Introductory Materials
This page has documents introducing the work of the DACB, its modus operandi, and applications in educational settings—in churches, colleges, seminaries, or universities.
1. Introduction to the Project
- What is the DACB?
- “How the DACB began, and where it is going”: A brief history of the project’s beginnings.
- “Ecclesiastical Cartography and the Invisible Continent”: The rationale and the vision behind the project, presented in by Dr. Jonathan J. Bonk, Project Director.
- “Introduction to the DACB” (PDF): The PDF of a 30-minute presentation that gives an overview of the project.
- DACB Brochure 2016 (PDF): Introductory brochure for printing and distributing.
- DACB Data: View statistical data on the number and variety of biographies present in the dictionary.
2. Submission Guidelines:
- Guidelines for Researchers and Writers : A general outline of the content expected in a DACB biography.
- The Instructional Manual for Researchers and Writers (PDF): The DACB reference manual that contains (1) Instructions for Contributing Writers (technique and format); (2) Oral History Techniques (3) Procedures for Implementing the DACB at Participating Institutions.
- Writing biography. Two brief articles: “The Strengths and Limitations of Biography” by Dr. Jonathan Bonk, Project Director and “The Craft of Writing Religious Biography,” by Dr. Dana Robert, DACB Editorial Committee member.
- Potential Subjects A suggested list of biographical subjects by country. Check here to see which biographies the DACB already has.
- Bibliography A list of Africa-related works useful for background research.
- Citation Guidelines A guide for how to cite biographies.
3. Project Luke Fellowship
From 2000 to 2011, the Project Luke Fellowship offered scholarships to African scholars, clergy, and lay people in order to help fund their research and writing of African Christian biographies. A list of these scholars and their stories can be found here.
4. Being a Participating Institution
What does it mean to be a “participating institution”? How can my institution sign up? For answers to those questions, please read our Guidelines.
Additional Guidelines:
- Guidelines for Non African Participating Institutions
- Guidelines for Affiliated Research Institutions
5. Establishing an Institutional Archive
- Archives Manual: Rescuing the Memory of our Peoples (PDF)
- Archives Manual in Spanish: Rescatando la Memoria de Nuestros Pueblos (PDF)
