Willlam E. Pannell Center | Fuller Seminary

William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies

"We are the church. We are the community. We are the culture."

Fuller Seminary is committed to equipping leaders who share Christ’s hope and healing in the church and the world. The William E. Pannell Center for Black Church Studies equips leaders who share Christ’s hope and healing in and from the Black church, community, and culture. In order to accomplish this vision, the Pannell Center embraces a three-fold approach: equipping students, equipping learners, and equipping listeners. This approach allows our research, resources, and relationships to be in constant dialogue with one another for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Black Church Studies Certificate

For Pastors, Ministry Leaders, and Disciple-Makers Called to Lead with Purpose, Clarity, and Cultural Insight. Strengthen your call. Serve your community. Reclaim hope.

Ministry Leadership Track

The Black Church Studies Certificate Ministry Leadership Track is designed for ministry leaders and disciple-makers who desire formal theological training but may not see traditional seminary as the right path right now. This accessible and practical training will affirm your calling as a leader and equip you to guide ministries and communities effectively. You will strengthen your biblical knowledge, historical foundations, theological reflection, and practical leadership skills rooted in the Black church tradition.

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Pastoral Leadership Track

The Black Church Studies Certificate Pastoral Leadership Track is designed for senior pastors, bishops, assistant pastors, and other formal church leaders who desire formal theological training but may not see traditional seminary as the right path right now. This accessible, practical training will affirm your calling as a leader and equip you to guide congregations and communities. Join the Pannell Center at Fuller Seminary and partner organizations to strengthen your biblical knowledge, historical foundations, theological reflection, and practical leadership skills, all rooted in the Black church tradition.

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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.

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The Gospel According to Bill Pannell

Watch the new documentary from Fuller Seminary and Jemar Tisby.

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Black Church Studies Webinar

We're thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new Black Church Studies Certificate, created by the Pannell Center for Black Church Studies and FULLER Equip. Watch the Webinar to learn more about the Certificate.

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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.

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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.

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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.