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Encounter

Encounter: A Journal of Theological Scholarship

Encounter: A Journal of Theological Scholarship

Christian Theological Seminary has published Encounter: A Journal of Theological Scholarship continuously since 1940. In each of three annual issues, the journal offers scholarly articles, sermons, and reviews of recently published monographs.

Encounter is a peer-reviewed journal to ensure that its contents meet the highest standards of scholarship and relevance. In particular, the journal publishes works in biblical studies, the history of Christianity, theology, and the arts of ministry, including counseling.

Beginning with Volume 83 (2023), Encounter ceased print publication and transitioned to open access. Because of a specially negotiated contract, the journal continues to be indexed in ATLA Religion Database, and to be available full-text in ATLA Serials.

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Imagining

the Future of Theological Education

Six conversations with leading thinkers about the impact of theological education on the church and the world.

Co-Hosts

DAVID MELLOTT
Rev. Dr. David M. Mellott began his tenure as Christian Theological Seminary’s seventh president in July, 2019. He previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean, and Professor of Theological Formation at Lancaster Theological Seminary in Lancaster, PA. An ordained minister with the United Church of Christ, Mellott also serves CTS as Professor of Theological Formation.

DEB MULLEN
Rev. Dr. Deborah F. Mullen served Columbia Theological Seminary until her retirement in 2018 as Executive Vice President, Dean of Faculty, and Associate Professor of American Christianity and Black Church Studies. Mullen is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with considerable leadership experience in both the church and the academy.

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CTS Presents

A Celebration of the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas On November 12, 2025, Christian Theological Seminary held a special celebration chapel with Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart preaching to honor the remarkable ministry, scholarship, and enduring impact of Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas. The service celebrated his visionary leadership, transformative teaching, and deep commitment to the art and calling of preaching. Please enjoy this recording of the special celebration and join us in honoring Dr. Thomas's extraordinary legacy and lasting contributions to CTS, theological education, and the church.

A Celebration of the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas

On November 12, 2025, Christian Theological Seminary held a special celebration chapel with Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart preaching to honor the remarkable ministry, scholarship, and enduring impact of Rev. Dr. Frank A. Thomas. The service celebrated his visionary leadership, transformative teaching, and deep commitment to the art and calling of preaching. Please enjoy this recording of the special celebration and join us in honoring Dr. Thomas's extraordinary legacy and lasting contributions to CTS, theological education, and the church.

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjI1SkotczNSOHlv

Legacy Celebration Chapel - Rev. Frank A. Thomas, PhD - November 12, 2025

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiers on November 17, 2025 and will be listed as “Private” until that date. After November 17, the video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eUe_bMIKojc

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiers on November 17, 2025 and will be listed as “Private” until that date. After November 17, the video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eUe_bMIKojc

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlhOQVJkVW55YXZz

‘A Part of The C.L. Franklin Legacy’ – Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LnppOXYyNGZQRngw

"The Exegesis of Self" – Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmtzRFdtcGRTRXpv

"Preaching is Art and Anointing" – Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiers on October 27, 2025 and will be listed as “Private” until that date. After October 27, the video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiers on October 27, 2025 and will be listed as “Private” until that date. After October 27, the video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LllqOVBSN3hkdDNz

"The Message of Hope: Bring All of Who You Are" – Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlU5QzNYNlUwV2cw

"Paralyzed by Grief" – Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjFSUUZzeEFIQWVJ

"A Preacher Who Sings" – Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

A short clip from “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 27, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/E59CrisPBqs

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjBlMFdhemlaM2hv

"A Sense of Responsibility" – Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas.” Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. is the Senior Pastor/Teacher of The House of Hope Atlanta, The House of Hope Macon, and The House of Hope WestPointe – one church in three locations. A proud native of Macon, GA, he has been a minister of the gospel for more than 30 years. He commenced his preaching ministry at age 17 and his pastoral ministry at 19. Dr. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA; graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Science degree from Amridge University in Montgomery, AL; and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. He was inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Preachers at Morehouse College as a “Distinguished Preacher” and received the prestigious honor of having his portrait displayed in Morehouse’s International Hall of Honor. Dr. Smith has always had a passion to redress those things that plague the community and burden the people he serves. Throughout his ministry he has been heavily involved in prison reform, re-entry programs, mental health care, human services, and community development. In 2013, he launched The Tabitha’s House, a non-profit organization that provides housing, counseling and support to young girls rescued from human trafficking. Dr. Smith loves the arts and is professionally involved in music, media, film, and television production. His first solo project, “God Period,” was named one of the top albums of 2021 by Billboard. His first single, “Your Presence Is A Gift,” scored #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Charts. He is a 2022 Stellar Award-winning solo artist, two-time Dove Award nominee, and an American Music Awards nominee. Dr. Smith is married to the lovely Andrea Fambro, his best friend of over 30 years. They have been blessed with two sons, Kamari Elijah and Kylen Isaiah.

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents “A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas.”

Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. is the Senior Pastor/Teacher of The House of Hope Atlanta, The House of Hope Macon, and The House of Hope WestPointe – one church in three locations. A proud native of Macon, GA, he has been a minister of the gospel for more than 30 years. He commenced his preaching ministry at age 17 and his pastoral ministry at 19. Dr. Smith received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA; graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Science degree from Amridge University in Montgomery, AL; and earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. He was inducted into the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Board of Preachers at Morehouse College as a “Distinguished Preacher” and received the prestigious honor of having his portrait displayed in Morehouse’s International Hall of Honor. Dr. Smith has always had a passion to redress those things that plague the community and burden the people he serves. Throughout his ministry he has been heavily involved in prison reform, re-entry programs, mental health care, human services, and community development. In 2013, he launched The Tabitha’s House, a non-profit organization that provides housing, counseling and support to young girls rescued from human trafficking. Dr. Smith loves the arts and is professionally involved in music, media, film, and television production. His first solo project, “God Period,” was named one of the top albums of 2021 by Billboard. His first single, “Your Presence Is A Gift,” scored #1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay Charts. He is a 2022 Stellar Award-winning solo artist, two-time Dove Award nominee, and an American Music Awards nominee. Dr. Smith is married to the lovely Andrea Fambro, his best friend of over 30 years. They have been blessed with two sons, Kamari Elijah and Kylen Isaiah.

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LkU1OUNyaXNQQnFz

A Conversation with Dr. E. Dewey Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjUxR213aW9lQmpn

Chapel – Rev. Sarah Zuniga

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LnFaQVptcDhicDNj

“First Things First - Devotional Life & Preaching” – Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmtwOHdZYjNyNlZj

“Bad Preaching CAN Be Fixed” – Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3Lk1KdVctblBWTDIw

“A Time to Preach and A Time Not To” – Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LkVPUHVka2JNUmQ4

"Someone's Life is in the Balance" – Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on October 6, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjVxZkVEbW15T0NZ

“A Mix of Fire and Scholarship” – Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy – Legacy Preaching Series

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas.” Evangelist Vandalyn Kennedy is an educator, entrepreneur, and faith leader. Rev Kennedy graduated high school at the age of sixteen, went on to earn a Bachelor's degree, and then two Master's degrees— one in Education and another in Music/Music Education. Additionally, she obtained a Master of Divinity degree focused on Leadership and Preaching from Columbia University's Union Theological Seminary and completed the Black Theology and Leadership Institute Certificate program at Princeton Theological Seminary. Rev. Kennedy is a Preaching Exemplar in the Compelling Preaching Initiative at Christian Theological Seminary. Her influence and leadership have earned her recognition as one of the Church of God in Christ's 150 most influential women. She was a keynote speaker at the 2019 Hampton Ministers' Conference and was featured in The New York Times as a "Woman in the Pulpit" to watch. Her leadership and gifts have had a profound impact on the world. With a passion for youth, Evangelist Vandalyn served as an Educator and Administrator in the New York City Department of Education for over 18 years and was the first Youth Pastor at her childhood church. Her advocacy work in the non-profit sector has spanned over three decades. She currently serves as the Chairlady of the International Youth Department of the six-million-member the Church of God in Christ. As a faith leader, Evangelist Vandalyn Kennedy travels nationally and internationally, speaking to thousands as an itinerant minister. She is an ordained minister, fluent in Spanish, and has ministered in countries including Panama, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Israel, and Paris.

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas.”

Evangelist Vandalyn Kennedy is an educator, entrepreneur, and faith leader. Rev Kennedy graduated high school at the age of sixteen, went on to earn a Bachelor's degree, and then two Master's degrees— one in Education and another in Music/Music Education. Additionally, she obtained a Master of Divinity degree focused on Leadership and Preaching from Columbia University's Union Theological Seminary and completed the Black Theology and Leadership Institute Certificate program at Princeton Theological Seminary. Rev. Kennedy is a Preaching Exemplar in the Compelling Preaching Initiative at Christian Theological Seminary. Her influence and leadership have earned her recognition as one of the Church of God in Christ's 150 most influential women. She was a keynote speaker at the 2019 Hampton Ministers' Conference and was featured in The New York Times as a "Woman in the Pulpit" to watch. Her leadership and gifts have had a profound impact on the world. With a passion for youth, Evangelist Vandalyn served as an Educator and Administrator in the New York City Department of Education for over 18 years and was the first Youth Pastor at her childhood church. Her advocacy work in the non-profit sector has spanned over three decades. She currently serves as the Chairlady of the International Youth Department of the six-million-member the Church of God in Christ. As a faith leader, Evangelist Vandalyn Kennedy travels nationally and internationally, speaking to thousands as an itinerant minister. She is an ordained minister, fluent in Spanish, and has ministered in countries including Panama, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Israel, and Paris.

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmpsdDV1UjcyWHFF

A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiers on October 6, 2025 and will be listed as “Private” until that date. After October 6, the video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiers on October 6, 2025 and will be listed as “Private” until that date. After October 6, the video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/jlt5uR72XqE

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmFhMHRqUFpzQk0w

“A Charge to Keep I Have and a God to Glorify” – Rev. Vandalyn Kennedy – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. DeForest Blake ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on September 15, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/F0Gv09-oJCM

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. DeForest Blake ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on September 15, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/F0Gv09-oJCM

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmJEN0VhS2Z4aF9V

“Hegelian Dialectic Homiletic” - Rev. DeForest Blake “Buster” Soaries, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. DeForest Blake ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on September 15, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/F0Gv09-oJCM

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. DeForest Blake ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on September 15, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/F0Gv09-oJCM

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlFibVRTamRxVTlB

“dfree® Financial Freedom Movement” - Rev. DeForest “Buster” Soaries, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. DeForest Blake ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on September 15, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/F0Gv09-oJCM

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. DeForest Blake ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on September 15, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/F0Gv09-oJCM

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlY5bGZLY2Vld1ZN

“A Triple Funeral” - Rev. DeForest Blake “Buster” Soaries, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. DeForest Blake ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on September 15, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/F0Gv09-oJCM

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. DeForest Blake ‘Buster’ Soaries, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

The full video premiered on September 15, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/F0Gv09-oJCM

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3Ljg5MEdvbXRrbjlv

“Crisis in the African American Pulpit”- Rev. DeForest “Buster” Soaries, Jr.-Legacy Preaching Series

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