You Can’t Be a Solutionist If You’re Afraid to Acknowledge the Problem

Recently, a white woman observed that many Black churches tend to teach the prosperity gospel. She didn’t dismiss the role of white churches in spreading that theology—she simply made an honest observation. And as a Black person, I can say: it wasn’t a lie.

But instead of engaging with that truth, a well-known pastor—someone who passionately defends and cultivates Black theology—responded with emotion, accusing her of having impure motives. I didn’t see that at all. In fact, only someone who has made race an idol (Exodus 20:3) would become so offended by a reality that desperately needs to be addressed.

He then turned his critique toward a Black pastor who agreed with the original statement and backed it up with real data. Rather than engage the substance of the issue—the rise of prosperity theology in Black churches globally—he accused the pastor of trying to tarnish the identity of the Black church.

He claimed he preferred to “focus on solutions,” but in doing so, he ignored a sobering truth: the prosperity gospel has deeply infected many Black churches around the world (1 Timothy 6:3–10).

Yes, we know the movement started with white leaders. But why has it continued and expanded so rapidly within Black communities? Why are we still preaching a gospel of wealth while people are spiritually malnourished?

These are the real questions. And they demand real, Spirit-led answers.

The Kingdom Doesn’t Ignore Brokenness

Throughout Scripture, God doesn’t hide from hard truths—He brings them to light (John 3:20–21).

Jesus acknowledged the brokenness of the woman at the well before offering her living water (John 4:17–18).
Nehemiah wept and surveyed the damage of Jerusalem before rebuilding (Nehemiah 1:4, 2:13).
The prophets regularly called out spiritual and societal dysfunction—not to shame, but to call the people into repentance and healing (Isaiah 1:2–4, Jeremiah 2:13).

Denial is Not Leadership—It’s Disobedience

To say, “Let’s focus on solutions,” without acknowledging what’s broken is not wisdom. It’s avoidance.

Jesus confronted the religious elite (Matthew 23:27–28)
He flipped the tables in the temple to restore God’s house to its purpose (John 2:15–17)
He wept over the people’s blindness to truth (Luke 19:41–44)

True leadership doesn’t skip over pain. It walks through it with grace and truth (John 1:14).

A Word to ESSENCE Leaders

At ESSENCE Leadership Academy, we raise leaders who:

Confront sin and dysfunction with clarity and compassion (Ezekiel 3:17–18)
Refuse to idolize culture while still honoring context (Acts 17:26–27)
Build solutions rooted in the full counsel of God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:16–17)

You can’t fix what you won’t face.
You can’t heal what you won’t name.
You can’t lead what you won’t love enough to challenge.

Are You Willing to Tell the Truth First?

Ask yourself:

Am I willing to weep over what’s broken? (Lamentations 3:48–49)
Have I idolized identity to the point of avoiding critique? (Galatians 3:28)
Do I love the truth more than I love being liked? (Proverbs 27:6, Ephesians 4:15)

If so, you’re ready to lead.

💥 Ready to Lead with Truth and Boldness?

If this message resonated with you, you’re exactly who the ESSENCE Leadership Academy was created for.

We’re raising up a generation of biblically grounded, Spirit-led leaders who won’t ignore truth, won’t idolize culture, and won’t compromise the call.

📥 Step 1: Download your FREE Leadership Reflection Worksheet
Start aligning your voice with bold, biblical leadership today.

🔗 Download the Worksheet, you can’t heal what you won’t name