African American Church

More Resources for a Deeply Formed Spiritual Life

Liberated, Empowered, Whole

As she provides therapy for her clients and creates resources on mental health, psychologist Jessica Smedley forms safe and empowering spaces for the Black community.

Our Stories and God’s Providence, with Esau McCaulley

Esau McCaulley, discussing his new memoir, reflects on the way we tell Black stories and how we make sense of our narratives for the glory of God.

Catastrophe and Creative Care | Stanley Talbert

Reflecting on the story of the Good Samaritan, Stanley Talbert preaches a message on justly and creatively caring for our neighbors in this catastrophic world.

The Transformative Power of Gospel Music, with Stephen Newby

Stephen Newby reflects on the ability of Gospel music to invite all people in and what that means for today’s world and church.

The Fight for Racial Justice, with Jeanelle Austin

Jeanelle Austin discusses her work at the George Floyd Global Memorial and her push for “people over property” in both preservation and activism.

Jesus and Jim Crow | James Cone

James Cone preaches about his experience of discrimination and oppression growing up in Jim Crow Arkansas and about how his upbringing and faith influenced his theological pursuits.

Awakening | J. Alfred Smith

J. Alfred Smith calls us to awaken morally and spiritually in order to live actively in the world, drawing on the example of Martin Luther King Jr.

A Better Story | A Conversation with Stan Long

Stan Long reflects on the many challenges Black faculty and students faced in predominantly White institutions in the 90s and still face today, while looking hopefully forward because of the progress that has been made.

Creating a Safe Space | A Conversation with Raedorah Stewart

Looking back on her own seminary experience, Raedorah Stewart talks about the need to cultivate a culture that affirms Black scholarship and mentors Black scholars.

What God Has Written On My Heart | A Conversation with Velma Union

Velma Union describes the institutional and ecclesiastical support needed by Black church studies programs, while also emphasizing the importance of listening to God in faithful community.

Advancing the Work | A Conversation with Ralph Watkins

Ralph Watkins shares about the lack of Black theological voices in seminary curricula, the struggle of Black scholars in the academy, and the sustaining love of the Black Church.

A Faithful Community | A Conversation with Joy Moore

Remembering her time at Fuller, Joy Moore shares about the students and scholars she walked alongside, who faithfully represented the mission and kingdom of God.

Showing Up | A Conversation with Jeanelle Austin

Engaged in crucial work against anti-Blackness, Jeanelle Austin talks about walking alongside and creating space for Black students during her time at Fuller.

You Belong Here | A Conversation with Dwight Radcliff

Dwight Radcliff talks about the history and mission of Fuller’s Pannell Center and the part he now plays in the important work of forming Black students and Black leaders.

Behind the Scenes: The First Conversation with Dwight Radcliff

In this behind the scenes interview, Dwight Radcliff shares about his own journey of theological education and his work with Fuller’s William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies.

The Future of the African American Church | Ralph Watkins

Ralph Watkins reflects on the future directions of leadership, theology, and seminary training within the African American church.

A Continued Tradition, with Charlie Dates

Charlie Dates reflects on how the Black preaching tradition has shaped him into the preacher he is today, as well as how to practice faithful discernment about one’s pastoral calling.

Fanning the Flame: Pastoring in the Modern Movement

Najuma Smith-Pollard, pastor and assistant director of community and public engagement at USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, looks to history’s examples of Black faith leaders and considers the role of the pastor in today’s modern movement.

Legacies of Faith, with Otis Moss III

Otis Moss III speaks about how his family legacy and other legacies of faith have shaped his theology and ministry, and about the critical questions facing the church today.

H. B. Charles Jr. on the Coming Kingdom

H. B. Charles Jr. preaches from the Parable of the Weeds, which reminds us that the inevitable evils in this world cannot stop the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Panel | Pastoring in the Movement

Shep Crawford, Sonja Dawson, Michael Fisher, and Najuma Smith-Pollard discuss the most pressing needs in their communities and the ways in which God is calling the church to work, to lead, and to serve.

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