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Book Title: Church Folk
Reading Group Questions
The following list of questions is designed to enhance a group or individual's
thinking about or discussing some of the issues we hope you will consider after reading this book. This is designed as a starting point only and is not meant to limit the discussion.
Theophilus Simmons
- Theophilus's improper relationship with Glodean Benson haunted him
for many years, long after the affair was over. How was God's mercy
evidenced in Theophilus's life and ministry? Read 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 41:4-5,12; Jeremiah 3:25; Jeremiah 4:2.
- Rev. James reminded Theophilus that the Lord had forgiven him for
having an affair with Glodean, yet he continued to live in fear of
repercussions. Why do believers often have such a hard time believing
that God has forgiven them? Read Psalm 37:23-24. How can they break free? Psalm 103:1-13; Proverbs 28:13.
- What was your reaction to Theophilus going to an establishment like
Pompey's Rib Joint? Do you think ministers should avoid such places?
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:22; Romans 14:21. Or do you feel that Theophilus's
behavior was entirely acceptable and appropriate? Read Ecclesiastes 8:15; Matthew 11:19; John 2:1-2.
- Theophilus is obviously a very passionate man. How does Theophilus's
life and ministry show evidence that he had submitted himself and his
passions to godly control? Read Romans 8:4-6; Galatians 5:16-17;24.
Essie Lee
- At the beginning of their association with one another, why do you
think that Theophilus was so intrigued by Essie, even though she tried
to maintain a facade of disdain for him? Read Ruth 2:1-10; Esther 2:17; Song of Solomon 4:12; Song of Songs 6:11-13.
- Theophilus chose to marry a woman who did not fit the mold of the
typical pastor's wife of that time. How did the Lord use her uniqueness
to serve Him by supporting her husband and finding her own place in
ministry? Read Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 31:10-20; Song of Songs 6:8-9; Luke 1:5-6
- How did Essie demonstrate confidence in herself and her husband's
love, despite the fact that other women were obviously attracted to
her handsome, dynamic husband? Proverbs 31:25-31. In what ways do you think
she discovered that being a minister's wife is a ministry and a special
calling of its own?
- Essie had to cope with people who accepted her only after she became
a pastor's wife. Why do people, including Christians, try to rank the
worthiness of human beings based on their social standing? Job 23:18-19; Matthew 5:47; Romans 2:11. Do you think many women have
wanted to marry a minister in order to obtain a higher status in their
community?
The Women
- Why are many women in the church like Glodean, obsessed with "trapping" a
preacher? Why do you think men are enticed by such women? Read Proverbs 7:4-27.
- Both Precious and Saphronia, feeling betrayed, sought their own
revenge against Marcel Brown. Why do some Christians seek revenge instead
of turning to the Lord when times get tough? Read Leviticus 19:18; Judges 16:28. How should they respond instead?
Read Matthew 5:38-48; Romans 12:19.
- Precious was willing to engage in various unsavory acts because
she loved Marcel. How could she ever have hoped that their relationship,
given its nature, would prosper? Have you ever found yourself going
just a little too far to try and hold on to a relationship? Read Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:3.
- Saphronia and her grandmother looked down on those whose speech,
skin color, or socio-economic status was viewed as less than her own.
Do you believe people who think this way ever stop to consider how
God feels about their attitude/beliefs? Read Matthew 25:40; Romans 12:2-10. How can black Christians
address such behavior within the Black Church?
Church Bishops and Pastors
- Marcel Brown referred to men like Murcheson James as "high-and-mighties
who think God called them just so that they could keep an eye on" the
actions of other ministers. Should more ministers concern themselves
with the unsavory actions of fellow clergy? Read Luke 17:3; 2 Corinthians 2:17; Galatians 6:1
- Why are so many ministers; like Marcel Brown, his father Ernest,
Sonny Washington, and Bishop Caruthers; able to get away with so much
mess in the church? Jeremiah 5:26-28; Matthew 24:5,11,24; Romans 16:17-18.
- For a time it seemed as though corrupt leaders like Otis Caruthers,
Ernest and Marcel Brown, and the Senior Bishop, would triumph in their
wicked ways. What should be our response be when it seems as if the
rotten people in the world seem to always get ahead? Read Job 21:7-16; Psalm 37:7; Habakkuk 3:17-19.
- 16. Corruption among certain bishops and pastors was well known,
yet tolerated in silence. Why do some good people stand by silently
when they know things are not right? Read Esther 4:14; Psalm 37:14; Psalm 39:1-2.
Conclusion
- Church Folk affirms that love, passion, and desire, when properly
focused, are acceptable feelings/behaviors for God's people and are
part of His blessings to His people. Read Genesis 24:15-27; Song of Soloman. Why do you think this message
has become distorted among some church folk, many of whom believe such
behavior is improper for Christians?
- How can Brian's philosophy "If you want the lady, you've got
to go along with the lady's rules," help strengthen Christian
women to remain virtuous? Read Proverbs 31:10,30.
- How does the book's ending demonstrate the spiritual truth that
wickedness and evil cannot prevail over righteousness? Read Psalm 37:14-15,25; Psalm 94:14-15; Proverbs 10:25; Proverbs 29:16; 2 Peter 2:9.
- Many of the problems that afflicted the Black Church during the
1960s;womanizing preachers, classism, color prejudice, women granting
sexual favors to ministers;remain today. How can we move beyond these
issues instead of tolerating them or accepting them as the norm? Read Leviticus 26:40-42; Ezekiel 37:8-14; Jeremiah 5:31; Jeremiah 18:6; 1 John 1:9.
- How should Christians respond to persons who shun church membership
because of corruption with the ranks of its leadership? Read Acts 5:29; 1 Corinthians 1:12-13; 1 Corinthians 3:4-11; 1 Peter 4:18.
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