Dr. Donyelle McCray is Assistant Professor of Homiletics and Director of the Office of Multicultural Ministries at Virginia Theological Seminary. McCray earned her B.A. from Spelman College, J.D. from Harvard Law School, M.Div. from VTS, and Th.D. from Duke University Divinity School.

How did you decide to become a biblical scholar? Share your autobiographical journey.

While I was in seminary my church history professor asked me if I had considered doing doctoral work.  At the time I felt overwhelmed and was just focused on getting through the semester but the thought lingered.  Then, during my senior year I went on a retreat at the Bon Secours Convent in Marriottsville, MD and felt the Holy Spirit inviting me to ‘pray about teaching preaching.’  It was an unusual phrase and I was struck by how odd it was. I had not considered teaching preaching prior to that moment.  The desire grew from that time.   More→