Upcoming Events

Louisville Seminary invites you to the Presler Lecture as part of our 2025-2026 Lecture Series featuring Dr. William Yoo, Associate Professor of American Religious and Cultural History at Columbia Theological Seminary.

In 1813, Black abolitionist and pastor Lemuel Haynes asked, "Was not our blessed Lord a political preacher?" Throughout history, Christians have wrestled with the relationship between faith, politics, and justice.

In this timely lecture titled: "Untangling and Reframing the Web of Politics, Social Justice, and the Spiritual Mission of the Church" Dr. Yoo offers insights for navigating today's politically charged climate, inviting us to discern how the Church's spiritual mission calls us to engage the world.

In addition to being an accomplished author, teacher, preacher, and scholar, Dr. Yoo is a Louisville Institute Dissertation Fellow (2013-2014). Prior to the lecture, join us in the Winn Center lobby for a light reception hosted by Louisville Institute, a Lilly Endowment Inc. funded grant based at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

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Don't wait—register today and secure your spot for this FREE public event! Share this event with others! View the printable pdf here.

Join the Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative in Shelbyville, KY, for two days of fellowship, learning, and empowerment for rural and small-town Black churches and faith-based communities across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio.

Friday, Oct. 3 | 6–8 PM: Faith & Family Night – Food, fun, and fellowship at the Marnel C. Moorman Family Life Center.
Saturday, Oct. 4 | 9 AM–4:30 PM: BRCR Summit Day – Workshops, panels, and plenaries focused on leadership, discipleship, ministry revitalization, and social justice. Together we’ll explore the BCCC’s four priorities: Evangelism, Church Growth, Sankofa, and Black Women in Ministry Leadership.

Clay Street Missionary Baptist Church | Shelbyville, KY
Hybrid event – attend in person or online – see registration page for details!
FREE – but registration is required by Oct 1st.

Be part of cultivating faith, collaboration, and community:

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The Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative (BCCC; formerly known as Black Church Small-Town & Rural Ministry Initiative) is a new grant program of Louisville Seminary's Black Church Studies Program funded by Lilly Endowment Inc.

An evening of community, hope, and impact, co-sponsored by Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and US Bank.

This annual fundraiser supports Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, working to reduce recidivism in Kentucky through spiritual care, evidence-based approaches, and circles of support for individuals transitioning from incarceration.

Purchase a Table/Ticket

Together, we can expand opportunities, build partnerships, and surround more people with hope and community than ever before.

More details and registration coming soon!

The 2026 Black Church Studies Consultation invites leaders, scholars, and practitioners to reflect on the radical hospitality of the Gospel. In Luke 14:12–14, Christ calls us to extend our invitations not to those who can repay us, but to the marginalized—the poor, the outcast, and the overlooked.

"Turn to Your Neighbor" compels us to reimagine neighborliness beyond proximity and familiarity. This year’s theme will explore what it means to build churches, ministries, and communities that intentionally center justice, inclusion, and mutual care.

• How do we shift from transactional relationships to transformational discipleship?
• How do we practice hospitality as a form of resistance?
• And how do we embody the Gospel’s call to love those who society often leaves behind?

The 2026 Consultation will feature a full slate of meaningful programming, including:

• A spirit-filled revival honoring the depth of Black worship and preaching.
• The annual Edwards Lecture offering theological insight into the theme.
• Dynamic panel sessions with scholars, pastors, and community leaders.
• A joyous gathering of Black Church studies friends and alumnae to celebrate connection, legacy, and future vision.

Together, we will turn—to each other, to the margins, and to God—with open hands and courageous hearts.

More details and registration coming soon!