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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

Advent Rev. Dr. David Mellott Preaching Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1–10 & Luke 1:39-56

Advent

Rev. Dr. David Mellott Preaching

Scripture: 1 Samuel 2:1–10 & Luke 1:39-56

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LkFvclliZGJzY0ZN

Chapel – Rev. Dr. David Mellott Preaching

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LnZMdUlsaFp4YlRv

"A Jeremiah Experience” - Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmxzMDNIX3ZPN29B

“Preaching Mentors” - Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LnBlajUtbGlwajNv

“Religion and Philosophy” - Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmI3WjhvRkZMUmp3

“Generational Preacher” - Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjJxWVc1eU9Ta2lj

“Youngest Hampton Preacher Ever” - Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

All Saints Rev. Ayanna Garrett Preaching Scripture: Exodus 15:1–21 & John 11:32-44

All Saints

Rev. Ayanna Garrett Preaching

Scripture: Exodus 15:1–21 & John 11:32-44

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3Lm1uZlJlaDg4WG5v

Chapel – Rev. Ayanna Garrett Preaching

All Saints Rev. Ayanna Garrett Preaching Scripture: Exodus 15:1–21 & John 11:32-44

All Saints

Rev. Ayanna Garrett Preaching

Scripture: Exodus 15:1–21 & John 11:32-44

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlR0aWpkdk0tbmZV

Chapel Sermon – Rev. Ayanna Garrett Preaching

A short clip from "A Conversation with Bishop John Richard Bryant, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence If you would like to see the rest of the interview, the full video will release after the holidays on January 8, 2024. https://youtu.be/d6C58P3c96M

A short clip from "A Conversation with Bishop John Richard Bryant, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence
#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

If you would like to see the rest of the interview, the full video will release after the holidays on January 8, 2024. https://youtu.be/d6C58P3c96M

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlR1b29fQ2Z5NXE4

"Meet Bishop John Richard Bryant” - Legacy Preaching Series

Listeners will learn a narrative practice to uncover spiritual stories that give renewed hope for everyday life. This allows power, hope, and the Spirit to create liberating action from oppressive discourses that thwart spiritual growth. Individuals and communities of faith can then more readily connect everyday life changes with spiritual stories that sustain joy and hardship. On November 9th, 2023 Rev. Dr. Suzanne Coyle gave this talk entitled "How to Uncover Your Spiritual Story" at Christian Theological Seminary in the Sweeney Chapel. The talk was part of the "CTS Talks" series, delivered by CTS Faculty and distinguished guests who are subject matter experts. These thought-provoking talks provide a platform to gain insight on topics that tie together intellectual curiosity and community reflection. #cts #ctstalks #faith #story #narrative #therapy

Listeners will learn a narrative practice to uncover spiritual stories that give renewed hope for everyday life. This allows power, hope, and the Spirit to create liberating action from oppressive discourses that thwart spiritual growth. Individuals and communities of faith can then more readily connect everyday life changes with spiritual stories that sustain joy and hardship.

On November 9th, 2023 Rev. Dr. Suzanne Coyle gave this talk entitled "How to Uncover Your Spiritual Story" at Christian Theological Seminary in the Sweeney Chapel. The talk was part of the "CTS Talks" series, delivered by CTS Faculty and distinguished guests who are subject matter experts. These thought-provoking talks provide a platform to gain insight on topics that tie together intellectual curiosity and community reflection.

#cts #ctstalks #faith #story #narrative #therapy

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LnZ5Ry1JSnh3djVR

How to Uncover Your Spiritual Story - Rev. Dr. Suzanne Coyle

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas." Dr. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. is a preaching phenomenon. Even before he became the third Senior Pastor of the prestigious Fellowship Church of Chicago, his preaching ministry was a YouTube sensation. The youngest Hampton Minister Conference preaching veteran talks with Dr. Frank A. Thomas about the blessings and burdens of his call at an early age, his preaching and pastoring ministry, and his “highest dream of ministry.” This interview is a must-see for all generations of people who love and have hope for the future of African-American preaching. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas." Dr. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. is a preaching phenomenon. Even before he became the third Senior Pastor of the prestigious Fellowship Church of Chicago, his preaching ministry was a YouTube sensation. The youngest Hampton Minister Conference preaching veteran talks with Dr. Frank A. Thomas about the blessings and burdens of his call at an early age, his preaching and pastoring ministry, and his “highest dream of ministry.” This interview is a must-see for all generations of people who love and have hope for the future of African-American preaching.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LnhCVUdJVmFoWnRz

A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LndlQ0I3RVFYeUlF

"Teaching Preaching" - Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LnNKV0ROdXpXdWNJ

"Toughest Preaching Moment" - Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmtKY0t3VVJ5WTlz

"Bishop College” - Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmhEc3RyZE52WnpF

"Sermon Preparation" - Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmNiTU5rV29uTmdB

"What Makes Preaching Preaching" - Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight - Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjBmRnhpN2JjdXFR

"Union Theological Seminary" - Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight - Legacy Preaching Series

As part of our series on how to “Be the Change” the world needs, Dr. Felicity Kelcourse (CTS School of Counseling) interviews Lori Perdue, campaign director of “Forests for Indy,” a program of Indiana Forest Alliance. Launched by IFA in 2018, “Forests for Indy” is the first-ever proactive, data-driven initiative to identify, assess and plan to preserve forests remaining in Indianapolis. IFA has identified and ranked 4,237 urban forests, including the top 100 that offer the most benefits in terms of heat, flood, and pollution mitigation; wildlife habitat; and neighborhood quality of life. To keep Indianapolis livable, we need to conserve much of the tree canopy that remains in Marion County and prevent its loss by default to development. These 4,327 forests and unprotected and could be lost to development at any time. To learn more about Indiana Forest Alliance, visit their website: https://indianaforestalliance.org. To learn how you can help protect urban forests in Indianapolis, visit the IFA “Forests for Indy” page: https://indianaforestalliance.org/work/protection/forests-for-indy.

As part of our series on how to “Be the Change” the world needs, Dr. Felicity Kelcourse (CTS School of Counseling) interviews Lori Perdue, campaign director of “Forests for Indy,” a program of Indiana Forest Alliance. Launched by IFA in 2018, “Forests for Indy” is the first-ever proactive, data-driven initiative to identify, assess and plan to preserve forests remaining in Indianapolis. IFA has identified and ranked 4,237 urban forests, including the top 100 that offer the most benefits in terms of heat, flood, and pollution mitigation; wildlife habitat; and neighborhood quality of life. To keep Indianapolis livable, we need to conserve much of the tree canopy that remains in Marion County and prevent its loss by default to development. These 4,327 forests and unprotected and could be lost to development at any time.

To learn more about Indiana Forest Alliance, visit their website: https://indianaforestalliance.org.

To learn how you can help protect urban forests in Indianapolis, visit the IFA “Forests for Indy” page: https://indianaforestalliance.org/work/protection/forests-for-indy.

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmNCTFBnZHU3Vkhn

“Be the Change!” CTS Green Faith Initiative with Lori Perdue of “Indiana Forest Alliance”

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. If you would like to see the rest of the interview, the full video will release on November 13, 2023. https://youtu.be/xBUGIVahZts #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr., hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

If you would like to see the rest of the interview, the full video will release on November 13, 2023. https://youtu.be/xBUGIVahZts

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmxsMUw0YkRMUENV

“My Highest Dream of Ministry” - Rev. Reginald W. Sharpe, Jr. - Legacy Preaching Series

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents "A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas." The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, a passionate professor and preacher, is committed to the integrity of the discipline of homiletics as a whole and particularly the best of the African American preaching tradition. As a pioneer and trailblazer for several generations of black women preachers, she serves as an example and standard-bearer of high-quality preaching. She shares her experience, wisdom, and insights about her preaching genius. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents "A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas." The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight, a passionate professor and preacher, is committed to the integrity of the discipline of homiletics as a whole and particularly the best of the African American preaching tradition. As a pioneer and trailblazer for several generations of black women preachers, she serves as an example and standard-bearer of high-quality preaching. She shares her experience, wisdom, and insights about her preaching genius.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3Lk42SDZ2enRaUWxj

A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Carolyn Ann Knight hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas

A short clip from "A Conversation with Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. #ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

A short clip from "A Conversation with Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas" for the African American Legacy Preaching Series.

#ctsindy #phd #preaching #sacredrhetoric #blackexcellence

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LnNNUTNCNjdTT3Bz

"A Bright Side Somewhere” - Bishop Walter S. Thomas - Legacy Preaching Series

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