Why Black Church Studies?
Join us for a transformative two-part Black Church Studies Webinar series, hosted by Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University. This webinar is designed to deepen your understanding of the unique theology of the Black Church and explore its profound influence on shaping communities, inspiring social change, and contributing to the global church in the 21st century.
Part One, April 7th at 6pm ET, will focus on theological education. Dr. Dara Delgado will moderate a panel discussion around the question: "Why does theological education need Black Church Studies?" This conversation will highlight the unique contributions and challenges within Black Church scholarship, while emphasizing the pivotal role of Black men and women in shaping theological thought and practice.
In Part Two, (Date & time TBD) Dr. Fred Johnson will moderate a dynamic conversation between prominent pastors from across the country, addressing the question: "Why does the church need Black Church Studies?" This session will provide valuable insights into the role the Black Church has played in reinterpreting faith, scripture, and fostering social movements that continue to impact the world today.
Throughout the series, students and community members will gain a richer understanding of the history, theology, and biblical interpretations specific to the Black Church, as well as its enduring legacy in both American and global religious life.
*Additional information on speakers, dates, and times will be shared soon.
Sign Up Today!
Webinar Moderators
Rev. Dr. Fredrick Johnson
Rev. Dr. Fredrick Johnson, Sr., is the senior pastor of First Genesis Baptist Church in Rochester, NY, where his leadership has fostered both spiritual and membership growth. With a passion for evangelism, preaching, teaching, and community building, he has been actively involved in every facet of church ministry. Dr. Johnson holds a Doctor of Ministry (2007) and a Master of Divinity (2001) from Northeastern Seminary, as well as an MBA (1994) from the Rochester Institute of Technology. In addition to his pastoral work, he brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and community development, shaped by over two decades in the private sector working for multinational corporations.
Dr. Dara Delgado
Dr. Dara Delgado is an Assistant Professor of Religious Studies–Christianity at Allegheny College, an AAUW American Dissertation Fellow (2018–2019), and an adjunct professor at Northeastern Seminary. Committed to a student-centered approach, she creates a learning environment that challenges and inspires students to cultivate their own intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills. Through trust-based student-teacher relationships and inclusive, discussion-driven classrooms, Dr. Delgado partners with students as they develop into independent scholars navigating a globalized world. Together, they engage difficult questions, wrestle with complex ideas, and explore faith, history, and culture in ways that foster thoughtful, respectful conversations about religion and the Christian tradition.
Webinar Panelists
Rev. Valerie Bridgeman
Dr. Valerie Bridgeman is the Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Homiletics and Hebrew Bible at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. A respected scholar, preacher, and advocate, she is also the founding president and CEO of WomanPreach! Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering prophetic voices in preaching. Partnering with MTSO, WomanPreach! provides practical training and nurturing spaces for preachers nationwide. Dr. Bridgeman holds a Ph.D. in biblical studies from Baylor University and a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Since 1977, she has been active in ordained ministry and has lectured at numerous prestigious institutions. Her scholarship, particularly in womanist interpretation and social justice, is reflected in her extensive publications, including contributions to scholarly journals and forthcoming commentaries on Hosea and Job.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Jamel H. McReynolds
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Jamel H. McReynolds, a fourth-generation clergy member from Paducah, Kentucky, is the Senior Pastor of Fullview Missionary Baptist Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. With degrees from Wilberforce University and United Theological Seminary, along with executive studies at Harvard Divinity School, he is deeply committed to pastoral care, community development, and social justice. An ordained minister for over 30 years, Dr. McReynolds has served in various pastoral and leadership roles across multiple states and denominations. He currently serves as First Assistant Presiding Bishop in the Kingdom Dominion Covenant Ministries Fellowship and as a Faculty Mentor at United Theological Seminary. His ministry extends nationally and internationally through social activism, humanitarian service, and theological education.
Dr. Nick Peterson
Dr. Nick Peterson is a practical theologian and ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He earned his Ph.D. from Emory University, With degrees from Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster Theological Seminary, his work explores the intersection of biblical interpretation, tradition, and social location in preaching and worship. As a practical theologian, Peterson interrogates how intentional and unintentional practices shape Christian identities and configure worldviews. Teaching in preaching and worship, he is acutely interested in the ways biblical interpretation, tradition, culture, and social location inform public proclamation and liturgy. Drawing from extensive experience in diverse ecumenical settings, Dr. Peterson brings a deep commitment to both scholarship and ministry.
Rev. Dion J. Watkins
Rev. Dion J. Watkins, a Buffalo, New York native, is a dedicated pastor, educator, and community leader. With degrees from Canisius College and Northeastern Seminary, he is deeply committed to both academic and spiritual growth. Beginning his pastoral ministry at just 21, he led Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Lackawanna, NY, before expanding his leadership to Revelation Baptist Church in Buffalo. He later served as pastor of Mount Olive Church Ministries in Hartford, CT, and now leads Progressive Union Missionary Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL. Passionate about strengthening communities, fostering revival, and preaching salvation, Rev. Watkins also has a history of public service, including a mayoral campaign in Lackawanna.
Dr. Eric Lewis Williams
Dr. Eric Lewis Williams is the director of the Office of Black Church Studies and assistant professor of Theology and Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School. Previously, he served at the Smithsonian National Museum as lead researcher in the Center for the Study of African American Religious Life. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Edinburgh, along with degrees from Duke Divinity School, McCormick Theological Seminary, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. An ordained minister in the Church of God in Christ, he actively contributes to both academic scholarship and congregational life.