Black Theological Education

The In Trust Center for Theological Schools is the coordinating organization for the Lilly Endowment-funded initiative, The Gift of Black Theological Education and Black Church Collaborative.


The Collaborative was launched on January 1, 2021 as a continuation of the work established in both the Building Capacity for Sustainability in Historically Black Theological Schools (2017-2020) as well as the Strengthening Fundraising in Black Theological Schools Initiative (2014-2016). Through this new work, the Collaborative will provide learning opportunities and resources to promote transformative experiences and conversations for the Black community in an effort to re-align Black Theological Schools and the Black Church. Participating schools and denominations are listed below. 

For details on all upcoming events and more information, visit www.thegiftcollaborative.org.

Contact Us

Interested in learning more about Black Theological Education? 

 


 

(302) 654-7770
 

Components of the Collaborative

  • Presentation modules to address critical issues in the Black community.
  • Faculty development to address and create a teaching model for professional development.
  • Resource curation of the work of the Collaborative, including videos, podcasts, and literature.
  • Historical information about The Gift and historical perspectives and archives. 

Our Outcomes

One important outcome of the initiative has been an intentional focus on the unique Gift of Black Theological Education. The presidents and deans together crafted a commitment statement, created a logo, and began to partner in collaboration with a broader network of Black leaders, church leaders, community members, faculty, scholars, and peers to share The Gift.

Topics that will be addressed

Systemic racism

Health disparities and COVID-19

History of the Black Church

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in this initiative?

All are welcome to register for and participate in the Collaborative's presentation modules, as well as access supplemental resources, which can be found on the Collaborative's website, www.thegiftcollaborative.org.

Can I use the resources (videos) shared below?
Yes, In Trust Center members and affiliates have permission to use and share
these resources. For additional information, please contact

Schools and Denominations Participating in the Initiative

Senior Consultant

Delores Brisbon
Delores Brisbon

Delores Brisbon is a Christian servant, mother, grandmother, seasoned executive, community leader, and mentor. Currently she is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia and a senior consultant for the In Trust Center. She served the Monumental Baptist Church for 36 years, 10 of which she was chairperson of the Board of Trustees. For eight years, she served Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church where she established a foundation and raised $1 million.
Mrs. Brisbon is a retired chief operating officer of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her tenure at the University of Pennsylvania began in 1959 and expanded 26 years ending in 1987. Her responsibilities included the management of a budget of just over $300 million, 4,000 employees, and a medical school faculty of 700 physicians. Her leadership guided the operations, providing an administrative structure and systems to effectively deliver health care services to persons served by the hospital.
Shortly after retirement from the University of Pennsylvania, Mrs. Brisbon founded a management consulting business which had as its clients, medical school hospitals, foundations, municipal unions, municipal funding, and the Department of Health of the City of Philadelphia. A volunteer community leader, Mrs. Brisbon has served over 40 organizations as a director or trustee over a period of 45 years. Currently, she is the president of Presbyterian Community Ministries of Delaware Valley, a trustee of Presby’s Inspired Life, and a trustee and chairperson of the mission and ministry committee of Mercy Health System. She is a former trustee and chairperson of strategic planning at Eastern University. She is often sought as an advisor, speaker, and leader to facilitate and mentor governance and leadership development.

Black Theological Education Videos