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.

Upcoming Events

Join us for lecture series, worship events, conferences, and more.
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Thu, Nov 20, 2025 | 8 - 9:15pm | Online

OBCS November Webinar

Rev. Dr. Chelsea Brooke Yarborough is the associate director of leadership programming at the Association of Theological Schools. She earned her B.A. from Elon University (2012), her M.Div. from Wake Forest University School of Divinity (2015), and her Ph.D. in religion from Vanderbilt University (2021).

Latest News

Read the latest news and announcements from the Office of Black Church Studies.
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James Abbington, Inaugural Joseph B. Bethea Chair in Black Church Studies, Dies at 65
October 1, 2025
James Abbington, Inaugural Joseph B. Bethea Chair in Black Church Studies, Dies at 65
James Abbington, the first Bethea Professor of the Practice of Sacred Music and Black Church Studies, was a world-renowned musician and scholar of the traditions and contributions from music in the Black Church.
Duke Divinity Hires James Abbington as First Joseph B. Bethea Professor
May 12, 2025
Duke Divinity Hires James Abbington as First Joseph B. Bethea Professor
The hiring of Abbington as the inaugural endowed chair was made possible by a $5 million award from The Duke Endowment to boost Black Church studies at the school.
$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
Duke Giving
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.

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