Renowned preacher Rev. Dr. Tellis Chapman and Senior Statesman Rev. Al Sharpton headline HUMC 2026, advancing a powerful call to countercultural leadership in the church
HAMPTON, Va. (March 20, 2026) The Hampton University Ministers Conference (HUMC) will convene June 7-11, 2026, ushering in a defining moment for the church under the resonant theme, “The Church, Commissioned to Be Countercultural.”
More than a gathering, HUMC stands as one of the nation’s oldest and most enduring interdenominational convening of African American clergy, drawing thousands of pastors, scholars, and faith leaders. This year’s conference brings together bold voices like Rev. Dr. Tellis Chapman and Rev. Al Sharpton to push the church beyond comfort, beyond conformity, and into a bold reassertion of its moral voice in an era shaped by social unrest, technological acceleration, and shifting cultural values.
A Conference Designed for This Moment
Across four days of worship, lectures, and strategic engagement, HUMC 2026 will explore what it means for the church to stand distinctly, grounded in truth while navigating the complexities of modern society. From the pulpit to policy, from theology to technology, the conference positions faith leaders as architects of both spiritual and societal transformation.
At the center of this experience is Conference Preacher Rev. Dr. T Tellis Chapman, a nationally respected leader whose ministry bridges preaching, community development, and social justice advocacy. His voice, rooted in both pastoral care and public engagement, embodies the essence of a countercultural church that speaks with conviction and moves with purpose.
He is joined by a distinguished lineup of theologians and practitioners, including Rev. Dr. Keri Day, Bishop Rudolph McKissick Jr., Rev. Dr. Joshua Mitchell, Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning, and Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie-Martin, each bringing intellectual depth and lived experience to conversations shaping the future of ministry.
Rev. Al Sharpton: The Weight of a Senior Statesman
A defining moment of the conference will be the A.C.D. Vaughn Senior Statesman address delivered by the legendary Rev. Al Sharpton, whose presence represents more than prominence. It reflects continuity.
In the role of Senior Statesman, Sharpton stands as a living archive of movement, ministry, and moral resistance. This designation is reserved for leaders whose decades of service have not only shaped the church but influenced the national conscience. It is a role grounded in stewardship, offering seasoned perspective, historical clarity, and a charge to emerging leaders to carry the work forward with both courage and discipline.
His address will serve as both reflection and reckoning, bridging generations while reaffirming the church’s enduring responsibility to confront injustice and advocate for human dignity.
Dean Debra L. Haggins: Advancing Ethics in an AI-Driven World
Guiding the vision and intellectual framework of HUMC is Rev. Dr. Debra L. Haggins, University Chaplain, Executive Director of the Conference, and Founding Dean of the Hampton University School of Religion.
Dr. Haggins has positioned HUMC at the forefront of critical conversations surrounding ethics, technology, and the future of humanity, particularly the church’s responsibility in navigating artificial intelligence.
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, economies, and human interaction, HUMC creates space for faith leaders to engage urgent questions about ethical leadership in a digital age and the preservation of humanity in increasingly automated systems.
“The church must not simply respond to culture. It must help shape it,” said Rev. Dr. Debra Haggins. “This conference equips leaders to stand with conviction, lead with integrity, and serve with purpose in a time that demands all three.”
A Living Tradition of Worship, Music, and Formation
HUMC is not only a space for preaching and scholarship, but a full-bodied experience of worship, music, and ministerial formation that reflects the richness of the Black church tradition.
Conference highlights include:
- The Choir Directors and Organists Guild, one of the oldest and most influential gatherings of church musicians in the nation, dedicated to strengthening music ministry and enriching worship across congregations.
- The Wendell P. Whalum Recitals, honoring the legacy of sacred music through dynamic musical presentations that anchor the conference’s worship experience.
- The Church Development and Leadership Academy, a lifelong learning institute for pastoral practitioners to participate in workshops and seminars to update ministerial skills to meet the contemporary challenges of the church and culture.
- Women in Ministry Hour, a dedicated space amplifying the voices, leadership, and theological contributions of women in the church.
- Nu Voices, the signature late-night preaching experience creating space for emerging clergy to proclaim with power, develop their voice, and be shaped through intergenerational mentorship and real-time engagement.
- Plus, much more!
A New Sacred Space: Expanding the Hampton Legacy
In alignment with its forward-thinking vision, Hampton University will also highlight its new vision for the Hampton University National Religious Retreat and Study Center, an intentional sanctuary designed for reflection, restoration, and strategic formation.
This space, which is currently in its development phase, represents an expansion of the conference’s impact beyond its annual convening, offering clergy and will offer leaders a year-round environment for spiritual renewal and leadership development. It reflects HUMC’s deeper mission to not only gather leaders but sustain them.
For more information about this phenomenal conference and to register, visit https://home.hamptonu.edu/minconf/
Pre-registration and an early-bird price of $200 ends March 31.
ABOUT HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Hampton University is a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution recognized for pioneering work in atmospheric science, cancer research, and cybersecurity. With an annual economic impact of $530 million across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton remains a leading engine of innovation and workforce development.
Founded in 1868, Hampton serves a diverse community of scholars from 44 states and 32 territories. The university is committed to academic excellence, global citizenship, and preparing students to lead with purpose and integrity. Learn more at www.hamptonu.edu
For media inquiries, contact the Office of University Relations at universityrelations@hamptonu.edu
