Title: Jackson accepts Washington, D.C., challenge
Date: November 6, 1997
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: news@cm.disciples.org
97b-61
INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- Next spring, another Rev. Jackson is set to "march" on Washington, D.C. Beginning April 1, the Rev. Alvin O'Neal Jackson becomes senior minister of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)'s "national cathedral" -- National City Christian Church.
Leadership changes in congregations ordinarily don't merit such attention. This one, however, is different because of the stark contrasts involved. Jackson currently is senior pastor of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church, a predominantly black congregation in Memphis, Tenn. The 8,500-member congregation is the largest in the Disciples of Christ denomination.
After 18 years, Jackson is leaving a successful ministry there to assume the leadership of a predominantly white congregation of 500 or so in the District of Columbia.
All differences aside -- it's a similar opportunity to build a new and exciting ministry that attracts the 47-year-old preacher and visionary to the district. "I'm excited about the possibilities there in Washington, D.C.," he said.
Jackson's call to National City means "we can have a truly integrated congregation that would make a wonderful witness in our nation's capital," said General Minister and President Richard L. Hamm. In addition, the congregation "could increasingly become a force as a social witness on behalf of the whole Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the nation's capital."
"I have always wanted to live in that part of the country," Jackson said. "Upon finishing Butler (University) I started to go to Andover Newton (Theological Seminary) but wound up getting sidetracked." He earned a master of divinity degree at Duke University Divinity School, Durham, N.C., and a doctor of ministry from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio.
In addition, his spouse, Tina, "is originally from Virginia, so we'll be just a few hours from her home." Other drawing cards include the opportunity to pursue interests in history and political science and take part in the numerous cultural activities available.
The decision to accept the call to National City was difficult because of the relationships he and his family have developed in Memphis over the years. Nevertheless, the invitation arrived at what "seemed to be a good time to end ministry there at Mississippi Boulevard."
What particularly convinced the Mississippi native to accept the National City pulpit was an opportunity "for building a multicultural ministry . . . bringing people together -- black, white and brown -- from diverse backgrounds to form a community of faith." The possibility of fulfilling that goal "in the Disciples' national cathedral is an exciting prospect that really captivated and interested me," he said.
Mississippi Boulevard is at a point where it needs someone to maintain its current ministry, according to Jackson. "I see my primary gift and passion being in the area of building. I'm excited about getting something started at National City."
National City Christian Church currently is 83 percent European American and 16 percent African American and Hispanic. While Jackson's presence likely will change the racial makeup even more, he remains committed to ministering to everyone.
That will be no easy task in a church with a significant commuting membership. "I will work to reach out to all people. And that will be hard work in Washington, D.C. where most folk drive in from 30 - 40 minutes away to attend church."
The hard work ahead also means strengthening the church's neighborhood ministries and relationships. "One of the things I see is being a bit more connected with the immediate area around the church," Jackson said.
"Now they have an opportunity to have members from the suburbs and the urban center -- and that's a great thing," Hamm said.
Jackson also will devote time toward getting acquainted with current members in the new parish. "There is lots of reclaiming to be done," he said, citing a concern for members who have become inactive due to leadership and other changes over the past few years.
Besides the focus on the congregation and immediate community, Jackson also carries a vision for a truly national presence with him to the D.C. church. Developing a national presence "is one of the visions I shared with the congregation," he said. And the people embraced it "although no one perhaps is sure what all it will involve."
Could it become a Disciples version of the Riverside Church in New York? "Yes, it very well could be," Jackson said. "I've had extensive conversations with Jim Forbes and Riverside definitely is a model for us."
Riverside Church, is a nationally known interdenominational church of some 2,500 members, long recognized for its social witness. The Rev. James A. Forbes Jr., is the first black senior pastor of the congregation.
Jackson's presence in the historic Washington, D.C., congregation also is a model of diversity for the remainder of the million-member Disciples of Christ. "It is a powerful statement about unity and diversity in the church. This is a predominantly Anglo church but there are opportunities there for all persons," he said.
He now joins a handful of African American pastors serving European American churches. Nevertheless, Jackson feels no particular anxiety about crossing the racial divide. "It's not anything new for us (African Americans) to be bicultural," he said. "It's not a major challenge, nor a stretch for us."
The denomination's African American membership has a "special gift to give to the church." That gift, according to Jackson, is a different perspective. As a church the Disciples of Christ have often talked about diversity, while remaining very Anglo, he said. "This is a chance to bring another perspective."
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