'Ain't got time to die': Grief, loss and healing in the African American community

The African American church was and in some instances still is a vital part of the African American community. The strength of the Black church within the African American community can be experienced during times of loss and grieving within the community. I have shown that while the Black is not what it once was within the African American community during the times of loss and grief, the African American community still relies on the Black church for not only guidance, but strength during the times of crisis and grieving. I have examined and contrasted practical theology from Don Browning's and Ray Anderson's perspective in assisting the grief found within the African American community.;The role of pastoral leadership was examined through case studies to assist our understanding of the important role the Africa American pastor within the African American community When the pastor does not fulfill the role assigned during times of grief, the community is greatly affected and a loss is added to the grief that is not easily resolved. Three theologians were chosen to look at the community and how the African American community fulfilled the need when an individual is grieving a loss. Dietrich Bonhoeffer was utilized for the understanding of formation of the community. Karl Barth assists our understanding of the task of the community, especially during the grieving process. While Paul Tillich was examined for the hope of the grieving individual.;The African American community has been a grieving community since its inception in the United States. This has been demonstrated through the losses the community has experienced through the years. However, though grief is a part of the African American culture, the ways by which the African American culture has sought resolution for the grieving process has changed through the years. Research of this topic has produced a paucity of information concerning African American grief and the processes utilized to assist the grieving individual through to resolution of the grief.;An interdisciplinary approach for resolving grief was examined through the utilization of family multi systems approach. While the African American community will not readily seek assistance for grief from an outside source, Murray Bowen's Multi Systems Family Therapy was examined through the lenses of Dr. Nancy Boyd-Franklin. Dr. Boyd-Franklin assisted in exploring the importance of including family members in counseling sessions for African American working through the grieving process.