Black Church Studies (BCS) at Yale Divinity School (YDS) supports inquiry into and engagement with the practices of African American churches and other Christian communities throughout the African Diaspora. To promote and cultivate such inquiry and engagement, BCS at YDS offers opportunities for critical reflection and practice among emerging and existing leaders in the Black Church and in the broader community.

BCS at YDS offers a Certificate in Black Church Studies for YDS students who wish to respond to the evolving needs of the Black Church and marginalized communities and who intend to serve in historically Black congregations, and/or are inspired by the rich and ecumenical traditions of the Black Church. 

What’s New

We are excited to launch our Pilot Preaching Project “Black Preaching in the Elm City: A Contextual Exploration.”  The class will dive deep into the meaning of preaching at various Black Church contexts by pairing students with churches in the greater New Haven area and giving them the opportunity to preach twice while receiving feedback from the Pastor and select members of the congregation.

Last Fall our students participated in the First New Haven  Pilgrimage where they explored different neighborhoods and learned how the various churches and non-profits contribute to them.  We hope to continue providing this experience and bridging the gap between Yale and local New Haven residents. 

After taking a year off, our BCSCP Winter Wellness Retreat will be held on February 8th at Mercy By the Sea, in Madison, CT.  The retreat theme invites participants to, “make space for sacred rest and healing!’’

Alumni Engagement

YDS Alums continue to support the development of future leaders of color at YDS: In November 2022, an alum initiated opportunity opened for a student to participate in an Ad Council sponsored  conversation with other national faith leaders, that examined mental health initiatives in multicultural communities.

A YDS Alum introduced the BCSCP to Ms. Roslyn Weems of wealthconsortia.com. In March 2023, Ms. Weems facilitated a timely, and well received, Colloquium entitled, “Wealth Accumulation, Management and Ministry with BCSCP students.

–Updated August 2024