For black evangelicals, the contest between John McCain and Barack Obama offers several challenges.

Among them is getting their congregations to view the election as a chance to push a church agenda and not get caught up in racial or partisan politics.

"Every individual ought to vote their conscience and make sure their convictions line up with their vote," said the Rev. Marvin Sapp, a popular gospel singer who is also a pastor in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Yet, Mr. Sapp and others who gathered last week in North Texas for a conference of black evangelical leaders acknowledge the appeal that Mr. Obama's potential breakthrough holds for their congregations.

"We need to be careful that it's not the only thing we focus on," said the Rev. Rodney Maiden, pastor of a church in Cleveland, adding, "God doesn't take sides; he takes over."

After discussing how he tells his church to study the issues carefully before deciding on a candidate, though, Mr. Maiden said: "Of course I'm voting for Barack Obama."

The conference was hosted by Dr. Tony Evans, a Dallas pastor with close ties to President Bush. Dr. Evans, who has not endorsed in this presidential race, agreed that the evangelical vote should not be partisan.

He said white evangelicals tended to learn toward morality issues, while black evangelicals were often swayed by social justice issues.

"If we limit ourselves to that, we not only divide the church, but the nation," said Dr. Evans, pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. "We need to rise above partisan politics. God doesn't ride elephants or donkeys."

The Rev. Luke Bosewell, an Atlanta minister, said he was disappointed with the current administration, even though Mr. Bush was popular with evangelicals.

And while he thought Mr. Obama was a better candidate than John McCain, he likened the election as selecting the "lesser of two evils" for evangelicals.

"Whomever God decides to put in office, I will support," Mr. Bosewell said.