LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — Lafayette pastors are working to better the future by understanding the past. The Pastor's Alliance of Lafayette leaders hosted their annual Black History Month church service on Sunday.

“Our theme today is where we come from and where we go from here,” said Pastor Dale Draper.

Draper is the Pastor of Greater Macedonia Church of God in Christ, where the service was held. He joins a number of pastors preaching with Black History Month in mind.

“We are African-American churches and we have struggled through the years with different things,” said Draper.

Pastor Draper's message took a look at where black churches began.

“We come from having churches in little storefronts to having a church with a steeple and helping and encouraging people,” said Draper.

He also addressed the problems churches of all denominations are facing now.

“How do we as pastors deal with the sex offenders that come to our ministry, how do we deal with the people that have their children snatched and their children are in CPS,” said Draper. “We get phone calls from people that are going through certain different issues. How do we deal with these different issues?”

Pastor Draper said this service was designed to offer spiritual care and motivate people to better the community.

“It's important to us as pastors that we have to help do something in this community,” said Draper.

Pastor Draper said his church has helped support families all over the nation, and they join dozens of Lafayette churches stepping up for those in need.

“Churches have daycares and food pantries, they're here to help even with phone bills and light bills,” said Draper. “There's so much to offer here in the city of Lafayette churches are here to help in so many different areas.”

The Pastor's Alliance of Lafayette has been hosting this event for nearly 20 years. They host similar events like this three to four times a year.