Deepening Ministry for the Work Ahead
JULY 7, 2026
New Black Church Studies Certificate Courses at McCormick
Faithful ministry in today’s world requires more than passion and good intentions. It calls for theological depth, pastoral wisdom, cultural understanding, and the courage to lead communities through complexity, pain, healing, and transformation.
At McCormick Theological Seminary, we believe theological education is fundamentally about formation—shaping leaders who can respond to the urgent needs of church and community with wisdom, justice, compassion, and faithful imagination.
This fall, McCormick’s Center for African American Ministry and Black Church Studies continues that work through certificate offerings designed to equip clergy, caregivers, ministry leaders, and community practitioners for transformative leadership within the Black Church and beyond.
Rooted in the rich theological, spiritual, and communal traditions of African American faith communities, these courses engage both enduring questions and emerging challenges facing ministry today.
PASTORAL CARE IN THE BLACK CHURCH (MIN 333)
August 21 & 22 | September 25 & 26 | October 9 & 10 | November 6 & 7
Instructor: Rev. Dr. Stacey Edwards-Dunn
Format: Via Zoom
Care has always been central to the witness and ministry of the Black Church. In times of celebration, grief, struggle, and liberation, the Black Church has long served as a sacred space of healing, accompaniment, and communal resilience.
Pastoral Care in the Black Church invites participants to approach spiritual caregiving not merely as a pastoral responsibility, but as a meaningful and life-giving calling.
Through theological reflection and practical engagement, participants will explore pastoral care needs within Black church and community contexts while examining models of care grounded in narrative, communal wisdom, and cultural context.
Special attention will be given to themes such as:
Defining pastoral care and its essential elements within Black faith communities
Understanding the caregiver as a wounded healer
Bridging Black theology and pastoral care
Practicing liberative and justice-centered care
Examining how personal assumptions shape caregiving and care receiving
Participants will also strengthen practical skills in listening, responding, and offering care in ways that honor the fullness of people’s lived experiences. This course is especially valuable for pastors, chaplains, caregivers, and leaders committed to healing-centered ministry.
CHURCH ORGANIZATION: TECHNOLOGY & SOCIAL MEDIA (MIN 347)
August 28-29 | September 18-19 | October 30-31 | November 13-14
Instructor: Dr. Cheryl Price, PhD
Format: Via Zoom
The mission of the church remains constant: proclaim good news, care for the vulnerable, seek justice, and nurture faithful community. Yet the ways we communicate, connect, and build relationships continue to evolve.
Church Organization: Technology & Social Media explores how churches and ministry organizations can thoughtfully engage digital tools to strengthen ministry and expand their reach.
Participants will examine how technology and social media can support evangelism, education, communication, organizational effectiveness, and community formation. The course also considers the theological significance of connection and relationship in increasingly digital spaces.
Students will explore practical ways to:
Strengthen church communication
Expand community engagement
Increase ministry visibility and outreach
Create meaningful educational and spiritual experiences online
Improve organizational collaboration and effectiveness
For leaders navigating ministry in a digitally connected world, this course offers both practical insight and strategic vision.
FORMATION ROOTED IN BLACK CHURCH TRADITION
McCormick’s Center for African American Ministry and Black Church Studies exists to strengthen leadership, deepen theological reflection, and honor the enduring witness of the Black Church as a force for faith, justice, resilience, and liberation.
These certificate offerings reflect that commitment by equipping leaders with practical tools and theological grounding for ministry that is responsive, courageous, and transformational.
Whether you are seeking to deepen your pastoral practice, strengthen organizational leadership, or expand your ministry tools, these courses offer meaningful opportunities for growth and formation.