Preceded by three introductory essays and a chronology of major events in black religious history from 1618 to 1991, this A-Z encyclopedia includes three types of entries:

* Biographical sketches of 773 African American religious leaders

* 341 entries on African American denominations and religious organizations (including white churches with significant black memberships and educational institutions)

* Topical articles on important aspects of African American religious life (e.g., African American Christians during the Colonial Era, Music in the African American Church)