“ The impact of the recent pandemic has increased the use of social media and virtual platforms by many ministries ,” he points out . “ It has also broadened the reach of churches and has increased their exposure ; as a result , students need to be better prepared to reach diverse groups of people and to have cultural sensitivities when sharing the gospel , developing ministries , as well as contextualizing strategies for church growth .” Alongside McGuire is Professor Michael Hubbard , another foundational leader in the development of the Black Church Studies emphasis , who developed the Pastoral Ministry in the Black Church course . Hubbard and other Black Church leaders continue to provide additional input in future course offerings .
Bearing fruit Now , with the launch of the
Black Church Studies Institute in May 2022 , McGuire ’ s and his team ’ s hard work has paid off with a compelling curriculum . It is the result of a continuous process of curating an emphasis that is meaningful to every student and most accurately describes the experiences , best practices , models and developments of the Black Church . “ And we were blessed to have a lot of deep guidance from Mark [ Simpson , Ph . D ., Vice President for Academic Services ] and Daryl [ R . Eldridge , Ph . D .] in terms of framing it to be consistent with the seminary ’ s other offerings ,” McGuire adds . Fortunately , the emphasis is also blessed from the get-go with alumni from the group in which the concept was born — all of them pastors — willing to serve as mentees to students and walk alongside students enrolled in the Institute . The Black Church Studies Institute ’ s key areas of study will be Black Church History , Pastoral Ministry in the Black Church , and Principles and Praxis of Discipleship for the 21st Century Church . The primary takeaways will be an understanding of the contributions of Black Americans and of those throughout the African Diaspora in the development and practice of theology in the Black Church . “ Really , we just want to fill a need to contextually educate students on the Black Church , the Black Church experience , the contributions of the Black Church to theology and church history ,” McGuire says . “ And we need to be that for students who are , themselves , within this context ; for those who want to reach out beyond their own specific people group ; or for those who want to be more effective in the Black Church community .”
Making it accessible , always The courses in the
Black Church Studies Institute will be offered fully online and designed for students to work at their own pace . “ We really want to have an option for pastors who are busy trying to figure out how they can get this kind of education and grow , to disciple others and be better pastors for their own churches ,” McGuire points out . “ In that sense , being on campus can tie you down . For me , I feel like this is the best choice for people who are really struggling with , What does that look like for me , and how do I move forward ?” As the Institute nears its launch , Hilliker and his leadership team at Rockbridge Seminary feel confident that this long-held effort is in the best hands . “ Marlow is a leader with a passion and belief in unifying the Church , as well as promoting the incredible impact that the Black Church has had historically , and on present-day Christianity ,” Hilliker says . “ He is a pastor who understands the complexities and challenges of balancing the ministry world and family life . He understands the incredible responsibility to shepherd and care for people as well as the demands that places on your time and energy . Who better to train other pastors than a pastor who knows what it means to love God , love people , and love the ministry of the Church .”
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