---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Once in a while you get people that maybe…"
description: "\"Once in a while you get people that maybe because of economic reasons, or have a social network, they get attracted. But it's a very tiny percent so th..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c06/michael-emerson-4622_african-american_once-in-a-while-you-get-people-that-mayb_2876400.jpg"
---

#  Once in a while you get people that maybe because of…

![“Once in a while you get people that maybe because of economic reasons, or have a social network, they get attracted. But it's a very tiny percent so that when we look at, you know, who are pastors and who are the head clergy of these congregations, they're overwhelmingly white, just a few African…” quote by Michael Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c06/michael-emerson-4622_african-american_once-in-a-while-you-get-people-that-mayb_2876400.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c06/michael-emerson-4622_african-american_once-in-a-while-you-get-people-that-mayb_2876400.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c06/michael-emerson-4622_african-american_once-in-a-while-you-get-people-that-mayb_2876400.jpg)

> “Once in a while you get people that maybe because of economic reasons, or have a social network, they get attracted. But it's a very tiny percent so that when we look at, you know, who are pastors and who are the head clergy of these congregations, they're overwhelmingly white, just a few African Americans, and those folks are usually called to what were formerly white congregations, or they started interracial church from the get-go.”

[Michael Emerson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-emerson/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Economic and social factors limit diversity in clergy leadership, resulting in predominantly white congregations despite occasional interracial initiatives.

**In simple terms:** Clergy diversity is limited by economics and networks.

Key Takeaway

Address systemic barriers to diversify leadership.

Themes

diversity leadership social inequality religion

Mood

analytical concerned

Type

sociological critical

When to use this quote

- church hiring
- community outreach
- policy advocacy

Key Concepts

institutional bias network effects economic constraints

Questions to Reflect On

- What structural changes could increase clergy diversity?
- How can congregations support minority leaders?

A Different Perspective

Changing demographics may be slow; resistance from traditional members.

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