MTSO will host a three-day conference in 2015

United Methodist Women will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2019. In preparation for the sesquicentennial, Methodist Theological School in Ohio will host a conference May 28-30, 2015, with the theme “United Methodist Women’s History: Voices Lost & Found.”

The conference will include presentation of papers exploring the history, significance, prominent persons and defining issues in the development of UMW. Anyone interested in presenting a paper at the conference is invited to submit a proposal of 250-500 words by May 1, 2014.

Each proposal, along with a short academic profile of the author, should be emailed to conference coordinator Sarah Lancaster, professor in the Werner Chair of Theology at MTSO. Her address is slancaster@mtso.edu. The conveners hope to publish a volume of selected essays from the conference.

UMW is the largest denominational faith organization for women. Its mission is fostering spiritual growth, developing leaders and advocating for justice. Members raise up to $20 million each year for programs and projects related to women, children and youth in more than 100 countries around the world.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. 

CONTACT:

Sarah Lancaster, professor in the Werner Chair of Theology
slancaster@mtso.edu, 740-362-3360

Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Back to news archive

MTSO students honored at 2013 Closing Convocation

New this year: The David Wilcox Leadership Award

Bob Miller receives the inaugural David Wilcox Leadership Award from President Jay Rundell

Methodist Theological School in Ohio celebrated student achievement in scholarship, leadership and service at the school’s Closing Convocation and Awards Ceremony May 7.

Following is a list of those students honored.

The John W. and Mary Alford Family Awards are presented to students who distinguish themselves through academics, promise for pastoral ministry, ability to articulate the Christian faith, and potential for preaching. Recipients: Seth Evans, Lisa Kisselstein, Claudine Leary, Jenifer Leskovac, Randy May and Caleb Pitkin.

The Zook Family Awards for Competence in Parish Ministry are presented to continuing students on the basis of promise, ability, gifts and graces for strong Christian ministry. Recipients: Kyle Cunningham, Jason Leighton and Jonathan Williams.

The Werner Merit Awards are presented to returning students who demonstrate excellence in theological studies, demonstrated in part by achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Recipients: Megan Gerlich, Becky Guthrie, Whitney Prose, Rina Shere, Jennifer Stockwell, Jerry Stollings and Grace Welch.

The Chalice Press Book Award honors an outstanding graduate whose potential for service in Christ’s church is exceptionally high. Recipient: Alethea Botts.

The Bishop Judith Craig Prize in Christian Education honors Bishop Craig, whose ministry began as a Christian educator. It recognizes academic excellence; a solid record of service in the local church in a field placement; positive contributions to campus life, the district or the conference; and potential for significance in professional ministry. Recipient: Kate Smith.

The Charles A. Dice Fellowship encourages and assists exceptional students in continuing their theological education beyond the Master of Divinity at another institution of recognized excellence. Selection is based on academic excellence, personal character, professional competence, and promise of usefulness in Christian ministry or the teaching profession. Recipients: Christina Fetherolf and Tracy Temple.

The Fellowship Seminarian Award recognizes a graduating senior who displays outstanding leadership in music or worship arts, including but not limited to dance, drama, fabric art and liturgical writing. Recipient: Emily Spearman Cannon.

The Gindlesperger Bible Award recognizes a graduate who has demonstrated competence in biblical studies and who is humble, diligent and anxious to learn and grow in grace. Recipient: Carol Williams-Young.

The Hoyt Hickman Award recognizes a graduating student who has given evidence of high-quality scholarship in the study of liturgy and who is an effective leader of Christian worship. Recipient: Sam Chesser.

The Interpretation Journal Awards are presented to five graduates who are identified by faculty as having distinguished themselves in biblical and theological studies and who intend to pursue careers in parish ministry. Recipients: Andy Call, Emily Spearman Cannon, Sam Chesser, Matt Merriman and Melissa Zimmerman.

The Matey Janata Freedwomen Award honors the memory of Matey Janata, a trustee and 1976 graduate of MTSO who distinguished herself through her work within the church and the broader community. It is awarded to a graduating senior who has submitted a paper that deals with women’s issues in a significant way. Recipient: Jess Peacock.

The Nystrand Award in Homiletics honors the Rev. Dr. Philip O. Nystrand and encourages excellent preaching. It is given to a rising senior in the Master of Divinity program who demonstrates promise in homiletics. Recipient: Gregory Kendrick.

The Pastoral Counseling Service and Achievement Award is presented to Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries seniors who embody the quest for excellence in professional counseling development. The recipients also demonstrate significant involvement in community service, while maintaining high standards of academic achievement. Recipient: Paula Brown.

The Servant Leader Award recognizes a graduating senior who has given exceptional and sacrificial service to MTSO, and has inspired others to do the same. The award consists of a water basin and a towel, evoking Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet. Recipient: Paulette Buford.

The C. Everett and Mary Milburn Tilson Social Justice Grant honors the lives and legacies of C. Everett and Mary Milburn Tilson. This award honors the Tilsons’ lifelong devotion social justice, most notably in the civil rights movement. The grant is given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated, both in practice and profession, a commitment to a prophetic vocation of compassionate justice. Recipient: Peggy Sham.

The David Wilcox Leadership Award honors the service and leadership of the Rev. Dr. David Wilcox within the United Methodist Church and as a trustee of MTSO. The award recognizes a graduating student preparing for ministry in the context of the local church. The recipient must reflect characteristics of servant-leadership within the MTSO community and in church ministry, and show promise to become a leader in judicatory connections. Recipient: Bob Miller.

The Ronald L. Williams Book Prize in Theology and Ethics honors the memory of MTSO Professor Ronald L. Williams. It is awarded to a student with extraordinary potential in theological and ethical studies and reflection. Recipient: Jess Peacock.

A gallery of candid photos from Closing Convocation is posted on MTSO’s Facebook page.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. 

CONTACT:

Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Back to news archive

Rev. John Edgar of Church for All People will address MTSO graduates

Edgar

The Rev. John Edgar, who leads Community Development for All People and the United Methodist Church for All People, will deliver Methodist Theological School in Ohio’s 2013 commencement address.

The ceremony begins at 11 a.m. May 18 in the Dickinson Courtyard on the MTSO campus. Guests are welcome, and tickets are not required. A live video broadcast will be available on MTSO’s Livestream page.

Edgar has built a widely recognized ministry centered on improving the quality of life for those on the margins of society. He is pastor of the United Methodist Church for All People and executive director of Community Development for All People (CD4AP), both of which he founded on the south side of Columbus in 2003. CD4AP’s ministries include the Free Store, a primary-care health station, and the purchase and renovation of vacant, blighted houses in a 35-square-block area.

Edgar earned his Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School and a bachelor’s in sociology from Miami University. His previous ministry appointments include the superintendency of the Columbus South District of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. In recent years, he has been an adjunct faculty member at MTSO, teaching classes focused on working with low-income individuals.

“John truly is a leader for and with all people, and the values that guide his work are well-known to our students who have taken his classes,” said MTSO President Jay Rundell. “We’re pleased now to offer all of our graduates and guests an opportunity to hear the perspectives of a deeply respected leader in this vital work.”

MTSO will award the following graduate degrees at its commencement: Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries, Master of Arts in Practical Theology, Master of Theological Studies and Doctor of Ministry.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. 

CONTACT:

Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Back to news archive

Seminar offers the best methods for increasing church giving

‘Cultures of Generosity’ offered in conjunction with the Lake Institute

Methodist Theological School in Ohio and the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving are pleased to offer a unique opportunity for church leaders to learn and implement the best faith-based fundraising practices available today.

In partnership with the Lake Institute, MTSO is hosting a seminar, “Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity,” on three Fridays spread over four months: May 3, June 7 and Sept. 13. The nonprofit Lake Institute, a program of the nationally renowned Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, specializes in congregational fundraising.

This seminar is designed to help pastors and their leadership teams rethink their role in congregational finances, become better stewards of their donors’ gifts, and awaken an ongoing spirit of generosity within their communities. It will provide valuable learning material, training, theological reflection and ongoing plans of action for participants.

The first session will include discussions of the changing landscape of religious giving; strategies for creating a culture of cooperation and collaboration; and the differences between meet-the-budget congregations and share-the-vision congregations. An overview of all session topics, along with detailed seminar information and online registration, appears at www.mtso.edu/lake.

Tuition for “Creating Congregational Cultures of Generosity” is $250 per person, which covers all three full-day seminar sessions, an accompanying notebook, lunch and two CEU credits if requested. If three or more people from the same congregation attend, each may pay a special rate of $225.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. 

CONTACT:

Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Back to news archive

MTSO offers workshop for pastors moving to new congregations

‘Pastors on the Move’ scheduled for May 6

Methodist Theological School in Ohio is offering a one-day workshop for pastors moving between congregations. “Pastors on the Move: Ending Well, Beginning Well” will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 6 in the Alford Centrum on the MTSO campus, 3081 Columbus Pike in Delaware. A single $20 tuition payment covers all sessions, lunch and 0.5 CEU credits. Advance registration is required and can be completed at www.mtso.edu/onthemove.

For transitioning pastors, a move from a current congregation to a new one brings challenges and opportunities – both professional and personal. Often, it’s hard for a pastor to find a safe space for frank conversations about transitional concerns, including the effects of moving on their families, parishioners and selves. This workshop provides that space and covers issues including leaving or entering conflict; who to talk to about issues; family upheaval; and support for singles.

“Pastors on the Move” will be led by Jim Gebhart and Lisa Withrow. Gebhart is an elder in the United Methodist Church and a licensed psychologist who has been in independent clinical practice since 1978. He has served as a pastoral evaluation specialist within the United Methodist Church.

Withrow served three churches following her 1987 ordination in the United Methodist Church. Currently professor of Christian leadership and associate academic dean at MTSO, she consults with churches that are working on church growth or conflict issues.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. 

CONTACT:

Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Back to news archive

German theologian to discuss theology after Auschwitz

Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus presents Ninth Annual Lecture on World Religions and Interreligious Dialogue

Gunda Werner-Burggraf

German theologian Gunda Werner-Burggraf will present “Theology After Auschwitz: Abrahamic Perspectives,” the Ninth Annual Lecture on World Religions and Interreligious Dialogue, sponsored by the Theological Consortium of Greater Columbus. The consortium includes Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Trinity Lutheran Seminary, the Pontifical College Josephinum and associate member Bexley Hall Episcopal Seminary.

The lecture will be held at 7 p.m. April 17 in the Jessing Center at the Pontifical College Josephinum, 7625 N. High St. in Columbus. It is free and open to the public; no registration is required. The lecture is coordinated by Dr. Paul Numrich, an expert on world religions and interreligious relations and a tenured member of the MTSO and Trinity faculties.

Dr. Gunda Werner-Burggraf is a faculty member of the Department of Dogmatic Theology at Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany, a position she has held since February 2012.

A native of Bonn, Germany, Werner-Burggraf completed secondary studies at the Catholic Gymnasium in Bonn in 1991. From 1992 to 1998, she studied theology and philosophy in Münster, culminating in a master’s degree. She then worked as an assistant nurse in a home for the elderly, doing pastoral care with hospice, and counseling for the AIDS Foundation in Münster. The following years were spent contributing to the formation of priests and lay people in the Archdiocese in Berlin as well as to the preparation for and follow up to World Youth Day in Cologne.

After completion of a doctorate in dogmatic theology (summa cum laude), in Münster in 2005, Dr. Werner-Burggraf worked in human rights and the development of European networks for the Franciscan Brothers headquartered in Bonn. From January 2008 until December 2009, she was a staff member and one of the chief executive officers for the Second Ecumenical Church Assembly held in 2010. Later that same year, she was a visiting scholar at the Pontifical College Josephinum, conducting research in ecclesiology.

In addition to her academic degrees, Dr. Werner-Burggraf holds a diploma in theme-centered interaction and has several qualifications in human resources, conflict management and management skills. Her extensive list of published writings includes two books and dozens of articles in German theological journals.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. 

CONTACT:

Paul Numrich, professor of religion and interreligious relations
pnumrich@mtso.edu, 740-362-3443

Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Back to news archive

Cleaver and Purushotham honored with Mount Alumni Awards

Mount Alumni Award recipients Gwen Purushotham and Emanuel Cleaver III

Methodist Theological School in Ohio has presented Rev. Dr. Emanuel Cleaver III and Rev. Dr. Gwen Purushotham with the John and Ruth Mount Alumni Awards, MTSO’s highest honor for former students.

Cleaver, senior pastor of the 2,600-member St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, received the Mount Award for Parish Ministry. Since earning his Master of Divinity degree from MTSO in 1999, Cleaver has served five congregations, as a youth pastor, associate pastor and pastor.

Cleaver serves the broader church and community in numerous ways, including sitting on the Philander Smith College Board of Trustees, presiding over the Methodist Ministers’ Fellowship of Greater Kansas City and teaching as an adjunct professor at Central Baptist Theological Seminary.

Purushotham, who earned an MTSO Master of Divinity degree in 1975, received the Mount Award for Specialized Ministry. She serves the United Methodist Church as associate general secretary of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry’s Division of Ordained Ministry.

In addition to her work with the GBHEM, Purushotham has pastored several churches and served as district superintendent in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church. She is the author of the book “Watching Over One Another in Love: A Wesleyan Model for Ministry Assessment.”

The John and Ruth Mount Alumni Awards were created in 1990 to recognize MTSO alumni who have achieved distinction in ministry and in service to the school. The award program was created by MTSO founding Board of Trustees member John Mount and his late wife, Ruth.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. For more information, visit www.mtso.edu.

CONTACT:
Danny Russell, MTSO director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Ohio Council of Churches
614-885-9590

Back to news archive

Conference considers immigration and the new administration

UCC President Geoffrey Black will deliver keynote address

The Ohio Interfaith Immigration Coalition will present a conference, “Immigration and the New Administration,” 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 18 on the campus of Methodist Theological School in Ohio, 3081 Columbus Pike in Delaware. Detailed information and online registration are provided at www.ohiomeadville.org/omdevents/548-immigration2013. The cost is $25, which includes lunch. The registration deadline is Feb. 8.

Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ, will deliver the keynote address. The day will also include a panel discussion and an afternoon of workshops to cover resources available to congregations and concrete ways members can take action.

MTSO is a sponsor of the conference. Other sponsors are Central Ohio Immigrant Justice, Church World Service, Catholic Latino Ministry, Cleveland Faith Immigration, Community Organizing Center (Columbus), Community Refugee Immigrations Services, Ohio Action Circle, Ohio Council of Churches, Ohio Voice and Ohio Meadville District of the Unitarian Universalist Association.

The Ohio Interfaith Immigration Coalition is a group formed to work across as many lines as possible to address the immigration issue.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. For more information, visit www.mtso.edu.

CONTACT:
Danny Russell, MTSO director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Ohio Council of Churches
614-885-9590

Back to news archive

What can Medieval Spain teach us about religious coexistence?

Albert Hernández delivers MTSO’s 2013 Williams Institute lectures

Albert Hernández

While the modern world struggles with tensions between major religions, Albert Hernández believes Medieval Spain offers a legacy worth exploring. Hernández, interim president and associate professor of the history of Christianity at the Iliff School of Theology in Denver, will lead the Williams Institute at Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

Under the Theme “Lessons from Medieval Spain: Religion’s Power to Unite or Divide,” Hernández will present two lectures: “The Tragedy of Andalucía: A Lost Legacy of Coexisting Religions” at 7 p.m. Feb. 26, and “Nationalism and Memory: Casting Religions as Neighbor or Foe” at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 27. Both lectures will be in the Alford Centrum on the MTSO campus, 3081 Columbus Pike in Delaware, Ohio. They are free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.

Medieval Spain was a place where Muslims, Jews and Christians lived together and prospered for over eight centuries on European soil. In modern times of conflict around the world, Hernández finds Medieval Spain’s achievements and rich legacies of learning, scientific advancement and creative coexistence instructive. He believes they provide an important and alternative vision of the three Abrahamic religions working together in the social and religious arenas for collective human flourishing and mutual edification.

A member of the Iliff faculty since 2001, Hernández accepted the position of interim president in June 2012. His teaching areas include the history of Christianity from Antiquity through the Medieval and Early Modern periods. His research interests include the history of Muslim and Christian relations beginning with the Crusades, the problem of religious diversity in medieval and early modern Spain, and the role of mystical movements in Christian history.

Hernández is the author of the 2010 book Subversive Fire: The Untold Story of Pentecost and co-author of the 2011 book The Quest for the Historical Satan. He holds Ph.D., M.A. and M.Phil. degrees from Drew University, an M.S. from Nova Southeastern University, and a B.A. from Florida International University.

MTSO’s Williams Institute was begun in 1981 to honor the late Dr. Ronald L. Williams, professor of theology from 1971 until his death in 1981. The institute has featured speakers from many backgrounds, including theologians, ethicists, poets, biblical scholars, historians, pastoral psychologists and Christian educators.

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares leaders of many faith traditions for lives of significance in service to the church and the world. The school offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. For more information, visit www.mtso.edu.

CONTACT:
Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Back to news archive

Schooler Institute on Preaching features Palmer and Suchocki

Bishop Gregory V. Palmer and Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki

United Methodist Bishop Gregory V. Palmer and scholar Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki will lead the Schooler Institute on Preaching Feb. 10-12 at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, 3081 Columbus Pike, Delaware, Ohio. Under the theme “The Other Presence in Your Pulpit,” the leaders will preach, lecture and hold dialogues on the practice of preaching in the omnipresence of God.

Thanks to the generosity of Schooler Family Foundation, the event is offered to the public without cost. Advance registration is required. A complete schedule and online application form are available at www.mtso.edu/schooler. MTSO is offering one CEU credit for a $25 administrative processing fee.

Palmer began his assignment with the West Ohio Conference Sept. 1, following four years leading the Illinois Area of the United Methodist Church. In addition to churches in North Carolina, Palmer served East Glenville UMC and Werner UMC in Cleveland; James S. Thomas UMC in Canton; and the United Methodist Church of Berea during his pastoral career.

Suchocki is professor emerita at Claremont School of Theology, where for many years she taught theology and also served as dean. She participates in local, national and international ministries of the United Methodist Church. The author of many books and articles, Suchocki serves as co-director of the Center for Process Studies at Claremont.

“We’re fortunate to have Dr. Suchocki and Bishop Palmer leading the Schooler Institute,” said MTSO President Jay Rundell. “They’re excited about working together, and we’re looking forward to their perspectives on the preparation and delivery of powerful sermons.”

Methodist Theological School in Ohio prepares transformational leaders of many faith traditions for service to the church and the world. MTSO offers master’s degrees in divinity, counseling ministries, theological studies and practical theology, as well as a Doctor of Ministry degree. For more information, visit www.mtso.edu.

CONTACT:
Danny Russell, director of communications
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322

Back to news archive