ABSTRACT
The psychosocial origin and evolution of black Christian groups have been neglected in studies of new religious groups, despite the significance of such groups in the black community. This chapter explores the conditions that facilitate the emergence and development of new black Christian groups and explains the characteristics that differentiate black from non-black groups. It suggests that the framework is useful for understanding the roles of black groups as a psychological and healing resource in the black community. Central to the empowering process is the creation of a context in which individual group members are socialised to practise the teachings and doctrines articulated by the movement’s leader during the earlier predisposing phase. Data available about one well-known African-American movement are examined to test our ecological model of black church group development. Social welfare and economic self-help are common aspects of black groups.
