A Timely Exploration of Faith, Culture, and Justice

In this poignant work, W. Franklyn Richardson reflects on the Church’s historical role as both sanctuary and sword, carrying the spiritual and cultural heritage of Black communities through the trials of slavery, segregation, and systemic oppression.

Whether you are a pastor, scholar, congregant, or community leader, Never Lost will inspire you to carry forward the sacred mission of the Black Church with courage, compassion, and conviction.

What Faith Leaders Are Saying

“Never Lost is a gift to the Black Church and a challenge to us all to rise, to lead, and to never lose sight of the promises of God.”

– Rev. Dr. Boise Kimber, President of the National Baptist Convention

“I commend Never Lost to pastors, scholars, activists, and every pilgrim who still believes the Black Church is God’s gift to a hurting world. Read it slowly. Study it in small groups. Let it prod your conscience and warm your soul.”

– Rev. Dr. David R. Peoples, President, Progressive National Baptist Convention (PNBC)

“…a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the spiritual and cultural heartbeat of the African American experience.”

– Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr.

“…a source of inspiration and a contemporary witness to the power of God working through His Church.”

– Adam J. Richardson, Jr.

“…timely and accessible, offering clergy, laity, and scholars deep historical and theological insight.”

– Rev. Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson

“Richardson masterfully weaves together historical truths, theological insights, and personal reflections to illuminate the Church’s sacred role as a vessel of divine promise and communal strength.”

– Bishop J. Drew Sheard, Presiding Bishop of the Church Of God In Christ, Inc.

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About the Author

W. Franklyn Richardson is Senior Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in the City of Mount Vernon, NY, and Chairman of the Board at Virginia Union University, his alma mater. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of the National Action Network and Chairman of the Board of the Conference of National Black Churches.

Richardson earned his divinity degree from Yale University Divinity School and his Doctorate of Ministry as a Wyatt Tee Walker Fellow from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Mentored by Dr. Sandy Ray (a close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.) and Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker (Dr. King’s chief of staff), Richardson has received numerous honors and accolades.

Two notable distinctions include induction into The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers and the International Hall of Honor by Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, and The Alumni Award for Distinction in Congregational Ministry from Yale University.

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