The Office of Black Church Studies | Duke Divinity School

We teach, research, publish, and create experiences to nurture effective leaders for the church, the academy, and the world. We seek to enrich the work and witness of Duke Divinity School—with both theological and spiritual resources from Black Church contexts.

The Office of Black Church Studies Celebrates 50 Years

A Year of Celebration

During the 2022–2023 academic year, Duke Divinity School celebrated the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Office of Black Church Studies, with a year of events culminating in an evening celebration on April 17 featuring Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Yolanda Adams and the Martin Luther King Lecture Series on April 18 with the Rev. Dr. Cynthia L. Hale.

Michael Walrond preaches with congregants in background in Goodson Chapel

Upcoming Events

Join us for lecture series, worship events, conferences, and more.

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Tue, Feb 25, 2025 | 11:30am - 12:30pm | Goodson Chapel

2025 Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series

The Office of Black Church Studies invites you to the 2025 Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series held every Tuesday in the month of February.
No registration is required for this event.

Tue, Feb 25, 2025 | 11:30am - 12:30pm | Goodson Chapel

2025 Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series with Rev. Dr. James D. Ballard

The Reverend Doctor James Donald Ballard is a native of High Point, North Carolina and the former pastor of Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church where he served as senior pastor for 45 years.

Tue, Feb 25, 2025 | 12:30 - 2pm | York Room, Duke Divinity School

Sankofa Alumni Lunch Conversation with Rev. Dr. James D. Ballard

Following the Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series in Goodson Chapel, Duke Divinity Alumni and students associated with the Office of Black Church Studies are invited to join Rev. Dr. James D. Ballard for a lunchtime conversation in the newly renovated Alumni Memorial Common Room.

Latest News

Read the latest news and announcements from the Office of Black Church Studies.

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October 3, 2024

$5 Million Award From The Duke Endowment to Boost Black Church Studies

The grant will be used to recruit and support a senior faculty member specializing in Black church studies to foster research and field-defining work in an academic, theological context.

August 12, 2024

Field Education Highlight: Samira Foster

For many students, like Samira Foster, M.Div. '27, field education is their first opportunity to work in a ministry setting and is an invaluable component of their theological education. These placements involve serving in contextual learning opportunities in churches, nonprofits, and other settings under the guidance of a trained supervisor.

May 29, 2024

Wylin Wilson Awarded Intellectual Community Planning Grant

The grant from the Office of the Provost will support Dr. Wilson's project, which addresses the Black maternal health crisis in North Carolina by engaging bioethics, healthcare, and Black churches. Read more from the Duke Office of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Our Programs

Certificate in Black Church Studies

The Certificate in Black Church Studies aims to help strengthen the body of Christ through critical reflection, dialogue, and practice for those who are interested in the intersection of race, faith, and Christian witness, particularly in the tradition of Black churches.

Black Church Studies Fellowship

The Black Church Studies Fellowship program is designed for students pursuing the Certificate in Black Church Studies while enrolled in the residential Master of Divinity degree program. The program includes full-tuition scholarship and signature programming.

Course Offerings

Learn about classes in Black Church studies that are intensely interdisciplinary, ecumenical, and intellectually inclusive.

“Studying at Duke Divinity has helped me to foster a particular fortitude, as my convictions, formed out of the Black church tradition, are brought into the discussion of the broader theological conversation.”

About the Office of Black Church Studies

Learn about how we nurture effective leaders for the church, the academy, and the world.