Our Work
Health Ministry Course
The Health Ministry Course equips Black Church leaders to address health and well-being within the context of Black Christian faith, using priorities set by The Gift Collaborative. Partnering with seminarians from Hood Theological Seminary and Shaw University School of Divinity, pastors from thirteen North Carolina churches developed or strengthened health ministries.
The 2024–2025 program spanned two semesters: the fall covered best practices, resource identification, and ministry development, while the spring featured presentations on new ministries and training in program design and sustainability. In fall 2025, Part Two will continue supporting recent graduates with ministry implementation and sustainability discussions grounded in Black Theopraxis.
A distinctive feature was participants’ personal health commitments alongside their leadership roles, embracing the call to be “made whole.”
Health Justice Course
Focusing on the intersection of faith, health and justice, The Gift Collaborative will offer a lecture series and learning experience for clergy and lay leaders. Modules covering theological health education, faith-based
advocacy, health equity, and community partnerships aim to equip leaders to promote justice in health with integrity and courage.
Using lessons learned from the Health Ministry Course and the experiences and witnesses of the Black Church, the lecture series will equip participants with the foundation, skills, and a network to advance health justice for their congregations and communities.
Lecturers will include faculty members from Payne Theological Seminary and Howard University School of Divinity, as well as members of The Gift Collaborative: Dr. John Kinney, Dr. Betty Holley, and Rev. Sheritta
Williams.