Candler School of Theology
Program of Black Church Studies
Candler’s Program of Black Church Studies prepares men and women to provide learned, prophetic, and compassionate leadership in black and multiracial churches; and, educates the entire Candler community about the origins, development, and contemporary diversity of the black church tradition. The program also explores religious traditions among peoples of African descent across Africa and the diaspora. The program seeks to integrate black church studies into foundational courses at Candler and to expand and deepen black church studies courses. The program also seeks to respond to the need for literature in black religion, in particular the need for primary field research on black congregational life. The Program of Black Church Studies also sponsors chapel worship, orientation, and support events as well as an annual series of lectures on black religious life that include the Howard Thurman Lecture, the Anna Julia Cooper Lecture, and the Bishop James S. Thomas Lecture. For further information, contact Teresa Fry Brown, director, at 404.727.4436 or teresa.brown@emory.edu.
Certificate in Black Church Studies
Candler students who desire to expand their knowledge of the black church may earn a certificate in black church studies in conjunction with the MDiv or MTS degree programs. The Black Church Studies (BCS) certification process provides an opportunity to develop theoretical and practical knowledge about black religion and black church studies.Certification requirements include participation in BCS504, Black Church Studies Retreat (no credit) at least once; completion of a BCS505, Black Church Studies Portfolio (no credit), and completion of seventeen hours of course credit: made up of BCS501, Introduction to Black Church Studies (3 hours); CE503, Contextual Education II, in an approved ecclesial setting (4 hours) or other contextual experience taken for credit and simultaneously; BCS500, Black Church Studies Reflection Seminar (no credit); BCS502, Black Church Studies Colloquy, in the final semester (1 hour, graded S/U); and nine additional hours in approved BCS course work.
To participate in the program,
interested students must complete an
Application for Certificate Enrollment
with the Candler registrar and a
Declaration of Intent and proposed covenant
agreement with the director of Black
Church Studies. For further information,
contact Teresa Fry Brown, director, at
404.727.4180 or tfry01@emory.edu.
