This year at Hood Theological Seminary, there will be a unique utilization of two professors teaching Preaching and Worship classes who are local pastors. The Seminary will have two prominent Salisbury pastors as the leading instructors. Rev. Dr. Derrick R. Anderson of Soldiers Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Downtown Salisbury and Rev. Dr. Robert Black of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Downtown Salisbury. The two churches of these pastors are within a few blocks of each other in Salisbury, North Carolina.

"I welcomed the opportunity to team up with Robert in teaching Worship and Preaching at Hood, where I received my M.Div. in 1983,” said Anderson. “Our congregations have been working and worshiping together for years. Though Robert (Dr. Black) and I have different backgrounds, we both have a passion for theological training and a wealth of experience to share with our students. This concept of team teaching is just one example of how Hood Theological Seminary is a blessing to theological education and the Salisbury community."

Dr. Anderson has been pastoring for over 42 years in six congregations throughout the country. He completed his Master of Divinity from Hood and his Doctor of Ministry from Asbury Theological Seminary. Dr. Black has served congregations in Washington DC. and Greensboro, NC. He completed his Master of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry in preaching from the University of the South (Sewanee).

“St. Luke's and Soldiers Memorial have been deepening the relationship between our congregations for several years, so having the opportunity to collaborate in this course furthers the connection between our churches,” said Black. “I receive so much from these students who are hungry to grow as preachers and worship leaders across the Church. Their questions, insights, and dedication are an inspiration to me and a testament to the Spirit's activity. The Salisbury community is blessed by the ministry of Hood Seminary, and having pastors teaching this very practical course about worship and preaching is a sign of Hood's commitment to equipping the Church of the 21st century to thrive.”

The two pastors will be teaching Worship and Preaching I in the first semester and Worship and Preaching II in the second semester. These are required courses for students who are seeking to complete the Master of Divinity Degree which is required for ordination as a pastor, priest, or rector in many denominational churches such as the AME Zion Church, the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church, the Lutheran Church, and the Presbyterian Church just to note a few. Dr. Anderson and Dr. Black will be co-teaching these classes to students of various backgrounds, diverse church experiences, and different denominations.

Hood is honored to have two distinguished Salisbury pastors who are willing to serve their churches and educate and support future pastors and priests.

Hood Theological Seminary (HTS) is a graduate and professional theological school in Salisbury, North Carolina, dedicated to the education and preparation of women and men for bold and creative leadership in the Christian church and for a diverse world. The Seminary is approved for the following degree programs: General Theological Studies Certificate, Biblical Studies Certificate, United Methodist Studies Certificate, Christian Education Certificate, Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, Master of Arts in Chaplaincy, Master of Arts in Christian Education, and Doctor of Ministry. The Seminary is approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church (UMC) and is the only Seminary in the United States sponsored by the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ).