Associate Dean of Academics, a.B. Rhodes Professor of Old Testament, and Faculty Director of the Louisville Grawemeyer Award in Religion at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
This session served as an initial kickoff event for the Black Church Studies (BCS) Consultation Week, centered on the theme 'Turn to Your Neighbor.' Key discussions revolved around redefining neighborliness through the lens of the Black church's witness of liberation, dignity, and communal care, specifically examining hospitality as a practice of justice rather than mere welcome. Panelists shared personal and professional insights regarding creating inclusive environments within congregations, ensuring visibility and recognition of worth, and balancing safety with open hospitality. Specific topics included the historical role of the Black church as a sanctuary, the challenges of extending hospitality to marginalized groups such as the LGBTQIA community, and ensuring that theological commitments to justice translate into concrete, welcoming practices, addressing issues like disability inclusion in ministry and leadership.
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The event marked the culmination of the Black Church Studies 2026 Consultation, emphasizing the prophetic witness of the black church in times when identities are marginalized. Key segments included greetings from seminary leadership, the singing of the black national anthem, and remarks highlighting the progress and ongoing commitment to the Black Church Studies Program, which started in 2009. The program received a dedicated tenure-track position and secured a $5 million grant. The primary focus of the evening was a lecture delivered by Dr. Hendris on 'The Politics of Jesus,' examining biblical mandates regarding neighborly love, collectivism, and hospitality toward immigrants, drawing extensively from the Hebrew Bible and Leviticus, Deuteronomy, and Ezekiel.
Mar 9, 2026·BoardMeeting
Board
Consultation Panels
The event focused on the theme 'Turn to Your Neighbor,' emphasizing the prophetic witness of the black church and the concept of radical hospitality towards those society has marginalized. Key segments included an invocation, welcome addresses from faculty members, and announcements regarding the schedule, which featured plenary sessions, panel discussions on topics like black women in ministry, lunch, and concurrent workshops. A major portion involved a sermon centered on Luke 14:12-24, which critiqued transactional love by contrasting invitations to friends with invitations to the poor, crippled, lame, and blind. The sermon explicitly addressed a social experiment that revealed a church culture prioritizing respectability over meeting immediate needs.
Feb 19, 2026·BoardMeeting
Board
Consultation Chapel Service
The event was titled the Black Church Studies Consultation Chapel Service, featuring Reverend Annettra Jones (MDiv ‘12) as the guest preacher. The opening included greetings on behalf of the seminary and the black church studies team, and an invitation for participants to join a community lunch following the service. The proceedings included a call to worship, prayer of confession, and assurance of pardon. The service featured a musical performance by the LPTS Seminary Soul Gospel Choir, directed by Reverend Tiffany Williams, and guest pianist Mr. Keon Hankerson. The sermon, titled "Embodied Hospitality In An Anxious Age," discussed the pervasive anxiety in society related to politics, economic insecurity, technological change, and threats to marginalized communities. The message emphasized that when the world builds walls of fear, the church must respond by opening doors of love and practicing hospitality by refusing to let fear and polarization strip anyone of their god-given dignity, referencing scripture from Luke 14 and Hebrews 13.
Extracted from official board minutes, strategic plans, and video transcripts.
