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.

Read More about the 50th anniversary
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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Thu, Jan 16, 2025 | 8 - 9:15pm | Zoom

OBCS Webinar Series

The Office of Black Church Studies invites you to be a part of this webinar series beginning fall 2024. Registration is required for each webinar.

Thu, Jan 16, 2025 | 8 - 9pm | Zoom

OBCS Webinar with Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, Ph.D.

Dr. Jamal-Dominique Hopkins is associate professor of Christian scriptures at Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary.

Thu, Mar 20, 2025 | 8 - 9:15pm | Zoom

OBCS Webinar Series

The Office of Black Church Studies invites you to be a part of this webinar series beginning fall 2024. Registration is required for each webinar.

Latest News

Read the latest news and announcements from the Office of Black Church Studies.
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$5 Million Award From The Duke Endowment to Boost Black Church Studies
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.
Field Education Highlight: Samira Foster
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.
Wylin Wilson Awarded Intellectual Community Planning Grant
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
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
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
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.”

Orlander Thomas, M.Div. ’20

About the Office of Black Church Studies

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