Dr. Deborah Thigpen
Gadsden County News Service
The sanctuary of Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church —The Creek — was filled to capacity on Sunday, June 8, as nearly 100 men dressed in black assembled for the church’s Third Annual 100 Men in Black Fellowship. The electrifying service honored manhood, uplifted faith, and celebrated the strength of all men, particularly Black men as spiritual and community leaders.
The program opened with a spirited welcome from Brother Allden Bradley and Scripture reading from Minister Jerry McDowell of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, who shared Genesis 1:27-28: “So God created man in His own image… and said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.”
The foundational message reminded the congregation of divine purpose and responsibility bestowed on mankind.
The Springhill M.B. Church Choir followed with a soul-stirring rendition of Way Maker by Nigerian gospel singer Sinach, setting the spiritual tone for the day. Pastor Willie L. Manning, guest speaker and senior pastor of Springhill M.B. in Tallahassee, was introduced by his wife, First Lady Karen Manning. What followed was a sermon that was both bold and profoundly honest.Preaching from 1 Kings 2:1-2, Pastor Manning challenged the congregation to examine what it truly means to be a “real man” in God’s eyes. With righteous humor and a preacher’s authority, he invited men to turn to one another and ask: “Neighbor, are you a knock-off?”
“If you’re not sure what I’m talking about,” he added, pausing to let the congregation lean in, “ask a woman. She’ll tell you — she wants the real thing, not a counterfeit. Same goes for men of faith.”
Laughter, applause, and affirming amens echoed through the sanctuary, as Manning drove home his message that authenticity, integrity, and spiritual conviction are the marks of real men of God. He also challenged common negative associations with the word “Black,” turning it into a declaration of power and pride.
“In our community,” he said, “Black is strong. Black is beautiful. When a business is ‘in the black,’ it’s thriving. That’s the metaphor — Black men as a symbol of strength and abundance.”
A highlight of the printed program was the inclusion of A Black Man, a moving poem by Michael E. McKinsy Sr., originally commissioned for the Million Man March. The poem reflected on identity, growth, and legacy:
“Do not look into my face and see the color of my skin and not see the content of my character…
Do not look at the child I once was and not see the Black Man I have become.”
The fellowship also served a practical purpose: raising funds to support the church’s expansion project. The Creek plans to build a new Fellowship Hall on its 10-acre campus to accommodate a growing congregation and new ministries. The facility will include a baptismal pool, dining hall, classrooms, and office space.
One of the standout contributors to the campaign was Brother Alvin Gainous, a U.S. military veteran and faithful member, who rallied love donations from his military comrades, Masonic brothers and Greensboro High School Classmates, class of 1980. His leadership in the fundraising effort was a shining example of what it means to step up and stand out.
Although the fellowship welcomed men and women of all ages and backgrounds, the core focus remained the same: empowering men to reclaim their spiritual authority in the church, at home, and within their communities.
“We are calling men back to the frontlines,” said Rev. Terrence D. Milton, pastor of Bear Creek Bethel. “To be present, to lead, to mentor, and to build stronger families rooted in faith.”
As the black-clad brothers stood united in worship, their presence was more than symbolic — it was a bold statement of commitment to walk in purpose, power, and truth.
Bear Creek Bethel Missionary Baptist Church continues to live out its mission as “A Caring Church for Changing Times.”
