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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

Easter Rev. Lane Davis, PhD Preaching Scripture: John 20: 1-18, 1 Corinthians 15: 19-26 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5613768973746176

Easter
Rev. Lane Davis, PhD Preaching

Scripture: John 20: 1-18, 1 Corinthians 15: 19-26

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Chapel – Rev. Lane Davis, PhD

Philip and the Ethiopian Rev. Courtney Buggs, PhD Preaching Scripture: Acts 8: 26-39 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5613768973746176

Philip and the Ethiopian
Rev. Courtney Buggs, PhD Preaching

Scripture: Acts 8: 26-39

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Chapel – Rev. Courtney Buggs, PhD

The Passion according to St. Mark Associate Dean Robert Saler, PhD Preaching Scripture: Mark 14:1 – 15:47 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5613768973746176

The Passion according to St. Mark
Associate Dean Robert Saler, PhD Preaching

Scripture: Mark 14:1 – 15:47

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Chapel – Associate Dean Robert Saler, PhD

Ash Wednesday Rev. Nicole Robertson, PhD Preaching Scripture: Psalm 51, Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5613768973746176

Ash Wednesday
Rev. Nicole Robertson, PhD Preaching

Scripture: Psalm 51, Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21

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Chapel – Rev. Nicole Robertson, PhD

Jesus as Living Water Rev. Nick Peterson, PhD Preaching Scripture: John 2:4:1-42 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5613768973746176

Jesus as Living Water
Rev. Nick Peterson, PhD Preaching

Scripture: John 2:4:1-42

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Chapel – Rev. Nick Peterson, PhD

Baptism of Jesus Rev. Timothy McNinch, PhD Preaching Scripture: Mark 1: 1-13, Isaiah 42:1–9 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5613768973746176

Baptism of Jesus
Rev. Timothy McNinch, PhD Preaching

Scripture: Mark 1: 1-13, Isaiah 42:1–9

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Chapel – Rev. Timothy McNinch, PhD

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjRzTS00SkpxZ1l3

2025 CRP Information Webinar

Birth of Jesus Rev. David M. Mellott, PhD Preaching Scripture: Matthew 1:18-2:23 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5613768973746176

Birth of Jesus Rev. David M. Mellott, PhD Preaching Scripture: Matthew 1:18-2:23

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Chapel – Rev. David M. Mellott, PhD

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents “A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas.” Robert Smith, Jr., PhD served as pastor of New Mission Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, OH for 20 years. He served as professor of Christian preaching at Beeson Divinity School for more than 25 years and held the Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity. Dr. Smith served as the Carl E. Bates Associate Professor of Christian Preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and is the 2017 E. K. Bailey Expository Preaching Conference Living Legend. Dr. Smith is known for his writings Doctrine That Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life, The Oasis of God: From Mourning to Morning—Biblical Insights from Psalms 42 and 43, and Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Joshua. Dr. Smith has spoken at more than 135 universities, colleges, and seminaries in the United States, Great Britain, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean. He has taught congregations in several countries including Greece, Turkey, Rome, the Holy Land, and Switzerland. Smith brought the closing message of the 22nd Baptist World Congress/Baptist World Alliance. His research interests include the place of passion in preaching, the literary history of African American preaching, Christological preaching, and theologies of preaching. Smith has contributed essays and articles to various books, magazines, and commentaries. He received Beeson Divinity School’s “Teacher of the Year Award” in 2005. He and his wife, Wanda Taylor-Smith, PhD are the parents of four adult children (two in heaven).

The African American Legacy Preaching Series of Christian Theological Seminary presents “A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas.” Robert Smith, Jr., PhD served as pastor of New Mission Missionary Baptist Church in Cincinnati, OH for 20 years. He served as professor of Christian preaching at Beeson Divinity School for more than 25 years and held the Charles T. Carter Baptist Chair of Divinity. Dr. Smith served as the Carl E. Bates Associate Professor of Christian Preaching at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and is the 2017 E. K. Bailey Expository Preaching Conference Living Legend. Dr. Smith is known for his writings Doctrine That Dances: Bringing Doctrinal Preaching and Teaching to Life, The Oasis of God: From Mourning to Morning—Biblical Insights from Psalms 42 and 43, and Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Joshua. Dr. Smith has spoken at more than 135 universities, colleges, and seminaries in the United States, Great Britain, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Caribbean. He has taught congregations in several countries including Greece, Turkey, Rome, the Holy Land, and Switzerland. Smith brought the closing message of the 22nd Baptist World Congress/Baptist World Alliance. His research interests include the place of passion in preaching, the literary history of African American preaching, Christological preaching, and theologies of preaching. Smith has contributed essays and articles to various books, magazines, and commentaries. He received Beeson Divinity School’s “Teacher of the Year Award” in 2005. He and his wife, Wanda Taylor-Smith, PhD are the parents of four adult children (two in heaven).

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlpaNnlwS3YwYkV3

A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiers on December 9, 2025 and will be listed as “Private” until that date. After December 9, the video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

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

The full video premiers on December 9, 2025 and will be listed as “Private” until that date. After December 9, the video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjdEazN3Nnc4dE5F

“Past Experience–Present Confidence” – Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

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

The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmVybGFCMDlXX29v

“Preparation of the Preacher” – Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

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

The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmVZYXhHQmM4R3Q4

“God Sends You First-Class” – Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

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

The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlBnRDJwTmE2MzlR

“Be Rooted In Scripture” – Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

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

The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LmxtbGxleFBZQThN

“Theology of the Seat” – Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

A short clip from “A Conversation with Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. hosted by Dr. Frank A. Thomas” for the African American Legacy Preaching Series. The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

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

The full video premiered on December 9, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/ZZ6ypKv0bEw

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3Ll9sQXlZcC14akFz

“An Exegetical Weaver” – Rev. Dr. Robert Smith, Jr. – Legacy Preaching Series

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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and 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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eUe_bMIKojc

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3Lm85U3JRSnV2ei13

“Clergy Couples: Creative Imagination of God”- Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock

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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and 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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eUe_bMIKojc

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LlRWaVFTT1VSUmpZ

“Narrative Preaching w/ a Womanist Black Liberation Hermeneutic” – Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock

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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and 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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eUe_bMIKojc

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3Lkw5ZmNoVmRJbWE4

“A Preacher’s Rhetorical Signature” - Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock

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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and 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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eUe_bMIKojc

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjRCTGdaVThWM2dV

“Be Faithful to The Assignment” - Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock

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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and 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 premiered on November 17, 2025 and can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/eUe_bMIKojc

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LjA4YTJ3VTN1Y1RV

“Black Preaching: The Movement & Experience” - Rev. R. Janae Pitts-Murdock

The righteous will yield fruit in due season Rev. Suzanne Coyle, PhD Preaching Scripture: Psalm 1

The righteous will yield fruit in due season
Rev. Suzanne Coyle, PhD Preaching

Scripture: Psalm 1

YouTube Video VVU5cGhSQzc3MGFDazhvY0xNSVp4N3V3LndhYktEakZYY3Jj

Chapel – Rev. Suzanne Coyle, PhD

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