A coalition of faith and community activists will bring the Rev. Dr. Michael Waters of Dallas, Texas to headline the 2017 Theology in the Hood Revival.
The services begin Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., and continue on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Ward AME Church, 1177 W. 25th St., in Los Angeles. Rapper Big Tat and DJ Suave Burgundy, both popular Dallas artists, will accompany Waters.
The revival is sponsored by Bethel Community Development Corporation, Bethel AME Church, Holman United Methodist Church, L.A. Metropolitan Churches, USC Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement, Southern Christian Leadership Corporation (SCLC-LA) and Ward AME Church.
“Revivalist Waters has an urgent conversation for this time. His recently released book, “Stakes Is High,” summarizes the message to the church of today and all people who care about the future of humanity,” said the Rev. John E. Cager III, host pastor.
“We invite the community at large to hear his empowering message. Many in the millennial generation call him friend/confidante, while baby boomers depend upon him to translate values across generational lines,” added Cheryl Branch, executive director of L.A. Metropolitan Churches Association.
Waters, the founder of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, was recently assigned by Bishop Vashti McKenzie to also pastor Agape Temple AME Church in that city. Under his leadership, the combined congregations provide wide-ranging ministries such as 7-UP preaching, Generational Sunday ID and Discipleship Institutes as well as worship services featuring the arts of dance, rap music and drama.
Citing Waters’ community involvement, Cager noted, “He was one of the leaders of the peaceful Dallas March and Rally in July 2016 that was plagued with gunfire that left five Dallas police slain. Following that tragic incident, he launched a campaign to emphasize his belief that the church must be a major presence in the communities where they serve.”
A graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Waters also earned his Master of Divinity degree, cum laude, and his Doctor of Ministry degree with honors at SMU. In addition, he writings have appeared in several faith-based and secular publications.
To learn more about the Theology In The Hood events, visit wardamechurch.com or call (213) 747-1367. For information on Waters, visit joytabernacleame.org.
