How to Visit the Interdenominational Theological Center

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is a premier graduate theological institution located in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 1958 as a collaborative effort among historically Black Christian denominations. Its mission is to educate and form leaders for ministry, scholarship, and social justice within the global church. While ITC is primarily an academic institution, it also serves as a cultural and spiritual hub for theologians, clergy, students, and visitors seeking deeper engagement with Black theological traditions, interdenominational dialogue, and community-based theological education.

Visiting the Interdenominational Theological Center is not merely a physical act of travelit is an intentional journey into a legacy of intellectual rigor, spiritual depth, and prophetic witness. Whether you are a prospective student, a visiting scholar, a member of a partnering congregation, or simply someone drawn to the rich tapestry of African American religious thought, understanding how to plan and execute a meaningful visit is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate every aspect of your visitfrom pre-arrival preparation to post-visit reflectionensuring your experience is both logistically seamless and spiritually enriching.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research the Centers Mission and Academic Offerings

Before planning your visit, invest time in understanding the theological and historical foundations of ITC. The Center is composed of five historically Black denominational seminaries: Morehouse School of Religion, Gammon Theological Seminary, Turner Theological Seminary, Charles H. Mason Theological Seminary, and the Candler School of Theologys historic partnership (though Candler is now part of Emory University, its legacy remains integral). Each seminary contributes distinct traditions, liturgical practices, and scholarly emphases.

Visit the official ITC website (www.itc.edu) to explore academic programs, faculty bios, research centers, and upcoming public events. Pay particular attention to the Centers signature initiatives such as the African American Preaching and Worship Project, the Institute for Black Church Studies, and the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture Series. Knowing what is happening during your intended visit will help you align your purpose with available opportunities.

2. Determine Your Purpose for Visiting

Clarifying your intent is critical. Are you visiting as a:

• Potential graduate student considering enrollment?
• Academic researcher studying Black theology or ecclesiology?
• Minister seeking continuing education or spiritual renewal?
• Community member attending a public lecture or worship service?
• Historian or cultural enthusiast interested in Black religious institutions?

Your purpose will dictate the type of access you need, the contacts you should reach out to, and the resources you should prioritize. For example, prospective students will need to schedule an admissions consultation, while researchers may need to request archival access to the ITC Librarys special collections.

3. Plan Your Travel and Accommodations

ITC is situated in the historic West End neighborhood of Atlanta, near the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and the Atlanta University Center Consortium (AUC), which includes Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College. This proximity makes it easy to integrate your visit into a broader exploration of Black intellectual and spiritual heritage in Atlanta.

Consider flying into Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the worlds busiest airport. From there, use ride-sharing services, public transit (MARTA), or rent a car. MARTAs West End station is approximately one mile from ITCs main campus, and several bus routes connect to the area.

For accommodations, consider staying in the surrounding neighborhoods such as West End, Summerhill, or the historic Sweet Auburn district. Boutique hotels like The Westin Atlanta Airport or the historic The Inn at the Five Points offer convenient access. Alternatively, Airbnb rentals in nearby residential areas provide a more immersive cultural experience. Book early, especially during major events like the annual ITC Founders Day Celebration or the Black Church Studies Symposium.

4. Contact the Office of Admissions or Public Relations

Even if you are not applying for admission, reaching out to ITCs Office of Public Relations or the Office of the President is highly recommended. These offices can facilitate access to campus tours, arrange meetings with faculty, and provide guidance on campus protocols. Email is the most effective method of communication. Use the official contact forms on itc.edu or send a formal letter to:

Interdenominational Theological Center
Office of Public Relations
2500 Peachtree Road NW
Atlanta, GA 30305

In your message, include:

• Your full name and affiliation
• Your intended dates of visit
• Your purpose for visiting
• Any specific areas of interest (e.g., chapel services, library archives, faculty meetings)

Responses are typically received within 35 business days. A representative may offer to assign you a campus ambassador or connect you with a faculty member whose research aligns with your interests.

5. Request Campus Access and Parking

ITC is a secure, closed campus with controlled access during academic hours (7:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m., MondayFriday). Visitors are required to check in at the main reception desk located in the John Wesley Dobbs Administration Building. Bring a government-issued photo ID.

For those arriving by car, complimentary visitor parking is available in designated lots near the administration building and the chapel. Do not park in spaces marked Faculty, Staff, or Reserved. During major events, parking may be limited; in such cases, the Office of Public Relations can provide shuttle information from nearby overflow lots.

6. Schedule a Campus Tour

While walk-in visitors are welcome during business hours, scheduled tours offer a far richer experience. Tours typically last 6090 minutes and include:

• Guided walkthrough of the historic chapel (a landmark of African American liturgical architecture)
• Visit to the ITC Library and its special collections on Black preaching, hymnody, and civil rights theology
• Overview of classroom spaces and student life areas
• Meeting with a current student or recent graduate

To schedule, email tours@itc.edu at least one week in advance. Specify your group size and any accessibility needs. Tours are offered Monday through Thursday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and are free of charge.

7. Attend a Worship Service or Public Lecture

One of the most profound ways to experience ITC is through its worship life. The Centers chapel services are ecumenical, deeply rooted in the Black Church tradition, and open to the public. Services are held weekly on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and often feature guest preachers from across the nation.

Additionally, ITC hosts public lectures, symposia, and film screenings throughout the academic year. Events such as the Black Theology and Social Justice series or the Womanist Ethics Forum draw scholars and practitioners from around the world. Check the Events Calendar on itc.edu and RSVP when required. Many events are also livestreamed for remote participants.

8. Explore the ITC Library and Archives

The ITC Library is a vital resource for scholars of African American religion. Its collections include over 100,000 volumes, rare manuscripts, sermons by Bishop Henry McNeal Turner, recordings of early 20th-century Black preaching, and the personal papers of theologians such as Dr. James H. Cone and Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon.

Researchers must register in advance by emailing library@itc.edu. Provide your research topic, institutional affiliation, and planned dates. The library is open MondayFriday, 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Materials do not circulate, but digital scans of non-copyrighted items may be requested. Photocopying and scanning services are available for a nominal fee.

9. Engage with the Local Community

ITC is deeply embedded in the Atlanta community. Consider extending your visit by attending services at nearby historic Black churches such as Ebenezer Baptist Church (where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once preached), The Mount Zion Baptist Church, or The First African Methodist Episcopal Church. Many of these congregations welcome visitors and offer guided tours of their sanctuaries and historical markers.

Local restaurants like The Busy Bee Caf and The Varsity offer authentic Southern cuisine and are popular gathering spots for ITC faculty and students. Engaging with local culture enhances your understanding of the theological context in which ITC operates.

10. Reflect and Follow Up

After your visit, take time to journal your observations, insights, and questions. Consider writing a thank-you note to the staff or faculty you met. If you are considering enrollment, request an application packet or schedule a virtual interview with an admissions counselor. If you are a researcher, document your findings and consider submitting a proposal to present at an upcoming ITC symposium.

Follow ITC on social media (@ITCAtlanta on Twitter and Instagram) to stay updated on future events, publications, and alumni stories. Your visit is not an endpointit is the beginning of a long-term relationship with a living tradition.

Best Practices

Respect the Sacred Space

ITC is not merely an academic campus; it is a consecrated space for theological formation. Dress modestly and speak quietly in chapels, libraries, and administrative corridors. Avoid taking photographs during worship services without explicit permission. Silence your phone and refrain from using it during lectures or group discussions.

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

When meeting faculty or students, avoid generic questions like What do you do here? Instead, reference specific texts, events, or scholars. For example: I read Dr. Cones Black Theology and Black Power and was struck by his critique of white Christian nationalismhow does ITC engage with that legacy today? This demonstrates intellectual engagement and respect.

Understand the Historical Weight

ITC was founded during the Civil Rights Movement, when access to theological education for African Americans was severely restricted. Recognize that every brick, book, and sermon in the Center carries the weight of resistance, resilience, and redemption. Approach your visit with humility and historical awareness.

Support the Institution

If your visit inspires you, consider making a donation to the ITC Endowment Fund or purchasing publications from the ITC Press. The Center relies on private support to maintain its programs, scholarships, and archives. Your contribution helps sustain its mission for future generations.

Be Mindful of Cultural Norms

Black theological traditions often emphasize communal participation, call-and-response, and emotional expressiveness in worship. If you are unfamiliar with these practices, observe first. Do not feel pressured to participate in ways that feel inauthentic to your tradition. Your presence alone is a sign of solidarity.

Plan for Weather and Terrain

Atlantas climate is humid subtropical. Summers are hot and rainy; winters are mild but can bring occasional ice storms. Wear comfortable walking shoesthe campus is hilly, with brick pathways and uneven sidewalks. Carry an umbrella or light raincoat. Bring water and sunscreen during warmer months.

Connect with the AUC Consortium

ITC is part of the Atlanta University Center, the oldest and largest consortium of historically Black colleges and universities. Plan to visit the other institutions during your stay. Spelmans art museum, Morehouses King Collection, and Clark Atlantas University Archives offer complementary perspectives on Black intellectual history.

Document Your Experience Ethically

If you plan to blog, vlog, or publish about your visit, always seek permission before photographing students, faculty, or internal spaces. Do not share private conversations or unpublished materials. Acknowledge sources and cite the institution appropriately. Your public representation of ITC should reflect its dignity and depth.

Extend Your Learning

After your visit, deepen your engagement by reading foundational texts such as:

• Black Theology and Black Power by James H. Cone
• Aint I a Woman? by bell hooks
• Womanist Theology by Katie Geneva Cannon
• The Black Church in the African American Experience by C. Eric Lincoln
• Preaching in the Spirit by Dr. William J. Barber II

Consider enrolling in an online course offered through ITCs continuing education arm or joining a local book study group focused on Black theology.

Tools and Resources

Official Website: www.itc.edu

The primary hub for all information regarding admissions, events, faculty, and campus life. The site includes downloadable brochures, virtual tour videos, and a dynamic events calendar.

ITC Library Digital Collections

Access digitized sermons, photographs, and manuscripts at library.itc.edu/digital. This resource is invaluable for remote researchers and students unable to visit in person.

Google Maps and Street View

Use Google Maps to preview the campus layout before arrival. The satellite view clearly shows the chapel, library, and dormitory buildings. Street View allows you to virtually walk the pathways and identify entrances.

ATL Transit Planner (MARTA)

Plan your route using the MARTA website (www.itsmarta.com). The West End station is the closest rail stop. Use the MARTA app for real-time bus and train tracking.

Google Scholar and JSTOR

Search for scholarly articles on ITCs theological contributions. Use keywords like Interdenominational Theological Center, Black Church studies, African American theology, or HBCU seminaries.

Library of Congress Digital Archive

Search for oral histories and photographs related to ITCs founding members and early faculty. The African American Religion collection includes interviews with ITCs first president, Dr. William C. Rucker.

Bookstore and Publications

ITC Press publishes critical works in Black theology. Visit the bookstore on campus or order online at itc.edu/press. Titles include Preaching as Resistance, Womanist Hermeneutics, and Choirs of the Spirit: Hymns of the Black Church.

Local Atlanta Cultural Resources

• King Center www.thekingcenter.org
• National Center for Civil and Human Rights www.civilandhumanrights.org
• Atlanta History Center www.atlantahistorycenter.com
• Spelman College Museum of Fine Art www.spelman.edu/museum

Social Media Channels

• Twitter: @ITCAtlanta
• Instagram: @itcatlanta
• Facebook: facebook.com/InterdenominationalTheologicalCenter
• YouTube: youtube.com/user/ITCAtlanta

Follow these channels for real-time updates on events, student life, and alumni achievements.

Mobile Apps for Spiritual Reflection

Apps like Pray As You Go and The Upper Room offer daily devotions that resonate with ITCs contemplative and prophetic tradition. Use them during quiet moments on campus to enhance your spiritual experience.

Real Examples

Example 1: Dr. Lena Thompson, Professor of Homiletics at Yale Divinity School

In 2021, Dr. Thompson visited ITC to conduct archival research on the sermons of Bishop J. A. James, a pioneering African American preacher whose manuscripts are held in the ITC Library. She spent three days reviewing handwritten texts, recording oral histories with retired faculty, and attending Sunday worship. Her resulting publication, The Oratory of the Unseen: Black Preaching and the Politics of Silence, was featured in the Journal of African American Religion and cited ITC as a primary research site. Dr. Thompson later invited ITC faculty to co-teach a seminar at Yale, creating a lasting academic partnership.

Example 2: Jamal Carter, High School Senior from Birmingham, Alabama

Jamal, a student in his schools youth ministry program, visited ITC on a college tour organized by his pastor. He attended a chapel service, met with a current seminary student, and sat in on an introductory theology class. Inspired by the warmth of the community and the intellectual depth of the curriculum, he applied to ITCs early admission program. He was accepted and is now a first-year student, planning to become a pastor and advocate for youth in underserved communities.

Example 3: Rev. Maria Lopez, Latina Pastor from Los Angeles

Rev. Lopez, who leads a multicultural congregation, visited ITC to study the intersection of womanist theology and Latino spirituality. She attended a lecture by Dr. Delores Williams and participated in a workshop on Liberation Theologies Across Borders. She later co-founded a regional network of Latina and Black women pastors who meet annually at ITC to share preaching resources and mutual support.

Example 4: The National Association of Black Church Historians

In 2023, the NABCH held its annual conference at ITC. Over 300 scholars, archivists, and clergy gathered to present papers on Theological Resistance in the Jim Crow Era. The event included a walking tour of the AUC, a panel on the role of seminaries in the Civil Rights Movement, and a public lecture by Dr. Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham. The conference generated over 120 new citations of ITCs archival holdings and led to a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to digitize 5,000 additional sermon manuscripts.

Example 5: A Group of International Theologians from South Africa

A delegation from the University of Cape Town visited ITC to study the parallels between African American liberation theology and South African Black Consciousness theology. They met with ITC faculty, attended a service at Ebenezer Baptist Church, and participated in a roundtable with Atlanta-based activists. The visit resulted in a joint publication and a student exchange program between the two institutions.

FAQs

Is the Interdenominational Theological Center open to the public?

Yes, ITC welcomes visitors for worship services, public lectures, library research, and campus tours. While academic buildings are restricted to students and staff during class hours, the chapel, library, and administrative areas are accessible to the public during designated times.

Do I need to be religious to visit ITC?

No. While ITC is a theological institution, it welcomes scholars, historians, artists, and community members from all faith backgroundsor none. Its mission is rooted in the pursuit of truth, justice, and human dignity, values that transcend doctrinal boundaries.

Can I audit a class as a visitor?

Potentially. With prior approval from the Office of Academic Affairs and the instructor of the course, visitors may be permitted to sit in on select graduate seminars. This is typically granted to scholars, clergy, or students from partner institutions. Submit a written request at least two weeks in advance.

Are there any fees for visiting the campus or library?

No. Campus tours, chapel attendance, and library research are free. Donations are welcomed but not required. Some special events may have a nominal registration fee to cover materials or catering, but these are clearly noted in advance.

Can I bring my children?

Yes, families are welcome. However, please be mindful that the campus is a space for serious theological study. Young children should be supervised, and loud or disruptive behavior should be avoided during services and lectures.

How do I access the archives if I live out of state?

ITC offers remote research assistance. Email library@itc.edu with your research request. Staff can provide digital scans of non-copyrighted materials, answer reference questions, and guide you to relevant collections. Some materials may require an in-person visit due to preservation policies.

Is there a dress code?

There is no strict dress code, but modest, respectful attire is encouragedespecially during worship services and formal events. Business casual is appropriate for most visits. Avoid wearing clothing with offensive slogans, logos, or imagery.

Can I stay overnight on campus?

ITC does not have guest lodging. However, the Office of Public Relations can recommend nearby hotels and host families affiliated with the institution. Some alumni occasionally offer short-term stays to visiting scholarsrequest this through the alumni office.

What is the best time of year to visit?

Spring (MarchMay) and fall (SeptemberNovember) offer the most pleasant weather and the fullest calendar of events. Major events like Founders Day (October) and the Martin Luther King Jr. Lecture (January) draw large audiences and are highly recommended.

Can I volunteer at ITC during my visit?

Yes. Opportunities include assisting with library digitization, helping organize events, or mentoring students. Contact volunteer@itc.edu to discuss your skills and availability. Short-term volunteer roles are often arranged for visitors staying more than one week.

Conclusion

Visiting the Interdenominational Theological Center is more than a logistical endeavorit is an act of pilgrimage. To walk its halls is to tread ground sanctified by generations of Black theologians who refused to be silenced, who named God in the midst of suffering, and who preached liberation not as a political slogan but as a divine imperative. The chapel where congregants once sang freedom songs now echoes with the voices of students wrestling with the same questions: How do we love God faithfully in an unjust world? How do we preach truth without fear? How do we build a church that reflects the fullness of Gods kingdom?

This guide has provided you with the practical steps, ethical considerations, and spiritual context to make your visit intentional and transformative. Whether you come as a seeker, a scholar, or a soul in need of renewal, ITC offers not just knowledgebut communion. It invites you not only to observe the Black Church tradition but to participate in it, to carry its wisdom into your own community, and to become part of its enduring story.

Do not view your visit as a one-time event. Let it be the beginning of a lifelong conversationwith the texts, with the people, and with the God who still speaks through the prophetic witness of the marginalized. When you leave, take with you more than photographs and brochures. Take courage. Take conviction. Take the call to justice.

The Interdenominational Theological Center does not merely exist to educate. It exists to ignite. And you, by virtue of your presence, have already become part of that fire.