Leisure and Fellowship in the Life of the Black Church

About the Book

Leisure and Fellowship in the Life of the Black Church explores why leisure and fellowship in congregational life of African American churches matters. The book provides a biblical and theological foundation for the concepts of work, rest, Sabbath, play, leisure and fellowship. Moreover, the book explores how religious tradition and doctrine shape and constrains our attitudes and behaviors about leisure, fellowship and living abundantly. Several churches are lifted as “exemplars” based on the way that they embrace leisure and fellowship within their respective congregations. In the closing chapters, the book examines what leisure and fellowship might be like in Heaven and how we engage Christ and each other in congregations.

About the Author

Dr. Steven Waller is an associate professor in the sport management program, at The University of Tennessee- Knoxville. Dr. Waller holds terminal degrees from Michigan State University and United Theological Seminary (Dayton, OH), where he teaches in the Doctor of Ministry program (sport chaplaincy). His research interests include: religious beliefs as a constraint to sport and leisure behavior and professional identity and credentialing of sport chaplains. He has published in outlets such as the Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, Journal of Practical Theology, the Journal of Professional Chaplaincy and the Dictionary of the Bible and Western Culture. Additionally, Dr. Waller has been in congregational and sports ministry for more than 22 years. He currently serves as an associate pastor at Foster Chapel Baptist Church, Knoxville, TN.