Frank Thomas leads Schooler Institute on Preaching

Author, scholar and renowned preacher Frank A. Thomas will offer Schooler Institute on Preaching participants insights from his latest book, How to Preach a Dangerous Sermon, and upcoming book, How to Survive a Dangerous Sermon.

The Schooler Institute will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 13 on the MTSO campus, 3081 Columbus Pike in Delaware. Thanks to the generosity of the Schooler Family Foundation, the Schooler Institute is offered to the public without cost, as is lunch both days. Advance registration is required and available here. One continuing education unit is available for a $25 processing fee.

Thomas contends that a dangerous sermon challenges those listening by activating the four qualities of moral imagination: the embodied presence of the preacher, empathy as a bridge between past injustice and future possibilities, wisdom found in ancient texts, and hope conveyed through artistic, poetic language.

He is the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, where he also directs CTS’s Ph.D. Program in African American Preaching and Sacred Rhetoric. He previously served as senior pastor of New Faith Baptist Church of Matteson, Illinois, and Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Memphis, Tennessee.

Thomas holds a Ph.D. in communications (rhetoric) from the University of Memphis, a Doctor of Divinity degree from Christian Theological Seminary, Doctor of Ministry degrees from Chicago Theological Seminary and United Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity from Chicago Theological Seminary, and a Master of Arts in African-Caribbean Studies from Northeastern Illinois University.

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 counseling, practical theology, social justice and theological studies, along with a Doctor of Ministry degree.

CONTACT: 

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