William E. Pannell Center


William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies
"We are the church. We are the community. We are the culture."
Fuller Theological Seminary, as an institution, is committed to forming global leaders for kingdom vocations. The William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies provides indispensable formational education—by building a body of Black leaders who believe in the power of the church, the community, and the culture. In order to accomplish this vision, the Pannell Center embraces a mission to proactively build and empower Black Christian leaders by centering kingdom work, cultural enrichment, and academic rigor. These priorities will focus the work of the Pannell Center and enable us to provide indispensable formational opportunities.
Upcoming Events
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There are no upcoming events in this category.
Watch the Celebration of Life for Rev. Dr. William E. Pannell
On Wednesday, December 4th we celebrated the life of Rev. Dr. William E. Pannell. You can watch a recording of the celebration here.
As the Fuller Community we continue to keep the Pannell Family in our thoughts and prayers as we remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Bill Pannell, a true exemplar and hallmark of unwavering joy, grace, and devotion to Christ, his church, and the world at large.

Pasadena Black Student Union
Did you know we have a student group on campus? We'd love to connect with you and keep the community alive! Join us to stay up to date on events and gatherings throughout the academic school year.
Upcoming DMIN Cohort
Leaders in historically Black churches and African American contexts are facing significant challenges, with changing roles for pastors and the rise of bi-vocational leadership, while non-pastoral leaders are also playing crucial roles. The Now & Next Cohort, a three-year Doctor of Ministry program launching in fall 2025, aims to address these issues by examining ministry from an intergenerational and prophetic perspective, with a focus on discipleship, community, and cultural engagement.

A Legacy of Black Church Leaders and Scholars
In honor of the Pannell Center’s 50th anniversary, past and present staff look back on the center’s history of forming Black leaders for the church and beyond, while looking forward with hope for what lies ahead.
The Gospel According to Bill Pannell
Watch the new documentary from Fuller Seminary and Jemar Tisby.
Resources for the Community
Browse Pannell Center articles, videos, and podcasts. Our resources gather the insights of scholars and practitioners for your work and ministry in and outside of the church
Featured Faculty
Learn from our faculty members, who combine practical experience with rigorous scholarship in Black church studies, the history of African Christianity, mission, culture, psychology, practical theology, and more.
Adjunct and Affiliate Faculty
Adjunct Professor of Black Theology and African Studies
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Preaching
Affiliate Assistant Professor of Youth, Family, and Culture
Adjunct Instructor in Theology and Culture
Affiliate Associate Professor of Society, Religion, and African Studies
Pannell Center on Fuller Studio
Hip Hop Hermeneutic
Dwight Radcliff, director of the Pannell Center, explores the history of the African American church and Hip Hop as a lens for interpreting Scripture
Conversing: Brenda Salter McNeil on Reconciliation
Brenda Salter McNeil, speaker, author, and professor, talks about the long work of reconciliation, the need to speak truth, and the ongoing process of repentance, forgiveness, and justice guided by God’s Spirit.
In the Room with Dwight Hopkins
The University of Chicago theology professor and a community of scholars discuss the social, cultural, and pastoral intersections of the Black experience

STAFF
Dwight A. Radcliff, Jr.
Academic Dean
[email protected]
Kayla Johnson
Program Coordinator
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Breeanna Long
Program Assistant
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Office
Location: 120 N Oakland Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101
Mailing Address: 135 N Oakland Ave, Pasadena, CA 91182