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Nov 22, 2024
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2017-2018 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
African-American Church Concentration
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Students in degree programs may choose to concentrate in an area of theological studies. Concentrations may be used to fulfill denominational requirements (concentration in Anglican studies), to ascertain preparedness for future licensing or advanced study (concentration in pastoral care), or to complete an intensive study in an area of benefit or priority for the church (concentration in Hispanic studies, concentration in African-American church studies, concentration in urban ministry, concentration in women’s and gender studies, concentration in social innovation and nonprofit engagement, concentration in church/nonprofit management ).
Since its inception in secret meeting places (“hush harbors”) on slave plantations in North America, the African-American church has been the primary context for shaping the black Christian experience. The life and ministry of the African-American church are concretized in its forms of fellowship, in its public presence and, most importantly, in its worship. Perkins School of Theology affirms the importance of the institution of the African-American church, and it has committed itself to the preparation of church leaders with the knowledge and skills for effective ministry in and with the African-American church.
The concentration in African-American church studies is available to all students who are enrolled in the M.Div. degree program and who wish to broaden their understanding of African-American religious experiences as well as prepare for leadership in the African-American church or related social agencies. The concentration adviser is Abraham Smith.
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Competencies
Students will be expected to appreciate and analyze the complexity of black life and culture and the ways they shape the African-American church. It is intended that students will develop the following competencies:
- Acquire skills for assessing social, cultural, political and economic issues as these affect African-American congregations in urban and rural settings.
- Understand the history of the African-American church in the North American context and in relationship to the continent of Africa.
- Understand the biblical and theological underpinnings of the historical and contemporary African-American church.
- Understand the role of the African-American church in forming black spirituality and the black worship experience.
- Acquire effective pastoral and spiritual leadership, advocacy and relationship building skills within and beyond African-American congregational settings.
Concentration Requirements
- Formally register for the concentration through the Office of the Registrar and the certificate adviser. To qualify, students must have signed approval from their academic adviser. Candidates must have at least 24 hours remaining in their degree program and a GPA of 3.000 in order to register. M.Div. candidates should not yet have applied for internship.
- Complete MN 7320 - Ministry in the Black Church (three credit hours).
- Complete 12 additional credit hours (four courses) in approved African-American church studies concentration courses (designated courses listed below).
- Complete an internship (9 credit hours) in an approved African-American church or related setting. In lieu of the internship, M.T.S. students, in consultation with the certificate adviser, must complete a major research project that addresses issues concerning the African-American church. This requirement is in addition to the thesis or summative project required in the M.T.S. program.
Students pursuing the concentration in urban ministry and concentration in African-American church studies may double-count those courses designated for both concentrations.
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