Personal Reflection and Lessons Learned

 Reflecting on my experience submerging myself into a foreign community, I have widened my scope of society and culture. Before, I used to stick to groups I was familiar and accustomed to and I rarely ventured out of my comfort zone. After being part of the black church community, I now realize that what you think you know about someone or a group can often be completely false. I assumed that our cultural differences would be too great to overcome and disable us from establishing any common ground. If a white guy can step into a black church and not only fail to encounter any issues, but also establish a shared understanding and connection with the regular members, then I shouldn’t be afraid to enter any community out of fear or intimidation. Challenging myself to broaden my horizons was very rewarding and is something I hope to continue doing in the future.  The lesson I can take away from this experience is that it isn’t the groups we belong to or our skin color that defines us; it is our shared identity as humans and how we interact that defines us.

Previously, I was too afraid and intimidated to attend a service at a black church. Despite always having a desire to see what it would be like, I elected to stay within my own comfortable community for fear that I would be judged and criticized at a black church. But after building up the courage to face my fears, I found out that my expectations that were formed by television and society were completely off base. Through my interview, observation and research, I learned a great deal about black churches and confronted my assumptions. Using the information I learned and experience I now have, I will be more likely to attend another service at Consolidated Baptist Church, except this time it will be for my personal enjoyment.