What Is Kinsfolk Theology?
What is Kinsfolk Theology? I’m so glad you asked—because its origin story is as alive and real as the community it celebrates.
When I first went searching for a theology that truly spoke to the heartbeat of faith, family, and community in the hood—in my world—I found nothing. I scoured books, reached out to scholars and mentors, I even asked AI, and every answer echoed the same: “That theology doesn’t exist. If you’re searching for it, maybe you’re the one meant to create it.”
Umm, okay.
Some folks might call this "grassroots" theology, but let’s be honest—grass can be hard to come by in the hood. This is theology with concrete roots, hood roots, born from the living realities and soul-deep connections of the storefront church. Kinsfolk Theology is the framework I developed to fill that void. It is a theology grounded in the sacredness of chosen kin, the strength of community, and the everyday power of the Spirit moving among us. It’s not just about bloodlines; it’s about the ties of faith, covenant, and mutual care that weave us together as God’s people who live in the hood. Now don’t get it twisted, I didn’t say ghetto, because there is a difference between ghetto life and hood realities. Here’s why.
Ghetto life often implies a negative connotation tied to systemic neglect and poverty, whereas hood realities reflect the vibrant culture, resilience, and community bonds that thrive despite challenges. This distinction highlights the unique context in which Kinsfolk Theology emerges, rooted in the lived experiences of those who call the hood home. For example, the concept of Kinsfolk Theology resonates with the communal worship and mutual support often found in storefront churches, emphasizing the sacredness of relationships and shared faith in navigating hood realities.
However, some argue that Kinsfolk Theology can be overly idealized, overlooking the harsh realities of systemic neglect and poverty that often define ghetto life. Critics suggest that focusing solely on the vibrant culture and resilience of the hood may unintentionally romanticize the struggles faced by its residents, potentially diminishing the urgency to address the structural inequities that contribute to these challenges. We understand that these critics usually come from those who do not walk in our shoes. They have not sat in the folded chairs of the storefront church and do not understand that we are made aware, with our eyes watching God.
In the hood, we embrace Scripture, especially in the story of the early church: “All the believers were together and had everything in common… They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (Acts 2:44-47). That’s not just history—it’s a blueprint for how we live and love today.
Kinsfolk Theology sees the Storefront Church and its people as a living, breathing expression of God’s love and justice—a place where everyone belongs, everyone is nourished, and everyone is called kin. While mega-churches might swoop in with promises of prosperity, often leaving the hood with little more than empty hope, it’s the Storefront Church that remains—a sanctuary with open doors and open arms, ready to offer the balm of Gilead to heal sin-sick souls.
The heartbeat of Kinsfolk Theology is Ruach HaKodesh, Mother Holy Spirit—rooted in Scripture, lived out in community, and made real through the saving work of Yahshua the Messiah. Where other theologies might focus on individual salvation or doctrinal lines, Kinsfolk Theology insists the gospel is communal, restorative, and real. It draws from the biblical tradition of covenant—God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, and fulfilled in Messiah—to remind us that we are called to embody justice, mercy, and kinship in every act of solidarity, hospitality, and collective flourishing.
What truly sets Kinsfolk Theology apart is its bold affirmation of the Black experience and the wisdom found in the hood—places and people too often overlooked by mainstream theology. In a world where injustice and brokenness are all too common, Kinsfolk Theology declares that the church is called to be a new kind of family—a family that welcomes the stranger, uplifts the marginalized, and practices radical, relentless love. Step into a storefront church once, and you’re a visitor—welcomed with open arms. Come back a second time, and you’re family. No questions asked.
Just as Yahshua redefined family in Matthew 12:50—“For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother”—Kinsfolk Theology invites us all to join God’s inclusive, justice-seeking family. It’s a framework rooted in Scripture, pulsing with real-life relevance, and urgently needed in our world today.
So, the next time you spot a storefront church, pop in, I’m sure you’ll be glad you did.
Njeri, Aminata. “What is Kinsfolk Theology” 2025. Kinsfolk Theology is a theological framework created and developed by Dr. Aminata Njeri. Dr. Aminata Njeri is writing her second book, “Wisdom in the Hood - Ruach HaKodesh, Mother Holy Spirit, the Heartbeat of Kinsfolk Theology.”