourite devotionals from her Discerning the Voice of God, explores the root to clear and daily communication with God—humble obedience.
Esau McCaulley
Esau is a public theologian, author and assistant professor of New Testament. His book Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope won numerous awards, including Christianity Today’s book of the year. His latest project is a memoir entitled: How far to the Promise Land: One Family’s Story of Hope and Survival in the American South.
These voices are not the voices we would ordinarily hear but provide us different perspectives to learn more about God.
