Black/Africana Church Studies Program (BACS)

Launched in Fall 2021, the Perkins Black/Africana Church Studies Program critically explores Black theology, Black Biblical studies and interpretation, history, pastoral theology, preaching, worship, religious education, ethics, and other practices in conjunction with African American, African, and other African Diasporic churches, non-profit organizations, and social justice ministries through programs designed primarily in order to enrich the educational, cultural, and communal experiences of Black School of Theology, Doctor of Ministry, and GPRS students as well as the broader SMU community. 

Students of Black and/or African descent enrolled in the Perkins School of Theology and Graduate Program of Religious Studies will benefit from critical emphases on multiple fields of Black/ Africana Church Studies. Black Preaching, Black Biblical Studies, Black Theology, Black Church History, and other practices including pastoral theology, religious education, worship, and ethics are cultivated in relation to the Black Church Tradition. 

• The BACS program is designed to enhance African American, African, African Diasporic, and multi-cultural church leadership skills. 

• Hosted with the Black Seminarians Association, worship services, prayer meetings, and gospel concerts nurture spirituality and inspire faith. 

• Engagement with Black religious leaders, pastors, and scholars connects the Academy with the Church, non-profit Agencies, and other Activist Organizations.

• Communal gatherings provide opportunities for networking and mentorship.

• Many programs are offered in conjunction with the Center for Preaching Excellence and the Baptist House of Studies. 

Our Director

Rev. Dr. Tamara Lewis
Professor for the Practice
of Historical Theology

For more information, email BACS at BACSPerkins@smu.edu or call 214-768-6108.