ESR Announces Director of Contextual Ministry Education

ESR has announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Xavier L. Johnson as the new Director of Contextual Ministry Education and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology.

“I am thrilled that Xavier will be joining the ESR faculty and look forward to the enthusiasm, pastoral care, attention to formation, and academic insight he brings to .this critically important role for the school,” shares ESR Dean Matt Hisrich.

Rev. Dr. Johnson currently serves as Senior Pastor of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Dayton, Ohio, a position he has held since 2013. He earned his Doctor of Ministry in Ministry Development from Virginia Theological Seminary and holds both a Master of Arts in Theological Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Before moving to Dayton, Ohio, he served in various pastoral positions in Tampa, Florida. He has also held adjunct teaching positions at United Theological Seminary and Duke Divinity School.

“As Director of the Contextual Ministry Education program, I plan to work with each of Earlham’s constituencies in an effort to enhance the uniqueness of its academic experience, with a focus on things like Earlham’s commitment to transformative learning, its progressive, Christian theology, radical hospitality, ecumenical spirit, and diverse student population,” said Dr. Johnson.

He will join us for the Fall 2021 semester as the next cohort of Supervised Ministry students embark on their field education experience. Please join us in welcoming him to the ESR community!

Media contact

Brian Zimmerman
Director of media relations

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 765.983.1256