"Pastoral Care as Soul Care and Social Activism" is the theme for this year's Black Church Studies Consultation at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. The Consultation will explore the ways that effective pastoral care empowers people to move beyond fear and a sense of helplessness or hopelessness, to participate in bold acts of discipleship such as welcoming the stranger and working for justice. Participants will leave with tools to help them engage in the relational work of tending to the human soul within their church context as well as to help meet the needs of the larger community. This year's Consultation presenters are:

The Rev. Dr. Gregory C. Ellison II
Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Candler School of Theology (Emory)
"Looking for the Love Below: Exploring the Inner Life through Fearless Dialogue"

Dr. Ashley Hicks White
Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
"Caring for Black Lives: Inside and Outside of the Church"

Dr. M. Brandon McCormack
Assistant Professor of Pan-African Studies, University of Louisville
"Black Joy in the Mo(u)rning!"