Description
PRESIDENTIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
United Theological Seminary
PURPOSE AND STATUS
The purpose of United is to provide religious education and vocational training to clergy and laypersons. It operates exclusively for religious purposes and not for pecuniary profit. United is incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
VISION
Spirit-led leaders, Christ-like Church, transformed world: United Theological Seminary (United) will produce Christian leaders for the worldwide Church who are guided by the Holy Spirit working to make disciples of all nations for the transformation of the world. Our leaders will exemplify the teachings of Christ by preaching good news to the poor, proclaiming release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, letting the oppressed go free, and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:18-19). United’s leaders will embody the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, making disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that Christ commanded, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
MISSION
United prepares faithful and fruitful Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ.
United supports its mission by fostering a Spirit-filled, Christ-centered learning community grounded in the Wesleyan Pietist theological tradition, pursuing excellence in programs. of study, preserving its EUB heritage, employing faculty members who understand and affirm the biblical faith of the Church, preparing Christian leaders the Holy Spirit can use to renew the Church, and collaborating with organizations aligned to its mission.
VALUES AND BELIEFS
Historic Faith: We believe that the faith in Jesus Christ passed down to us through the centuries by the fathers and mothers of the Church is crucial for the life and witness of the Church today. The Bible is our centerpiece for theological formation and reflection. Through sacraments, creeds, the writings of great teachers, and other resources, we grow in the knowledge and love of the Triune God.
Scriptural Holiness: We believe in the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit, who helps us to become Christ-like individuals and communities. Holiness is not simply about personal transformation. It is about transforming the world through faithful discipleship and just action.
Church Renewal: We believe that renewal, whether of individuals, congregations, the Church universal, or all creation, is the work of the Holy Spirit, who is always ready to lead the faithful in this redemptive activity.
HISTORY
United traces its history back to the former Church of the United Brethren in Christ and The Evangelical United Brethren Church. Both denominations were made up of largely German-speaking immigrant communities, and both bodies traced their theological roots to the Methodist movement in18th and early 19th century North America.
United was founded in 1871 as Union Biblical Seminary by the Board of Education of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, which was chaired by Bishop Milton Wright, father of Wilbur, Orville and Katherine Wright. In 1910, the name of the school was changed to Bonebrake Theological Seminary. The seminary established its campus at 1810 Harvard Boulevard in Dayton in 1923.
In 1946, The Church of the United Brethren in Christ and The Evangelical Church united to form The Evangelical United Brethren Church. The Evangelical School of Theology, situated in Reading, PA, on the campus of Albright College, had served The Evangelical Church since 1905, and the union of the two denominations brought about the merger of the two seminaries in 1954 into United Theological Seminary. United Theological Seminary was created by combining the full body of administrative and teaching personnel, the libraries and the financial resources of the two former schools.
With the union of The Evangelical United Brethren Church and The Methodist Church in 1968, United Theological Seminary became one of 13 theological schools of The United Methodist Church. United Is committed to serving those who may not have access to theological education with a comprehensive online program and opportunities for international students.
In 2005, United Theological Seminary sold its Harvard Boulevard campus and relocated to a newer, completely accessible facility four miles to the northwest, at 4501 Denlinger Road.
BACKGROUND
United Theological Seminary is a graduate professional school of The United Methodist Church offering masters and doctoral theological degrees, as well as continuing education.
United’s goal is to educate dynamic, Spirit-led leaders who will renew the church for the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. We are committed to teaching the Bible and the historic Christian faith, instilling a passion for personal and social holiness and renewing the Church for its ministry and mission.
The seminary’s location in Dayton, Ohio, provides a wealth of community and church resources for theological education in the heart of southwestern Ohio’s rural-urban-industrial complex. Students find field placement in area churches and in community agencies such as child development centers, Goodwill Industries, community health programs, mental health centers and various municipal programs. in connection with urban development, housing, poverty and community action programs.
Since its beginning in 1871, United has been dedicated to the education of men and women for Christian ministry, with academic programs. and community outreach that are both local and global within the historic traditions of the United Brethren, Evangelical United Brethren and United Methodist Churches. Over the years, bachelor’s degrees became master’s degrees and the Doctor of Ministry degree was added. The curriculum was revised to add greater focus on practical education with field placements and a focus on individual spiritual growth in addition to academic learning. Options for online courses and week-long intensives were created to provide opportunities for students to pursue theological education from across the country, and even around the world. United has continued the spirit of innovation encouraged from its founding by Bishop Wright, ever seeking to equip and prepare faithful, fruitful Christian leaders to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
THE OPPORTUNITY
DESIRED PRESIDENTIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ATTRIBUTES
United Theological Seminary seeks a president who:
- Lives a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ actively engaged in the gifts and challenges facing the local church
- Embodies the Wesleyan Christian tradition
- Demonstrates visionary and grounded leadership within Christian organizations
- Experienced in successful fund-raising with a national reach
- Appreciates and respects the distinctive offerings/historical practices of seminary education with a collaborative ear toward innovation
- Embodies the Seminary’s mission and is able to articulate it with passion and persuasiveness to internal and external audiences
- Practices intellectual virtue —holding space for conflict and ambiguity within a diverse community while demonstrating integrity, humility, transparency, empathy, accountability and shared problem-solving
- Offers a pastoral heart, a demonstrated capacity for intellectual leadership, and a commitment to rigorous educational excellence
- Leads by assembling, coaching, and empowering a cohesive and effective administrative team
- Embodies an emotional intelligence able to encourage and increase the spiritual and emotional health of the Seminary community
APPLICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS
Applications and nominations will be accepted until the new President is appointed. For the most favorable consideration, applicants must submit a CV/Resume and a letter of interest addressed to the United Theological Seminary search committee by December 1, 2025. The search committee members are Dr. Tom Lasley, Second Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees; Dr. Jim Holsinger, Chair, Board of Trustees; Dr. Pete Bellini; Rev. Dr. Cynthia Davis; Dr. Wendy Deichmann; Rev. Dwight Gutridge; Rev. Dr. Brian Law; Rev. Dr. Marty Nicholas; and Ms. Sarah Walters-Maher. Ex-officio members include Mr. Rick James, Bishop Emeritus Mike Lowry, and Bishop Bruce Ough
All nominations, expressions of interest, and applications will be handled with complete confidentiality and should be submitted directly to Dr. James Holsinger: [email protected].
Inquiries and questions concerning this search may be directed to:
Dr. Tom Lasley
200 S Keowee St
Dayton, Ohio 45402
[email protected] 937-825-2200
Requirements
DESIRED PRESIDENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Has held leadership and administrative positions that require managing the complexity of multiple constituencies
- Possesses well-developed speaking and presentation skills, with the ability to persuade and influence in both formal and inspirational settings, coupled with the ability to present theological and biblical insights accurately and in engaging ways
- Brings national experience and a demonstrated competence with desire to lead and fully participate in fundraising and advancement efforts, traveling as necessary to secure commitments from partners, foundations, and individual donors
- Is committed to working closely with the Board of Trustees in advancing the Seminary’s mission through the implementation of the Seminary’s strategic plan (available upon request).
- Possesses an earned doctoral degree in a relevant field
- Meets the qualifications for resident faculty (e.g., hold a relevant advanced degree, demonstrate a record of research and publications, contributes to academic service).
