“Making a Contribution” 57    divergence in priorities would remain a source of contention over the coming years, as leaders never unified around clear economic initiatives that would benefit the working class. Nevertheless, local activists were already contemplating bold tactics to challenge white supremacy as King returned to the city to negotiate the terms of his employment at Dexter. The pulpit committee asked King to preach again during his second visit to Dexter. In his sermon titled “Going Forward by Going Back- ward,” he offered a harsh critique of society, which had pursued knowl- edge and materialism while neglecting timeless moral principles and a devotion to God that could transform the world into a “brotherhood.” Despite the destructive impulses of humanity, King urged the people of Dexter to cling to hope based on a firm belief in the ultimate triumph of justice and righteousness. Should King answer the call to Dexter, he intended to contribute to the local struggle by reminding his congrega- tion to place their trust in God as they moved forward. King’s belief in the limitless power of God led him to articulate a message of hope even 7 amidst Montgomery’s dehumanizing conditions. The possibilities at Dexter had piqued King’s interest, leading him to accept the offer to become the church’s pastor. He returned to Mont- gomery on May 2, 1954, and preached a version of “Accepting Respon- sibility for Your Actions.” King encouraged his listeners to not allow the excuses of heredity or environment to determine their lives, but instead to focus on their own responses to life’s challenges. Among his examples of those who had achieved despite hindrances were African American singers Marian Anderson and Roland Hayes as well as Abraham Lincoln. King tempered his previous emphasis on the individual and put his new congregation on notice regarding the type of leadership he would pro- vide: “I happen to be a firm believer in what is called the ‘social gospel.’” King’s written manuscript does not flesh out his definition of the term, but he did emphasize the necessity of pursuing “social reform.” While King’s theological and social views broadened and sharpened during his years in seminary and graduate school, his basic concern for the goals of social change remained consistent. His commitment to the social gospel 8 would move from theory to practice in the years ahead. After the sermon, King delivered an acceptance address to his new congregation, noting, “I come to the pastorate of Dexter at a most cru-