Certificates

The Black Ministries Program is comprised of two components: the Black Ministries Certificate Program and Black Ministries educational outreach programs and events. The Black Ministries Program welcomes students of all denominational and religious backgrounds. For further details, please contact the program office at bmp@hartsem.edu or 860-509-9512.

Writing Requirement for Black Ministries Program

All students are required to successfully complete BMP-100 The Art of Communication unless exempted by the Program Director at the time of admission.

Course Descriptions

The Bible Institute: Understanding the Bible (offered every other September)

Staff/Kim

The Bible Institute covers the historical, cultural and political forces that shaped the Bible, the history of translation and canonization of the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament. The Bible Institute is required and free of charge for all students entering the Black Ministries Program. It is also open to the public for $35.

BMP-101 The Art of Communication

Crosby

Emphasizing effective oral and written communication techniques, this course assists students in the preparation of written assignments and oral presentations. Students will review the rules of syntax and grammar and will be exposed to research tools necessary for the art of creative expression.

BMP-140 Church Administration

Stallworth

This course is designed to probe the ways church and ministries are a business. Topics covered will include techniques for managing and developing a budget, record-keeping, fundraising, supervision of staff, marketing and community relations.

BMP-161 Expository Preaching

Watts

The basic purpose of this course will be to instruct each student in the necessary “how to” of sermon preparation and delivery. Particular emphasis will be placed on the distinctiveness of preaching in the Black religious context. (Previous title - Preaching in the Black Context)

BMP-190 Theology and the Black Experience

Johnson

The purpose of this course is to use the African-American experience and search for identity in America as a lens through which to understand the development of African-American theology in the context of the Christian tradition.

BMP-231 Education for the Life of the Church

Thomas

This is a comprehensive introduction to the total educational ministry of the church including worship, study, fellowship and service. These aspects of the church’s ministry are explored in relationship to curriculum planning, administration, church school organization, and teaching. (Previous title - Christian Education)

BMP-235 In Our Own Voices

Copeland

This preaching course will offer women the opportunity to explore and discern their own voices in preaching. Students will reflect on the historical, theological and biblical significance of women in the pulpit and will have an opportunity to participate in practical preaching exercises.

BMP-250: Shared Urban Spaces: Black-Latino Dialogue

Ayala and Bennett

This course will give a broad overview of a paradigm of ministry that has been categorized as Urban Ministries. The focus of this course will explore the historical evolution of what has come to be known as ministry in the urban context that is distinctive from the suburban or rural context, examine and evaluate one particular approach to urban ministry as executed by two ministries within the urban context, and reflect on the aforementioned tasks and their implications for each student’s ministry context.

BMP-260 Survey of the Old Testament

Kim

This course will study the major books of the Hebrew Scriptures emphasizing their content and theology. Data from archeology, the history and the culture of the ancient Near East, and critical approaches to scripture study will be introduced where appropriate.

BMP-270 Survey of the New Testament

Agosto

This course will concentrate on the major teachings of the New Testament documents and the origins of Christianity. Historical-critical observations will be discussed in connection with the New Testament texts.

BMP-275 Who Are You, Adam? Explorations of Male Spirituality

Bennett

This course is designed to offer an introductory exploration into the connection between male sexuality and male spirituality. Definitions of both sexuality and spirituality will be followed by an investigation of how both are manifested and perceived within the context of the local church. In particular, how do emerging paradigms of male identity challenge traditional male spiritual practices (i.e. worship, prayer, fellowship, ministry.)

BMP-280 Black Theological Ethics: A Case Study Approach

Stallworth

In this course case studies will be used to explore contemporary ethical problems impacting the black community from a theological perspective. The cases will focus on such issues as environmental racism, affirmative action, economics, health and sexuality to help participants gain a better understanding of faithful, ethical decisionmaking.

BMP-300 Charismatic Praise and Worship

Clayton

The black church has long been known for its dynamic praise and worship experience. This course will explore contemporary trends of praise and worship in the black church in light of the historical, biblical roots to provide participants with insights and skills to develop sound contemporary praise and worship teams and music ministries for the black church context.