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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Mon, Sep 21, 2026 | 6:30 - 8pm | Durham, NC

2026 Gardner C. Taylor Lecture Series

The series honors the legacy of Gardner C. Taylor, an effective pastor, compelling preacher, and prolific author, and honors the beauty and power of preaching in the Black prophetic Christian tradition. This year, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III is the preacher and lecturer for the series.

Mon, Sep 21, 2026 | 6:30 - 8pm | Monument of Faith Church, Durham

2026 Gardner C. Taylor Lecture Series (Worship Service)

This year's Gardner C. Taylor Lecture Series worship service sponsored by the Office of Black Church Studies will be held at Monument of Faith Church, Durham, N.C. with Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III preaching.

Tue, Sep 22, 2026 | 2 - 4pm | Durham, NC

2026 Gardner C. Taylor Lecture Series

The series honors the legacy of Gardner C. Taylor, an effective pastor, compelling preacher, and prolific author, and honors the beauty and power of preaching in the Black prophetic Christian tradition. This year, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III is the preacher and lecturer for the series.

Latest News

Read the latest news and announcements from the Office of Black Church Studies.
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July 26, 2026
William C. Turner Jr., Pastor, Preacher, and Theological Educator, Dies at 78
William Clair Turner Jr., James T. and Alice Mead Cleland Professor Emeritus of the Practice of Preaching at Duke Divinity School, died on July 26 at the age of 78.
April 2, 2026
Annual Jill Raitt Lecture Celebrates a Transformative Legacy
At Duke Divinity School’s annual Jill Raitt Worship and Lecture, the community gathered to celebrate the life and work of Dr. Jill Raitt, who was a pioneering scholar and advocate for women in theological education.
February 24, 2026
The Office of Black Church Studies Hosts 2026 Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series
Every Tuesday in February, the Divinity School celebrated the distinct contributions of the school’s alumni of African descent in the Sankofa Alumni Preaching Series.

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.”

Orlander Thomas, M.Div. ’20