By unanimous vote of the Tenured Faculty and Action of the Board of Trustees, Eden Theological Seminary has appointed Dr. Benjamin L. Hartley as Professor of Contextual Education, Mission, and United Methodist Studies. Congratulations!
Dr. Hartley is a historian of mission, Methodism, and world Christianity with a long-standing commitment to contextual theological research and learning. His scholarly and vocational passion for intercultural teaching and learning with congregations and other contexts of ministry reinforces Eden’s way of forming leaders for ministry with and for the church. Dr. Hartley is compelled by Eden Seminary’s model of Contextual Education that is immersive, mentored and integrative. As Professor of Contextual Education, he will curate sites, train and coordinate with supervisors, and support resources to help students integrate local learning and the Eden curriculum. An ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Hartley also will teach courses in United Methodist History, Doctrine, and Polity. This supports Eden Seminary’s role in training Methodist pastors for ministry in Eastern Missouri since 1850. Eden Semininary continues as an approved school by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church for UMC candidates seeking ordination.
Dr. Hartley received a Th.D. in Mission Studies and Church History at Boston University (2005) and earned an M.Div. degree at the same institution (1999). He also has a Master of Science degree in International Development from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University (1996). His BA degree is from Wheaton College in Illinois (1992). He has previously served on the regular faculty at Seattle Pacific University in Washington (2021-2024), George Fox University in Oregon (2016-2020), and, for eleven years, at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in suburban Philadelphia (2005-2016).
Eden also is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker, who has been leading this area recently has been appointed as Assistant Professor of Community Leadership and Director of the Walker Leadership Institute.
Both Dr. Hartley and Dr. Wise Baker begin their new roles on August 1, 2024. Professor Hartley and his spouse, Dr. Laura Hartley, are moving to St. Louis. We welcome them to the Eden community.
