We all know the image. The little Black church girl in her Sunday best, hair freshly pressed, bows tied just right, crisp white socks folded at the ankle with itchy tulle puffing out. She sat in the pew quietly, knees together, Bible in hand, singing hymns with more passion than pitch. That was many of us.
Raised in pews and fellowship halls, surrounded by love, discipline, and faith. Eventually, that little girl became a woman and with womanhood came pressure, not just from the world, but from the church itself. Black church girls are often held to impossible standards. Expected to be modest, but not boring. Confident, but not prideful. God-fearing, but not too outspoken. If we express doubt, we’re seen as faithless. If we dress conservatively, we’re called judgmental. If we embrace our femininity or date in our youth, we’re labeled “fast.” Every step outside of someone else’s vision of holiness invites shame.
What makes it worse is that the church rarely names this pressure for what it is: spiritual perfectionism. The need to appear polished, unwavering, and eternally righteous. And when we fall short, which all humans do, we’re met with silence or stigma, not support. This culture teaches performance over relationships. It tells us to broadcast our devotion, to pray loudly, testify often, and always appear joyful, even if we’re spiritually exhausted. And when we decide to keep our relationship with God close to our chest, we’re seen as rebellious or lukewarm, instead of introspective or wise. The truth? Many of us are quietly devoted. We may not share every fast on social media or lead every youth group, but we show up. We pray. We listen. We grow. Our faith may not always look like tradition, but that doesn’t make it any less real.
And we’re not alone in this. Across the country, Black women are carving out new spiritual spaces, ones that honor faith and humanity. Podcasts, prayer groups, and online communities have become sanctuaries where we can worship without pretense. Discussions about therapy and theology. Where we can show up as ourselves, whole, healing, imperfect, and beloved. This is the new church girl: she still believes, still worships, still honors God, but she’s done performing. She’s reclaiming her relationship with God on her terms and letting go of the guilt that never belonged to her in the first place.
To every Black church girl still trying to find her place: You are not failing. You are evolving. Your quiet faith is still faith. Your questions don’t make you weak. And your journey, just as it is, is holy. If you’re ready to explore faith beyond the pews and find spaces that speak to both your spirit and your story, There’s five podcasts listed below that Black church girls should know. These shows offer real talk, real grace, and real community, because sometimes the most powerful altar is the one you build in your own living room.
5 Podcasts Every Black Church Girl Should Have in Her Queue
1. Truth’s Table
Hosted by Ekemini Uwan, Dr. Christina Edmondson, and Michelle Higgins, this podcast
explores faith, culture, race, and justice from a Black Christian perspective.
2. Trust N’ True
Hosted by Mahlia Rmani Monrow, this faith-based podcast offers raw honesty, real growth, and
unapologetic truths. It’s a space for teen self-improvement, confidence, and faith.
3. Blessed + Bossed Up
Hosted by Tatum Temia, this podcast blends faith and entrepreneurship for women building
their lives around God’s purpose.
4. The Mary & Martha Podcast
Hosted by Shakisha Morgan and Christina Jones, this podcast offers scripture-rooted
conversations, honest storytelling, and lots of laughter.
5. Black Girl Bible
Hosted by Janai Imani, this podcast provides godly advice and biblical insight for young Black
women navigating faith and life with authenticity.
Photo Credit: Freepik
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