The Nagel Institute for the Study of World Christianity

Organization Link: https://nagelinstitute.org

Organization Overview: The Nagel Institute is an educational research institute within Calvin University, focused on ways in which the study of World Christianity can change perspectives, foster knowledge, and reinvigorate Christian thought and practice.

Subgrant Project Description: African/Black Women's Spiritual Formation and Leadership Development Research Project
African women, including women of color and the African diaspora, are at the core of Christian spiritual formation and leadership development.

These women actively sustain their churches, leading congregational life and ministry through dedicated groups that deeply influence family
and children’s faith formation. As key agents of renewal and flourishing in their communities, African women drive church vitality across Africa, the diaspora, and the Caribbean. Without them extensive involvement, most of these churches would lack the vibrancy and resilience they currently exhibit. Their contributions are integral not only within church walls but also in broader community and social life. These women engage deeply in the care economy, provide financial support, and participate in missionary efforts, all of which nurture African spirituality and sustain Christian communities.

However, despite their substantial contributions and the strength of them spirituality, they remain almost invisible in academic literature. Empirical research has also overlooked their roles, unique forms of spiritual formation, and leadership. At the same time and despite their significant contributions to African Christianity, not much is known about the spiritual formation of African, Black, and other women of color. Similarly, the diverse gifts they bring, the spiritual vitality, passion, social and spiritual capital, and commitment to community-building are also largely underexplored.

Moreover, how they navigate spiritual and theological leadership and their formation journeys within theological institutions, churches, and society also remains unclear. Given their crucial role in the growth and vitality of African Christianity, this lack of scholarly attention to women’s spiritual formation is a significant gap. This research aims to address this gap by exploring the spiritual formation of African and Black women from global, multidisciplinary, and culturally decentered perspectives and employs a wide range of methodologies and theoretical perspectives.

Location: Africa and the African Diaspora

Associated Team Member: Damaris Parsitau