The Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Grantee: Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
Project: The Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative
Website: https://www.lpts.edu/grant-initiatives/
Project Contact: Perzavia Praylow, Rob Moore
Email: bcs@lpts.edu
Who we serve
The Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative serves Black rural and small-town congregations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, and throughout the Southeastern United States. Rooted in diverse traditions — including Presbyterian, CME, COGIC, Disciples of Christ, and Church of God — the project supports churches facing limited resources and shifting demographics. Through leadership development, collaborative learning, and micro-grant funding, the Collaborative equips pastors and lay leaders to strengthen ministries, foster innovation, and sustain the vital witness of Black rural and small-town faith communities.
How we support rural congregations and ministry leaders
The Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative supports Black rural and small-town congregations and ministry leaders through a comprehensive model of leadership development, collaborative learning, and congregational resourcing. The project hosts Leadership Summits and regional Black Rural Church Summits that bring together clergy and lay leaders for theological reflection, peer learning, and practical training. Monthly Faith Talks gatherings provide an ongoing space for dialogue around pressing issues such as mental health ministry, community engagement, and sustainable leadership practices.
In addition, the Collaborative administers micro-grants that enable congregations to launch innovative ministry projects, strengthen local outreach, and build capacity for long-term vitality. The initiative also facilitates oral history and storytelling projects to preserve the legacy and witness of Black rural churches, ensuring their stories inform future ministry models. Through these integrated activities, the Collaborative equips Black rural and small-town faith leaders to thrive, adapt, and lead in transformative ways.
Partners
- Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky
- Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
- Dr. Jazz Ministries
- Kentucky First Jurisdiction - Church of God in Christ (COGIC)
- National Association of the Church of God
- National Black Presbyterian Caucus
- Presbytery of Charlotte PC(USA)
- Presbytery of Coastal Carolina PC(USA)
- Presbyterians Concerned About African American Youth
- Pride in the Pew
- South Central Conference, Seventh-day Adventists
- The Katie Geneva Cannon Center for Womanist Leadership, Union Seminary
- Trinity Presbytery PC (USA)
Faith tradition
Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary is the primary grant holder funding the Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative. While Louisville Seminary is rooted in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), it is an ecumenical theological institution committed to serving the broader Christian community.
The Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative is likewise ecumenical in scope and practice. It engages a diverse network of denominational partners and ministry organizations across the Southeastern United States, including the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kentucky, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), the National Association of the Church of God, the South Central Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, and multiple presbyteries within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Together, these partners embody the Collaborative’s ecumenical commitment to strengthening Black faith communities through theological education, leadership development, and congregational innovation across denominational lines.
Geographical focus
The Black Church Cornerstone Collaborative has a regional focus encompassing all states across the Southeastern United States, including Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. The initiative supports Black faith communities and rural and small-town congregations throughout the region through leadership development, collaboration, and capacity-building resources.