Current Courses

2011-2012

FALL 2011

The 2011 orientation and registration session for the Black Ministries Program will be held Saturday, September 10th from 9:00a.m. – 11:00 a.m. This session is required of all NEW and RETURNING students. Lunch will be provided.

Theology and the Black Experience *
Rev. Dr. Alvan Johnson -- Saturdays: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Sept. 17th, 24th, Oct. 1st,8th, 15th, 22nd

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-290)

The Art of Communication *
Prof. Vada Crosby, MA -- Saturdays:  1-3 p.m.
Sept. 17th, 24th, Oct. 1st,8th, 15th, 22nd

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-101)

Shared Urban Spaces: Black-Latino Dialogue
Rev. Edwin Ayala, Rev. Dr. Anthony Bennett, Prof. Yehezkel Landau -- Saturdays: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Oct. 29th, Nov. 5th, 12th, 19th, Dec. 3rd, 10th, 17th

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-250)

SPRING 2012

Expository Preaching
Rev. Dr. Ben Watts -- Saturdays: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
 Jan. 21st, 28th, Feb. 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th,

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.  (BMP-261)

Charismatic Praise & Worship
Rev. Lisa Clayton -- Saturdays: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Mar. 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, Apr. 14th

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 & worship teams and music ministries for the black church context.  (BMP-300)

Black Theological Ethics - A Case Study Approach
Dr. C.L. Stallworth –- Fridays 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. & Saturdays: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
April 20th, 21st, 27th, 28th, May 4th, 5th

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 decision-making. (BMP-260)

* REQUIRED COURSES for those intending to graduate.

BMP and PMH courses will be offered jointly in the 2010-2011 Academic year to provide an experience of an ecumenical pedagogy and understanding communal Christian practices.

For more information on the Black Ministries Program,

please call: (860) 509-9512 or e-mail: bmp@hartsem.edu

The Black Ministries Program (BMP) is a national model for building the leadership, training and preaching skills of laity and clergy in the urban church under the direction of Rev. Dr. Benjamin K. Watts.