Our Faculty

Forming the Next Generation

Columbia Theological Seminary has a first-class class faculty. They are leaders in their disciplines, represent a variety of Christian traditions, received their training from the finest institutions of higher learning, and come from around the world to serve at Columbia. They are inspired and driven each day to form the next generation of pastors who will serve the church and the world

“It is a privilege and joy to introduce my colleagues, the faculty of Columbia Theological Seminary. They are world-class and gathered here from around the world. They are esteemed scholars who shape their disciplines and connect the academy, the Church, and society in ways that model publicly engaged faith. They are celebrated teachers who inspire and challenge our students. They are gifted administrators who lead with wisdom and steward the resources of the Seminary to fulfill our educational mission with excellence. And they are ordained and lay leaders in the church, representing 10 denominations, and teaching, preaching, and serving congregations, communities, and governing bodies with intelligence, imagination, and love. Columbia is distinguished by this faculty of the highest quality and character.”

— Dr. Christine Roy Yoder, Senior Vice President and Dean of Faculty

Inauguration of Dr. Mitzi J. Smith

We celebrate the upcoming inauguration of Dr. Mitzi J. Smith as the J. Davison Philips Professor of New Testament.

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“One of the most essential responsibilities of faculty members is to enhance the student learning experience. Columbia Theological Seminary is enriched by the depth and breadth of our faculty's commitment to academic excellence and ministry formation. As a theological institution, we celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of these champions of scholarly rigor and innovation. Their involvement in the church's life is equally inspirational, of which I am grateful!”

— Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo, Jr. President


Keep Up with Columbia’s Faculty

Our faculty preach and teach around the world traveling to other institutions of higher learning as well as conferences and meetings to share their insights and knowledge.

Dr. Bill Brown

  • Published essay: “From Jumping Viruses to Job’s Leviathan: A Response,” in Ask the Animals: Developing a Biblical Animal Hermeneutic, edited by Arthur W. Walker Jones and Suzanna R. Millar.  Semeia Studies 104; SBL Press.
  • anuscript submission of Sacred Tension: Embracing Dissonance and Dialogue in the Old Testament (Upper Room) for March 2025 publication
  • December 1, 8, 15: First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, Advent Series for Adult Education

Kelly Campbell

Dr. Kelly Campbell

  • Featured guest on a November 7 webcast by the Wabash Center about the topic of issues in teaching and learning in religious and theological education

Dr. Jenn Carlier

  • Keynote speaker for the Center of Addiction and Faith’s annual conference

Dr. Israel Galindo

  • January 27-29: Presenting at Association of Leaders in Lifelong Learning for Ministry


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Dr. Mindy McGarrah Sharp

  • Participated in the panel entitled “Breathing Life into Religion through Teaching, Research, and Writing: Building on the Contributions of Bonnie Miller-McLemore,” Saturday, November 23, 2024, American Academy of Religion annual meeting
  • Received a grant, “Listening to Listening” from January-December 2025 as a second and follow up grant to her 2024 grant “Teaching and Learning Deep Listening,” both from the Wabash Center for Teaching and Learning Theology and Religion.  These grants support her book project, Listening for Liberation, under contract with Fortress Press.
Mindy McGarrah Sharp

Dr. Spurrier

Dr. Rebecca Spurrier

Served as Co-Chair of Ecclesial Practices Unit at the American Academy of Religion, November 2024

  • Facilitated and co-presided at workshop on “Risk, Consent, Collaboration, and Accountability in Ethnographic Theologies and Qualitative Research”
  • Planned and supported three panels: “Responding to Harm: Ecclesial Practices of Nonviolence”; “Responding to Harm: Trauma, Theology, and Ecclesial Communities”; “Creative Research Methodologies in Practical Theology” (co-sponsored with Practical Theology Unit)
  • Co-chaired the Ecclesial Practices Unit business meeting

Dr. Christine Roy Yoder

  • Participated in the SBL Committee on the Status of Women in the Profession meeting and related events, AAR/SBL Annual Meeting, San Diego, November 2024.
  • Moderator of the Ordination Commission for Courtney Anne Henry, Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Duluth, GA, December 2024
  • Participant in the PC(USA) Meeting for Presidents, Board Chairs, and Deans of Faculty at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond, VA, January 2025
  • Participant in the installation of Rev. Betsy Stow as pastor, Franklin Presbyterian Church, Franklin, NC, February 2025
  • Guest speaker, Women’s Work micro-retreat hosted by CLL, February 2025
  • Teacher, School of the Laity, Savannah Presbytery, Epworth By The Sea on St. Simons Island, GA, March 2025
  • Participant in the ATS Chief Academic Officers Conference, Newport Beach, CA, April 2025
Christine Roy Yoder

Find our full faculty directory here.