Establishing the Frank A. & Joyce S. Thomas Endowed Chair in African American Preaching & Sacred Rhetoric
Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas has left an indelible mark on preaching, pastoral ministry, and the Academy. In honor of his inimitable work, Christian Theological Seminary is raising $3,000,000 to establish the Frank A. and Joyce S. Thomas Endowed Chair to publicly acknowledge, celebrate, and resource Thomas’ commitment to developing practitioner scholars and advancing scholarship on the beauty, depth, creativity, imagination, and power of African American preaching.
The establishment of the Endowed Chair is vital for the future of Academia. First and foremost, it serves to elevate the discourse around African American preaching, ensuring that it receives the scholarly attention it deserves. African American preaching is not merely a stylistic approach but a rich tradition that embodies cultural heritage, social justice, and communal identity. By supporting research and teaching in this area, the chair aims to foster a deeper understanding of how preaching can serve as a catalyst for social change and community empowerment.
Moreover, the chair will facilitate the development of innovative curriculum and programs that address contemporary issues facing African American communities. It will create opportunities for students and practitioners to engage with the historical and theological foundations of their faith while equipping them with practical skills for effective ministry in today’s diverse contexts.
Dr. Thomas was instrumental in founding the PhD program at CTS, cultivating a generation of scholars committed to innovative and impactful preaching. His work has inspired numerous programs, including the PhD in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric, The African American Legacy Preaching Series, and The Compelling Preaching Initiative. These programs brought forth the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference, the third iteration of which took place from October 21 to 24, 2024 at Light of the World Christian Church. This conference exemplifies the ongoing impact of Dr. Thomas’ vision, bringing together practitioners and scholars to explore diverse approaches to preaching that resonate within contemporary contexts.
The 2024 Mixed Methods Preaching Conference, titled The Preacher as Artist: Painting Pictures that Reach the Soul was a transformative event, attracting over 100 attendees and featuring a remarkable lineup of more than 15 significant African American preachers who participated not only as speakers and workshop leaders but also as engaged participants in discussions and networking opportunities. This unique setting allowed attendees to connect with these esteemed leaders, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and shared learning.
Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to interact directly with prominent figures such as Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III; Rev. Dr. Leslie D. Callahan; and Rev. Dr. Edward L. Branch. The workshops and sessions provided a platform for deep engagement, where participants could share experiences, ask questions, and gain insights from these leaders who have shaped the landscape of preaching. The inclusive environment encouraged dialogue and reflection, highlighting the collective wisdom present in the room. It was a curated experience that can be found only at CTS.
The conference featured a diverse range of activities, including dynamic preaching workshops, scholarly lectures, and communal worship experiences. Each day began with uplifting praise and worship led by Tavares Stephens, setting a spiritually enriching tone for the gatherings. Attendees participated in hands-on workshops that emphasized practical preaching techniques, storytelling, and innovative methods for engaging congregations.
A highlight of the conference was the celebration of the Compelling Preaching Initiative, which marked the completion of its 1st Cohort. This special occasion included Exemplar testimonies from graduates, heartfelt remarks from instructors, and a meaningful ceremony where the Exemplars were awarded their certificates for completing the program. The stories shared by the graduates illuminated the impact of the initiative and the transformative journey they experienced, underscoring the significance of fostering effective preaching in diverse communities.
The conference also included artistic experiences like a special comedy lunch with Marcus Wiley, which brought joy and laughter to participants, reminding everyone of the importance of joy in ministry. Tavares Stephens used audience interaction to provide spoken word interpretations of the event’s key takeaways. A live artist painted during plenary sessions, taking inspiration from the speakers and providing painted interpretations of the gathering. Evening worship sessions, including a powerful sermon by Pastor Tisha Dixon-Williams, further inspired the attendees, allowing them to witness firsthand the art of preaching that ignites hearts and minds.
As we celebrate this significant advancement in our institution and the legacy of Dr. Frank A. Thomas, we invite the community to learn more about the Endowed Chair and its vision here. Additional insights into the Mixed Methods Preaching Conference and its role in the ongoing dialogue around preaching can be found on the conference website, with further details in the press release about the chair here.
