Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary provides preparation for Christian leaders that is deeply biblical and appropriately contextual. We are a global seminary with special concerns for the city, cultures, missions, church renewal, and church planting. We equip leaders.

As we celebrate Black History Month this February, we are honored to announce the Michael E. Haynes Center for Black Christian Leadership. The center celebrates the life and legacy of one of our most respected and long-serving board members, Reverend Dr. Michael E. Haynes. Dr. Haynes was a renowned Christian leader in both ministry and the public sector; he served as Senior Minister of the historic Twelfth Baptist Church in Roxbury, MA for forty years and as a Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives for three terms—among many other leadership roles. Inspired by Dr. Haynes, the center continues a long-standing tradition of Gordon-Conwell to equip Black Christian leaders for ministry, the workplace, and the academy.

Bishop Claude Alexander, Chair of Gordon-Conwell’s Board of Trustees and Chair of the Steering Committee for the Michael E. Haynes’ Center, has said on many occasions:

“The context of ministry in the 21st Century is one that presents both a host of challenges and opportunities. It calls for leadership that is global in vision and understanding, missional in thrust, biblical in conviction, Christo-centric in orientation, whole and authentic in lifestyle and relationships, multi-ethnic in appeal, socially just and responsible in consciousness and action, entrepreneurial in mindset, collaborative in approach, and multi-platform in delivery.”

This is both the context and the vision of this new center.

The center sees itself as the place where persons of African-descent and those interested in the nature, mission, and work of the Church are engaged and prepared to meet the challenges of ministry in a global context. This by nature means that its reach, programming, and involvement intentionally includes not only the United States, but also includes Brazil, the Caribbean, and the African Continent.

We invite you to learn more about the Michael E. Haynes Center for Black Christian Leadership, its steering committee, and its scholarship by visiting the center’s page.