Introduction: Faith, Economics, and Empowerment
At Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, we have long embraced the truth that faith without works is dead (James 2:17). As we enter the month of August, we are called to act on our faith in a powerful way by recognizing and supporting a movement rooted in resilience, innovation, and community development: National Black Business Awareness Month.
Established in 2004 by historian John William Templeton and engineer Frederick E. Jordan Sr., this month serves as a national call to action. It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of Black entrepreneurs, shine a light on the economic impact of Black-owned businesses, and deepen our commitment to generational wealth and opportunity within our own community.
As a church deeply rooted in both spiritual and social uplift, Pleasant Grove MB Church recognizes this month not as a passing observance, but as a divine opportunity. It’s an invitation to live out our faith by circulating blessings through our own neighborhoods, supporting Black-owned businesses, and sowing seeds of economic justice.
Let us take a journey through why this month matters, what Scripture says about supporting one another economically, and how we as a church family can turn National Black Business Month into a powerful act of service and stewardship.
The Legacy of Black Business in America: Strength in the Struggle
Black business ownership has been a cornerstone of resilience for African Americans for centuries. From barbershops and beauty salons to restaurants, farms, construction companies, law firms, and tech startups, the history of Black entrepreneurship in the U.S. is rich with perseverance against all odds.
Despite systemic barriers—Jim Crow laws, redlining, unequal access to capital, and exclusion from key markets—Black business owners have continued to innovate and serve their communities. Businesses such as Madam C.J. Walker’s beauty empire, the insurance companies of the “Black Wall Street” in Tulsa, and today’s thriving Black-owned tech firms, restaurants, and wellness brands remind us that economic agency is both a form of resistance and a channel for restoration.
In the words of Proverbs 13:11 (NIV), “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” Our history teaches us that growth—real, sustainable, community-rooted growth—often starts small but becomes powerful through consistency, faith, and unity.
The Biblical Blueprint for Economic Justice
God cares deeply about how we treat one another—not just in worship, but in the world. The Bible contains countless lessons about ethical business practices, fair trade, and supporting those within our community.
Consider Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” This passage speaks directly to the idea of prioritizing support within our community—economic support included.
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 reminds us: “If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites…do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.”
Supporting Black-owned businesses is not just a social act—it’s a spiritual act. It’s a form of economic justice that aligns with Kingdom principles.
At Pleasant Grove MB Church, we teach love, service, and stewardship. And part of that stewardship includes using our dollars as instruments of change.
Why National Black Business Month Matters for Our Church and Community
There are more than 3 million Black-owned businesses in the United States. Yet, these businesses still face disproportionate challenges when it comes to funding, visibility, and customer support. In fact:
- Black business owners are approved for bank loans at a rate 20% lower than white business owners.
- The average revenue for Black-owned businesses is significantly less due to systemic inequities in access to capital and opportunities.
- Black businesses are more likely to hire from within the Black community, meaning that support directly contributes to reducing unemployment and building wealth.
In a community such as ours, the impact of supporting local Black-owned businesses is direct and deeply felt. When you shop at a Black-owned store, eat at a Black-owned restaurant, or hire a Black-owned contractor, you are helping to keep money circulating within the community—a practice known as “economic retention.”
The Black dollar historically leaves the community within 6 hours. Compare this to 17 days in the white community and 20 days in Asian communities. Our collective support can change this cycle. It’s not about exclusion—it’s about inclusion and intentional investment.
Pleasant Grove’s Role in the Movement: What We Can Do
At Pleasant Grove MB Church, we believe in turning faith into action. So how do we move from awareness to impact during Black Business Month? Here are several ways we can honor and engage this opportunity as a congregation:
A. Host a Black Business Sunday Showcase
Invite members who own businesses to set up tables after service. Allow the congregation to connect, ask questions, and support them by purchasing goods and services or referring others.
This not only builds economic bridges but also strengthens fellowship.
B. Create a Church-Supported Black Business Directory
Let’s create a living directory of businesses owned by our church members and those in our extended community. Promote it via social media, the church website, and our printed bulletin. Let the world know that excellence lives here!
C. Encourage Youth and Entrepreneurship
Host a “Young Entrepreneurs Day” one Sunday afternoon. Let our youth dream out loud, pitch ideas, or showcase crafts and products. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us: “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
Entrepreneurship can be ministry too—and our church can be the launching pad.
D. Financial Education Workshops
Partner with Black-owned banks, credit unions, and financial coaches to host seminars on credit, budgeting, investing, and starting a business. Economic discipleship is a real need, and we can be a source of knowledge and encouragement.
E. Weekly Spotlight on a Black-Owned Business
Each week in August, highlight a local Black-owned business on your church social media or during announcements. Share their story. Encourage patronage. Celebrate their impact.
Faith in Action: Support Starts with Us
James 2:15-17 reminds us that if we see a brother or sister in need and do nothing, our faith is dead. The same applies to economic needs. We often pray for community restoration, but God may be calling us to be the answer to someone else’s prayer.
Supporting a Black business doesn’t mean abandoning others—it means being intentional. It means acknowledging that there is a historic economic gap, and deciding that we will be bridge-builders.
It’s no secret that small businesses are the backbone of local economies. But for Black-owned businesses, especially in underserved areas, the church’s support can be the difference between closing and thriving.
Celebrating Success: Testimonies from Within
Let’s take time this month to celebrate the entrepreneurs among us. Maybe it’s the sister who just opened her daycare, or the brother who runs a landscaping company. Maybe it’s the young adult selling t-shirts with biblical messages, or the couple launching a soul food truck.
Their testimonies of overcoming adversity, building from scratch, and trusting God through it all are worthy of being shared.
Consider doing short video interviews, spotlight posts, or in-service recognitions.
These stories inspire, teach, and remind us that God is moving in the marketplace as much as He is in the pulpit.
Long-Term Vision: Beyond August
While August gives us a concentrated focus, supporting Black businesses should be a lifestyle, not a month-long campaign.
Let’s make it a regular part of our spiritual and community rhythm to:
- Refer members to one another for services
- Encourage tithing on business income
- Pray for business success during altar call
- Include business milestones in our church announcements
- Offer mentorship and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs
- Hold networking mixers or breakfast gatherings to collaborate
The Call to Action: Let’s Make It Personal
As you read this, consider:
- What Black-owned businesses do you currently support?
- Are there members in your own church family who own businesses that you could support?
- What service or product do YOU have inside you that God may be calling you to launch?
Maybe your act of support this month is buying lunch from a Black-owned food truck. Maybe it’s switching your haircare or skincare to a Black-owned brand. Maybe it’s mentoring a young entrepreneur or sowing into a local startup.
It all matters. It all adds up. It’s all ministry.
Conclusion: Our Faith. Our Future. Our Freedom.
National Black Business Month is about more than consumerism. It’s about covenant economics—a divine calling to build systems of support, sustainability, and strength within our communities.
At Pleasant Grove MB Church, we are not bystanders—we are builders. We are restorers. We are kingdom-minded citizens with the power to uplift those among us economically as well as spiritually.
In Isaiah 58:12, the Lord says: “You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in.” This is our charge.
Let’s make this August a month of intentional action, joyful giving, and faith-filled investment in our community’s economic future.
Let Pleasant Grove MB Church not only be known for preaching the Word—but for living it out loud in how we shop, serve, and sow.
Happy National Black Business Awareness Month!