McCormick Theological Seminary is the place for ministers to define the next twenty years of the Black Church movement. The Black Church Certificate Program brings together religious scholars and prophetic, compassionate leaders from Black churches to guide students in rigorously studying the history, theology and heritage of the Church.
Under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn, Director of the Center for African American Ministries and Black Church Studies at McCormick Theological Seminary, the Black Church Studies Certificate promotes leadership excellence for this generation of ministers, activists and church lay-leaders.
Designed For:
Ministers, activists, and lay leaders seeking transformative spaces to grow as prophetic voices in their communities.
People who want to engage in weekend courses designed to sharpen their leadership skills.
Individuals who want to devote time to rigorous study, pastoral fellowship, and professional development.
Those who want to commit critical attention to the issues facing the Black Church.
Pastors and lay leaders who want to generate impactful ideas to benefit the church and community.
Course Work:
Areas of Focus: Preaching, Leadership, Bible, Black Sacred Music, Administration, Pastoral Care, Ethics, History and Theology.
The Certificate in Black Church Studies offers the following courses:
MWP 311 / Prophetic Preaching in the 21st Century
MIN 317 / Black Prophetic Tradition in the 21st Century: Organizing and Leading Faith Communities for Transformation
B 303 / Reading the Bible Darkly: Africana Biblical Practices
MIN 333 / Pastoral Care for Black Communities
T/H 324 / History and Theology: African American Heritage
MIN 347 / Church Organization: Technology and Social Media
E 302 / African American Ethics and the Politics of Jesus
MIN 364 / Black Sacred Music
Min 315 / Getting the House in Order: Church Administration
The program is flexible: Enroll in any course (one weekend a month for 4 months). 6 courses required for a certificate.
Courses are taught by a variety of inspiring faculty, scholars, and leading Chicago ministers, including:
