Institutes

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

"Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." - I Corinthians 12:27

The Gift Collaborative's structure is designed to build capacity. The programs are delivered through Institutes rooted in Biblical wisdom and the principle of “Theo-Praxis.”

“Theo-Praxis is grounded in encountering God and exploring and embodying the investment, intention, design, and desires of the Creator. Theo-Praxis is about practicing justice, loving constantly, and living in humble fellowship with God and each other.”

- Dr. John W. Kinney,

Distinguished Professor and Retired Chair of The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology, Virginia Union University

The Institutes are designed to develop practitioners through reconstruction, teaching, engagement, and guidance, allowing them to experience newness in their service. The Institutes also provide a space for debate, listening, and learning, ultimately aiming to transform practitioners through deepened faith, acquired knowledge, and shared experiences.

The Collaboratives Institutes

Justice Institute

Rev. Jamar Boyd, Dr. Jennifer Leath, III, Rev. Dr. Lisa D. Rhodes, Dr. Reggie Blount

The Justice Institute serves as an intersectional witness, promoting the values of justice that empower all people in their pursuit of liberation. We aim to positively impact Black communities and other marginalized communities in our society through partnerships with Black Theological institutions, Black Churches, and other justice-centered organizations.

"We then as workers together with him,…”

II Corinthians 6:1-3

Health Institute

Dr. Nancy E. Brisbon, Dr. Marquita Carmichael,

Dr. Lamont Johnson, Dr. Mary Love

The Health Institute's programs are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to become advocates for healthy living. The programs are informed by data from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the disproportionate death rate among Black people due to pre-existing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and factors like poverty and inequitable healthcare access. By leveraging the gifts of medical professionals, theologians, pastors, students, and others, the Institute fosters self-help communities focused on health management. Grounded in the Bible's message of healing and the Black Church's trusted voice, the Institute guides communities towards change and potential transformation through faith, knowledge, and fellowship.

Our Participants

png-clipart-first-african-methodist-episcopal-church-of-los-angeles-pastor-mt-hermon-ame-c

Board of Trustees:

"Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." - I Corinthians 12:27

Dr. Vergel Lattimore, Board President of The Gift Collaborative and CEO & President of Hood Theological Seminary

Dr. Michael J. Brown, Secretary of The Gift Collaborative and President of Payne Theological Seminary

Dr. Mark Harden, Board Member of The Gift Collaborative and Dean of Shaw University School of Divinity

Dr. John E. Guns, Board Member of The Gift Collaborative and Dean of Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University

Dr. Nilous Avery, Board Member of The Gift Collaborative and Chair of the Board of Visitors

School of Divinity Shaw University

Representing the Baptist Tradition

Bishop Darryl Starnes Sr., Board Member of The Gift Collaborative and Chair-Board of Trustees Hood Theological Seminary Representing the Methodist Tradition

Dr. Teresa Bazemore, Board Member of The Gift Collaborative and Esquire, President & CEO

Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, California

Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, Board Member of The Gift Collaborative and President & CEO

The Children's Defense Fund

Dr. Delores Brisbon, Strategist, Leader, Convener