Why should we care?
SCS’s ability to provide a quality, equitable education is being undercut by high teacher turnover and year-long teaching vacancies, as well as significant maintenance deficiencies within the schools, all of which leads to higher financial, educational, and health costs. A lack of access to wraparound services provided by qualified social workers, psychologists, and nurses inhibits the successful treatment of trauma or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE). Abuse, neglect, and trauma significantly increase the likelihood of suspensions, juvenile criminal behavior, and incarceration. With a median age four years below the national average, Memphis’s population can support economic development, but only if we provide children in our community access to opportunities and support.
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Equipping people of faith and goodwill to organize communities for systemic change through collective action.
From Sanctuary to the Streets: Training Black Churches for Faithful Public Witness in the Public Square
Sat, Jul 18
|Memphis Theological Seminary
Time & Location
Jul 18, 2026, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Memphis Theological Seminary, 168 E Pkwy S, Memphis, TN 38104, USA
About the event
The House of Black Church Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary and Gifts of Life Ministries are hosting a one-day symposium, From Sanctuary to the Streets: Training Black Churches for Faithful Public Witness in the Public Square, on July 18, 2026, at Memphis Theological Seminary. The one-day symposium is designed to equip clergy and lay leaders to connect vibrant worship with courageous public action. Grounded in the rich legacy of the Black church as a spiritual home and a hub for social movements, this gathering will explore how Black churches can inspire transformative engagement with the crises facing our communities today—voter suppression, state and community violence, economic injustice, health disparities, and more.
Through teaching, organizing, and pastoral care, participants will learn practical ways to shift congregations from charity alone toward sustained, justice-focused discipleship. Plenaries and workshops will provide tools for preaching and teaching that inspire action, establish church-based justice teams, involve nonpartisan…
Upcoming Events
Thu, Jun 25Virtual MeetingJoin us from 12-1:30 pm on June 25th for June's Clergy/Executive Directors Caucus Meeting. Location TBD
Mon, Jul 06Location is TBDPlease join us July 6th from 6-8pm for MICAH's Issues Night! Location TBD.
Sun, Jul 12Location is TBDMake sure to join us for MICAH's annual Public Meeting! This year's meeting will consist of a Shelby County Sheriff & Mayoral Candidates Forum. Get your questions ready and join us there!
Multiple DatesThu, Jul 16Idlewild Presbyterian ChurchBetter Transit for a Better Memphis, led by daily riders and other community champions, organizes and advocates for fully funded, accessible, and equitable public transit.- Sat, Jul 18Memphis Theological Seminary
Upcoming Events
- Thu, Jun 25Virtual MeetingJoin us from 12-1:30 pm on June 25th for June's Clergy/Executive Directors Caucus Meeting. Location TBD
- Mon, Jul 06Location is TBDPlease join us July 6th from 6-8pm for MICAH's Issues Night! Location TBD.
- Sun, Jul 12Location is TBDMake sure to join us for MICAH's annual Public Meeting! This year's meeting will consist of a Shelby County Sheriff & Mayoral Candidates Forum. Get your questions ready and join us there!
- Multiple DatesThu, Jul 16Idlewild Presbyterian ChurchBetter Transit for a Better Memphis, led by daily riders and other community champions, organizes and advocates for fully funded, accessible, and equitable public transit.
- Sat, Jul 18Memphis Theological Seminary