African American Legacy Preaching Series
The African American Legacy Preaching Series is more than a collection of interviews; it’s a movement that seeks to revitalize American Christianity by celebrating the extraordinary legacy of African American preaching. The series brings to life the experiences, insights, and wisdom of notable preachers who’ve made a mark on congregations, communities, and society as a whole. These preachers discuss not only the art of preaching but also the complexities of pastoring, leadership, and activism within the context of the African American church.
In the realm of religious discourse, African American preaching stands as an art form and a source of inspiration, capturing the hearts and minds of listeners with its fervor, depth, and rich history. For years, it was often misunderstood and underappreciated. The African American Legacy Preaching Series, an integral component of the PhD Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric at Christian Theological Seminary, is on a mission to change that narrative. This video interview series aims to shed light on the history, beauty, depth, power, and genius of black preaching by featuring renowned preachers and leaders who have significantly impacted the pulpit and beyond.
Season 2
Conversation with Rev. Dr. Buggs hosted by Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Bishop John Richard Bryant hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Rev. Sheleta Fomby hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Lance D. Watson hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford hosted by Rev. Dr. Courtney V. Buggs
A Conversation with Rev. Clinton McFarland hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
“For years and years African American preaching was stereotypically considered ignorance, buffoonery, and emotionalism. I believe the history, beauty, depth, power, and sheer genius of black preaching can generate a preaching renaissance to revive American Christianity in the 21st century. The Compelling Preaching Initiative seeks to involve non-degree students and preachers in the improvement of preaching method, practice, and cohort-based mentoring relationships to further the impact of such a renaissance.”
– Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas
Full Video Feed
A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford hosted by Rev. Dr. Courtney V. Buggs
A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Lance D. Watson hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Rev. Sheleta Fomby hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Bishop John Richard Bryant hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
A Conversation with Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas
Mixed Methods Preaching Conference
The annual Mixed Methods Preaching Conference helps preachers love and improve their preaching. We offer sermons, lectures, education, homiletical instruction, and preaching labs where participants are taught method by our PhD students, write and preach a sermon in front of fellow participants and instructors trained in homiletics, and then receive immediate feedback and critique. We have found the preaching and critiquing of the sermons, after instruction on the homiletical method, to be the most meaningful way to improve preaching.
Support the Series
There are several ways that you can support the Legacy Preaching Series
- Watch the Legacy Preaching Series videos on YouTube to learn more about Compelling Preaching from renowned preachers
- Like and Subscribe to the Legacy Preaching Series on YouTube
- Share – Share Legacy Preaching Series videos by clicking the “Share” button below an individual video on YouTube. You can share videos to your Facebook, by email, and through many social media platforms. You can share the full series playlist by sharing this Full Play List link with your social network.
- Attend the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference
- Get involved with the Compelling Preaching Initiative
- Follow CTS on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter
- Click below to support the Legacy Preaching Series and similar work by making a gift to CTS
Compelling Preaching Initiative
CTS’s Compelling Preaching Initiative is an 18-month certificate program for Exemplar preachers to engage in cohort learning about the theology and pedagogy of preaching while further developing their own preaching method. During this program, Exemplar preachers produce their own published work and help lead participatory workshops, teaching labs, and preaching labs at the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference to help participants enhance their preaching style. The program culminates with Exemplar preachers going forth to mentor and coach aspiring Apprentice preachers in the hopes of advancing the collective impact of compelling preaching.
F.A.Q.
What is the Legacy Preaching Series?
This is a set of video interviews about compelling preaching with renowned preachers. The series is hosted by Program Director Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas and posted to YouTube for subscribers. Additional video interviews for this series will be posted every 3 weeks throughout the course 2024. You can view the series here.
What is the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference?
The Mixed Methods Preaching Conference is a preaching conference hosted annually on campus at CTS. Current and aspiring preachers come to campus in fellowship to learn more about preaching through participatory workshops, teaching labs, and preaching labs with collegial feedback and sermon critiques.
What is the Compelling Preaching Initiative?
CTS’s Compelling Preaching Initiative is an 18-month certificate program for Exemplar preachers to engage in cohort learning about the theology and pedagogy of preaching while further developing their own preaching method. During this program, Exemplar preachers produce their own published work and help lead participatory workshops, teaching labs, and preaching labs at the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference to help participants enhance their preaching style. The program culminates with Exemplar preachers going forth to mentor and coach aspiring Apprentice preachers in the hopes of advancing the collective impact of compelling preaching.
When will the next videos be released?
Season 2 premiered in the fall of 2023. During this season, a new video interview is released every 3 weeks. There will be over 30 new interviews released throughout Season 2.
