Emanuel Cleaver III will address the MTSO class of 2026
Emanuel Cleaver III, a dynamic pastor, author and advocate for justice, will deliver the commencement address to the 2026 graduates of Methodist Theological School in Ohio.
The commencement ceremony begins at 11 a.m. May 23 in Dickinson Courtyard on the MTSO campus, 3081 Columbus Pike in Delaware. Guests are welcome, and tickets are not required.
Since 2009, Cleaver has served as senior pastor of the 2,800-member St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, a congregation guided by its motto, “Connecting people with God in practical ways.”
He has authored three books, Pastor on Track: Reclaiming Our True Role; What Is the Bible and Who Is It For? A Book for Beginners, Skeptics, and Seekers; and Feed My Sheep: Preaching God’s Word. His published articles have covered subjects from friendship to thanksgiving to hip-hop culture.
As a persistent advocate for social justice in his community, Cleaver has worked to oppose voter suppression, address implicit bias in law enforcement, and foster relationships between diverse congregations.
Cleaver holds a Master of Divinity degree from MTSO and currently serves on the school’s Board of Trustees. In 2013, he received the Mount Alumni Award for Distinguished Service, MTSO’s highest honor for former students. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Philander Smith College and Doctor of Ministry from Saint Paul School of Theology.
“As we look forward to the ways the class of 2026 will shape the church and the world, Dr. Cleaver’s work stands as a tremendous model of the impact our alumni can have in their communities,” said MTSO President Jay Rundell. “We’re honored to call him one of ours and grateful that he’ll share his wisdom with our graduates.”
Methodist Theological School in Ohio provides theological education and leadership in pursuit of a just, sustainable and generative world. In addition to the Master of Divinity degree, the school offers master’s degrees in public theology, social justice and theological studies, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree.
CONTACT:
Danny Russell, communications director
drussell@mtso.edu, 740-362-3322