Watch Black Church, Inc.

Black Church, Inc. is a hard-hitting documentary that explores the often-invisible world of mega-churches in African American communities. Directed by Jamaican filmmaker and author Dr. Andrew Johnson, the film takes a critical look at the financial, social, and political power wielded by these institutions and the leaders who run them.

The film begins by setting the scene of the African American church in America. It shows how the institution has played a significant role in not just the religious but also the sociopolitical landscape of the black community in America. It also introduces the central theme of the movie - the rise of the black mega-church and its impact on the community.

The documentary then takes us on a journey through the history of the black church from its African roots to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, where the church played a vital role in the struggle for equality. It then makes a sharp turn to the present day, where the rise of the black mega-church has ushered in a new era of prosperity and influence for some.

Using interviews with prominent religious scholars, pastors, and community leaders, the movie delves into the ways these institutions use their vast resources to exert significant control over the community. It touches on the complicated intersection between faith and politics, highlighting how many black mega-churches actively engage in partisan politics.

The film also addresses the criticisms leveled against the mega-church's leadership, including greed, corruption, and the commodification of religion. One of the movie's strengths is that it does not shy away from calling out these issues head-on, even when they may feel awkward or uncomfortable.

Despite these critiques, the film recognizes the positive impact that many black mega-churches have on their communities. It showcases several examples of churches that offer essential services to their members, such as health clinics, financial counseling, and job placement services. The movie also underscores the emotional and spiritual support that these institutions provide.

The film's title, 'Black Church, Inc.,' suggests a cynical view of the mega-church as a business enterprise, and indeed, the documentary does not shy away from that characterization. However, it also acknowledges that the reality is far more complex.

Throughout the film, we see the subjectivity of faith and the diversity of black religious experiences in America. We are shown that not all black churches are the same and that what we perceive to be a problematic portion of the masses isn't the only issue that needs addressing. It is a diverse community full of complex individuals and circumstances.

In terms of style, Black Church, Inc. follows a fairly traditional documentary format, with talking head interviews and footage of churches and congregations. The cinematography is beautiful, showing off some of the most beautiful cathedrals and mega-churches in the country.

Overall, Black Church, Inc. is a thought-provoking exploration of a critical topic. It tackles some of the most critical issues in the Black community today, including race, politics, religion, and wealth disparity. By drawing on a wide range of voices, the film provides a nuanced and complex view of the complex institution that is the Black Church. It is a captivating movie that can enlighten or initiate a discourse to start a conversation, promoting progress in any capacity.

Black Church, Inc. is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.