This course explores the concept of church renewal through specific reference to "the Black Church" in the United States. The course investigates the economic, political, social, and cultural contexts of black communities and identifies the theological and practical challenges that these shifting contexts pose for the ongoing ministry of black churches. In light of these contextual challenges, students will assess the adequacy of diverse theological visions for the future of the Black Church. The course pays special attention to the ways in which "blessings" and "black power" function as dialectic theological emphases which both aid and constrain theological and ministerial reflection on the nature and mission of black churches. The course queries whether the present moment can birth novel theological paradigms for a "new Black Church" or whether "the Black Church" as a coherent tradition and identifiable ecclesial entity is dead.