Institute for Black Church Studies
Equipping current and future Black Church leaders through learning experiences, a graduate-level certificate pathway, and accessible resources for the life of the church.
The Institute is part of BSK Theological Seminary.
Leadership Update:
Rev. Dr. D. Anthony Everett serves as Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Black Church Studies.
Academinc Programs
The Institute for Black Church Studies contributes to BSK’s academic program by providing faculty and curricular support to the Black Church Studies Certificate, the MDiv Black Church Studies Concentration, and Contextual Ministry, the seminary’s field education program.
The Institute also helps make possible a Visiting Professor position at the seminary.
Scholars in this faculty position engage students in courses on Black and Womanist Theology, Black Church Studies, Black Church heritage and traditions, and Practical Theology in the Black Church.
Graduate Certificate Program in Black Church Studies
Our program offers graduate courses for local pastors and lay leaders, leading to a certificate in Black Church Studies. The Black Church Studies Certificate Program requires the successful completion of three courses.
Master of Divinity Concentration in Black Church Studies
The Black Church Studies concentration enables students enrolled in the Master of Divinity degree program to take graduate level courses in history, theology, and homiletics. BSK students who enroll in the Black Church Studies program may choose courses from the BCS curriculum.
Cosby Scholars Program
During May 2019 commencement at Simmons College of Kentucky, BSK Theological Seminary (BSK) announced a new scholarship for African American students.
The scholarship, named the “Kevin and Barnetta Seminary Scholarship,” provides 6 incoming African American students per year with a nearly 100% scholarship to pursue a graduate degree with BSK.
Students who receive the scholarship become “Cosby Scholars” and will study with a cohort of students.
Legacy and Leadership of Kevin and Barnetta Cosby
In 2005, Dr. Kevin W. Cosby was named the 13th President of Simmons College of Kentucky (SCKY).
Two years later, the college returned to their original campus. In the 13 years of his tenure, he has led the campus in generosity and vision, as demonstrated by his refusal to accept a salary from the college.
Under his visionary direction, SCKY was granted accreditation by the Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) in February 2014, expanded it’s campus and added three new degree programs, and was officially designated as the nation’s 107th Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) in April 2015.
A staunch proponent of education, Dr. Cosby earned a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, a Master of Divinity degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
Most recently, President Cosby earned a second doctorate – a Ph.D. in Public Policy (as a Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar) from Union Institute & University in Cincinnati, OH. He has been awarded honorary doctorates from Eastern Kentucky University, Bellarmine University, and Campbellsville University.
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He has been the subject of many national articles and documentaries, which consistently list him among Kentucky’s most influential leaders. His 2007 selection as Louisvillian of the Year is a tribute to his outstanding contributions to the community.
He was ranked #1 of the Top Ten Religious Leaders in Louisville by Louisville Magazine in the October 2011 issue. In the spring of 2012, he was inducted into the Hall of Distinguished Alumni at Eastern Kentucky University. In February 2015, the Kentucky Commission on Human Rights inducted Dr. Cosby into the Kentucky Gallery of Great Black Kentuckians at the state capitol. He is the 56th African American afforded this honor.
Although Dr. Cosby has achieved many notable accomplishments, he is most known for his intense commitment to serving the Lord through improving the lives of others.
Dr. Cosby is married to the former Barnetta Turner; they are the parents of two adult children. Since 1979, Dr. Kevin W. Cosby has served as Senior Pastor of St. Stephen Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Due greatly to his practical and dynamic Bible teachings, the congregation has grown from 500 to approximately 14,000 members, and has been recognized by Outreach magazine as one of the 100 largest churches in America (2010) and Emerge magazine as one of six “super churches” of the South. During his tenure at St. Stephen, the church has transformed from the “little church on the corner” to a multi-faceted institution that includes a 1,700-seat worship center, a cutting-edge $4 million inner-city family life center and a 1,000-seat worship facility in Jeffersonville, Indiana. In October 2013, Dr. Cosby began a satellite church in Hardin County, Kentucky. During the first Sunday’s service, seventy people united with the church.
Dr. Cosby has authored six highly-acclaimed books:
- Getting to the Promise Land: Black America and the Unfinished Work of the Civil Rights Movement
- Get off Your But!
- Messages, Musings & Ministries to Empower the African-American Church
- As They Went
- Treasure Worth Seeking
- Who’s Your Daddy? Life Lessons from the Prodigal Son and Loyal to the Royal
“The Cosby Scholar’s program demonstrates BSK’s commitment to racial justice which can lead to authentic racial reconciliation,” explained Dr. Kevin Cosby, president of Simmons College of Kentucky. “Racial justice is a key commitment for BSK,” said Dr. David Cassady, president of BSK, “and reconciliation is not possible until repair is begun. We are excited to play a role in forming African American students as they follow God’s call to ministry.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the Institute for Black Church Studies right now?
Rev. Dr. D. Anthony Everett serves as Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Black Church Studies (IBCS).
Why is the Institute using an interim leadership model?
The interim appointment provides continuity and steady leadership for programs, partnerships, and communications while BSK continues its planning for the Institute’s long-term leadership needs.
Will the Institute’s programs and resources continue during this transition?
Yes. The Institute will continue its programs, learning opportunities, and resources. Updates about upcoming events, offerings, and timelines will be shared through the Institute’s website and email updates.
How can churches or organizations partner with the Institute?
Partnership conversations are welcome. Please contact the Office of the Interim Executive Director at IBCS@bsk.edu or (859) 788-3069.
How can I support the Institute’s mission financially?
You can give online at https://bsk.edu/support-the-institute/. Gifts help sustain programming, expand access, and strengthen scholarship pathways connected to the Institute’s mission.
How do I stay informed about Institute updates?
Subscribe at [SUBSCRIBE_URL] to receive news, event announcements, and resources. You can also check the News/Updates page on institute.bsk.edu.
Where is the Institute located?
The Institute is part of BSK Theological Seminary and serves leaders and congregations through both in-person and virtual engagement. Program locations and formats are listed with each offering.
Who should I contact with questions about the Institute?
Please contact the Office of the Interim Executive Director: IBCS@bsk.edu | (859) 788-3069.
Leadership
Rev. Dr. D. Anthony Everett
Interim Executive Director, Institute for Black Church Studies
Rev. Dr. D. Anthony Everett serves as Interim Executive Director of the Institute for Black Church Studies (IBCS), a signature initiative of BSK Theological Seminary. In this role, he provides strategic leadership that strengthens the Institute’s partnerships, expands access to learning and formation, and supports the resourcing of Black Church leaders and congregations.
Rev. Dr. D. Anthony Everett is a nonprofit and faith-based leadership executive with more than two decades of experience in advancement, partnerships, and program strategy. He brings a track record of building collaborative networks, securing philanthropic support, and strengthening operational systems that help mission-driven organizations grow with integrity and clarity.
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A seasoned public communicator and equity-centered leader, Dr. Everett’s vocational focus is shaped by ecumenism, social justice, and prophetic activism. He is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church with standing in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He earned a B.S. in Organizational Management (Paul Quinn College), an M.Div. (the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University), and a D.Min. in Prophetic Preaching and Praxis (United Theological Seminary).
What the Interim Executive Director’s Office Can Help With
- Institute-wide partnerships with congregations, denominations, and community organizations
- Speaking requests, workshops, and consultations related to Black Church studies and racial justice formation
- Program collaboration proposals (courses, cohorts, events, and learning experiences)
- Funding conversations and mission-aligned giving opportunities that support IBCS programs and scholarships
Resources
The Fight for the Soul of America
America faces a moral struggle. With the covid pandemic, systemic racism, toxic politics, grinding poverty, misinformation on social media, and declining congregations, this course explores the next steps for you and your church.
America in Crisis
A six session workshop confronting this racial moment in our country, working to understand what’s brought us to this moment, leading through possible paths forward, and offering resources for response.
Making a Difference in Your Community
This seminar focuses on empowering congregations to impact their communities by casting a vision for change, organizing effectively, fostering cooperation with others, and engaging in prophetic activism.