The African American Church Studies Program at Fuller is designed to equip men and women to be scholars and church practitioners in the African American culture. The program is open to all men and women with a passion to learn and work with the African American church community.
For a seminary and its programs to be effective, it must be in conversation with the church and be a servant of the church. We also must serve the world, by being in touch with the unchurched and non-Christians. The African American Church Studies Program is a program that is in touch and in tune with the world. Our professors are active in the church and bring their experience and connection to the program.
The African American Church Studies Program offers courses toward two degrees: the Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Theology. Both incorporate a strong biblical, historical, and theological core of study. Our courses are taught by professors who are passionate about the African American experience and address theological and pastoral issues from an African American worldview. In addition, we draw on Fuller’s interdisciplinary resources from across the seminary—in our Schools of Theology, Psychology, and Intercultural Studies —to offer programs with depth that empower and bring transformation to the work and ministries of our students.
The location of Fuller’s main campus in greater Los Angeles, a center of culture, change, and diversity, offers a multitude of opportunities and challenges to serve, learn, and gain practical training in the area’s many churches and ministries. No matter what your specific ministry goals, our program will serve as a catalyst for you—equipping you through relevant coursework, and facilitating vital connections between students, faculty, alumni/ae, staff, and pastors of African American congregations.
As one the largest and most diverse seminaries in the world, Fuller will provide you training that is evangelical in commitment, rigorous in scholarship, diverse in community, and intensive in training and research. To learn more, contact us at 626-584-5591 or afam-studies@dept.fuller.edu. We look forward to connecting with you!
Ralph C. Watkins
Assistant Dean of the African American Church Studies Program and Associate Professor of Society, Religion, and Africana Studies