Ministering through the Arts

Friday, October 27, 2023

Eight leading music and arts ministers from around the country visited Yale on October 26, 2023 to be part of a panel and night of song that explored tradition and innovation in Black sacred music.

The events were convened by the Interdisciplinary Program in Music and the Black Church at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, directed by Professor Braxton Shelley.

Panel Discussion

A panel discussion about the enduring and emerging challenges and opportunities facing those who minister through music and the arts. leading music and arts ministers from across the country, including:

The panel included:

Dr. Joyce Garrett
Dr. Will Harris
Evg. Barbara Jackson-Sago
Leon C. Lewis
L’Tanya Moore-Copeland
Minister Walter Owens
Dr. Eddie Robinson,
Dr. Diane White-Clayton

Bios of the panelists for Ministering through the Arts.

ART(est)IMONY: A Night of Song

A night of fellowship and song where participants were revived by the rich and robust range of Black Sacred music repertoire.

The event was sponsored by Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School, the Interdisciplinary Program in Music and the Black Church at the Yale Institute of Sacred Music, and Yale Black Seminarians.

A personal reflection on the events from Reginald Payne M.A.R. ‘25

“The Ministering Through the Arts panel & ART(est)IMONY service displayed the full spectrum of the Gospel music tradition. Hands raised, praise poured from mouths, and hearts brimming with thanks, it was a time of genuine fellowship that left all feeling elevated and connected. Through conversation and performance, the featured music and arts ministers immersed the Yale community in the illumination of Gospel music. The music and lyrics communicated a steeped fervor accessible to all who openly received it. I rejoice in knowing that although the mountains may fall into the heart of the sea, in the midst of it all I will not fear, though the enemy comes with plans to dishearten me, I’ll be still because I know my God is near. The events serve as a reminder to be the light in the dark moments of life and remind me that everyone has their singular contribution to make, and when we make it together, mountains can move.”