What is the role of the Black church in the community

[GailTravel]

This is besides the obvious of course , which is evangelization. I watched Tavis Smiley "State of the Black Union" today and the church was mentioned several times.
It got me to thinking. We are in 2009. What 21st century techniques are we using to touch and affect our surrounding communities?
Sometimes we are so hung up on the Building fund and the Pastor's aniversary etc, that we forget to reach out to the community.
The news talked about a church that meets in a school building, and totally gives their offering out to community members. The Pastor does not take a salary. Now I know that is a bit extreme. I have no idea how he does it. it would be interesting to know.
What exactly are we doing to improve our Black community. I know there must be some phenomenal testimonies out there.;