Doctor of Ministry Program
Drew University
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| Michael J. Christensen, Ph.D.
Printable CV: Click to download Word Doc
Michael J. Christensen is Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Drew University where he teaches religious studies and spirituality in the College of Liberal Arts and the Graduate School. Ordained in the Church of the Nazarene, he is a clergy member of the California Nevada Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Working at the intersection of psychology and religion, his academic and professional interests are in pastoral theology, spiritual formation, mental health education and social transformation. His administrative competencies are in communications, public relations, program design, budget management and leadership development in theological education. Education
CURRENT POSITION Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, Drew Theological School, responsible for program design, curricular development and administration of six DMIN concentrations: Global/Online Leadership Development; Congregational Growth and Development; Pastoral Care and Counseling; Hispanic Leadership and Ministry Development; Worship, Spirituality and Preaching; and Ecological Ministries. Additional academic and administrative functions: Senior administrative staff responsible to Vice President/Dean of The Theological School for budget management, regular and adjunct faculty assignments, multiple staff supervision, and program oversight Representative of the VP/Dean at Annual Conferences, Alumni events and for special occasions. Liaison for negotiation and management of educational partnership agreements between Drew University and Hoseo University (South Korea) and other extension sites First Year Academic Advisor to over 100 ministerial leaders enrolled in the three-year D.Min. program. Doctoral Dissertation committee chair or reader for Ph.D., DLITT and DMIN students Chair of Doctor of Ministry Committee and member of Curriculum Committee Host and program coordinator for annual Drew@ national conferences on various topics of leadership and ministry (see National Conference Coordination listing below) ACADEMIC APPOINTMENTSAffiliate Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Drew College of Liberal Arts (2004- present) Affiliate Associate Professor of Spirituality, Caspersen School of Graduate Studies (2001-present) Affiliate Assistant Professor of Spirituality, Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, Drew University (1997-2001) Adjunct Instructor in Pastoral Theology, Drew Theological School (1993-1997) Adjunct Instructor in Religious Studies, Drew College of Liberal Arts (1993-1997) Visiting Instructor in Practical Theology and Urban Ministry, Point Loma College (1988) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
ORDINATION Ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, May 19, 1982 Northern California District Assembly, Church of the Nazarene Recognition of Orders, May 15, 1996, California Nevada Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPSAmerican Academy of Religion Associate, Center for Millennial Studies, Boston University Phi Delta Lambda Honor Society, Point Loma Nazarene University Founding Member, New York Urban Ministry Theological Consortium, New York Theological Seminary COMMUNITY SERVICE
PUBLICATIONS
TEACHING EXPERIENCE Courses Taught At Drew University 1993 - present College of Liberal Arts Modern Lay Theologians: C. S. Lewis and his Circle (1993, 1996, 2002, 2004) The Theological School (M.Div. program) Ministry to Urban Youth (1993) The Theological School (DMIN program) Theology for Christian Education (1995) The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, Drew University (Ph.D. and D.Litt. Programs) Eastern Christianity (1997)Courses Taught At Point Loma College as Visiting Instructor (1988) Introduction to Pastoral TheologyPROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION PRESENTATIONS “Teaching from the Center: Spirituality of the Heart in the Theology of Henri Nouwen” at Korean Society for Christian Education and Information Technology, Torch Trinity Divinity School, Seoul, Korea (2006) “Lessons of Chernobyl--20 Years After: A Case Study of Community Trauma” at Forum on Domestic Disaster Ministry sponsored by Church World Service at Princeton Theological Seminary (2006) “Apocalyptic Interpretations of 9/11" at the Center for Millennial Studies Seventh International Academic Conference on Millennialism, Boston University (2002) “The Fifth Trumpet: Apocalyptic Interpretations of 9/11" in the Millennialism Studies Group of National American Academy of Religion (2002) "The Meaning of Chernobyl: Assessing the Psychosocial Impact of the World's Worst Nuclear Accident" in the Religion and Ecology section of American Academy of Religion (1994) “CCCP: Screening, Referral and Treatment of Thyroid and Psychological Pathologies in Adolescents in Ukraine” Chernobyl Round Table, Russian, Eastern Europe and Central Asia Studies Center (REECAS), University of Washington (2001) “Nuclear Doomsday: Global Apocalypse Averted” at the Center for Millennial Studies Fifth International Academic Conference, Boston University (2000) “Time and Calendars in Russian Apocalyptic Eschatology” in the Millennialism Studies Group of National American Academy of Religion (1999) “The Romantic Theology of C. S. Lewis” at the Wheaton Theology Conference: Returning Theology to the Masses: A Reappraisal of C. S. Lewis. Wheaton, IL (1998) “The Russian Idea of Apocalypse: Nikolai Berdyaev’s Theory of Russian Cultural Apocalyptic” at the Center for Millennial Studies Third International Academic Conference, Boston University (1998) “Theosis and Perfection: What Happens to Persons in a Postmodern Era” at the Wesleyan Center for Twenty-First Century Studies, Point Loma Nazarene College (1997) “The World After Chernobyl: Social Impact and Christian Response” at the 5th Crossroads Conference on Faith and Public Policy, Eastern College, PA (1997) "Chernobyl Community Trauma: A new diagnosis for technological disaster" in the Socio-Psychological Problems of the Chernobyl Disaster Section of the Third International Congress: The World After Chernobyl, Minsk, Belarus (1996) "Apocalyptic Interpretations of Chernobyl" at the Religious Round Table, hosted by Metropolitan Phileret of Minsk, Third International Congress: The World After Chernobyl, Minsk, Belarus (1996) “The Chernobyl Prophecy” in the Millennialism Studies Group, American Academy of Religion (1996) "Individuation and Theosis: Jung's Reconstruction of an Ancient Christian Theme" at the Religion, Person and Culture area of 1995 American Academy of Religion (1995) "Theosis and Sanctification: John Wesley's Reformulation of a Patristic Doctrine" at the Wesleyan Theological Society Annual Meeting (1995). Respondent, Eastern Europe and Former USSR Concerns consultation, American Academy of Religion (1994) Selected Lectures at Drew University "Thomas C. Oden: A Retrospective" delivered at his Retirement Colloquium, Drew Theological School (2004) “Insights from World’s Worst Nuclear Accident and Implications for Next Radiological Disaster” Chernobyl Symposium (2003) “Questions from Below and Answers from Above: The Prophetic Vision of Henri Nouwen”, The Inaugural Lecture of The Henri J. M. Nouwen Lectures in Classical Christian Spirituality, Caspersen School of Graduate Studies (2001) “The Wormwood Star as Apocalyptic Marker of the End of an Age” Aquinas Seminar (2000) Tipple-Vosburgh Lectures on “The Life and Work of Henri J. M. Nouwen” Drew University (1997) "Global Youth Culture" Drew Summer Lecture Series (1997) "Chernobyl Update--10th Anniversary" university lecture sponsored by Russian Studies Program, College of Liberal Arts (1996). Selected Lectures at Other Educational Institutions “The Spirituality of the Heart" for the Windows on the World series at Eastern University, Philadelphia (2004). “C. S. Lewis on Scripture: A Challenge to Biblical Inerrancy” at Furman University, Greenville, South Carolina (2002) ”The Effulgence, Confluence and Effluence of the River of God Reflected in the Ganges” “Commemorating Chernobyl: What Have We Learned, How Shall We Live?” Seattle Pacific University (2001) “Circuit Riding in the 21st Century: New Technology for Christian Education” at the Second International Conference of the Korean Society for Christian Education and Information Technology, Yonsei University, South Korea (2001) “Eschatological Time: The Mystery of Kairos” Hoseo University, Korea (1999) "Exegesis of Russian Youth Culture" Princeton Youth Forum, Princeton Theological Seminary, School of Christian Education (1997) "Relief Work in Byelorussia" at the Chernobyl Symposium, sponsored by California Committee to Aid Ukraine and University of California at Berkeley (1991) Guest Lecturer at Colleges and Universities
Continuing Education Seminars in Churches, Conferences and Retreats “Beyond the Da Vinci Code: The Search for Lost Christianity” at Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center, Bangor, PA (2006) “Give Me that Primordial Time Religion: The Spirituality of the Heart” at Interweave Center for Holistic Living, Summit, NJ (2006) “The Da Vinci Code: Separating Fact, Fiction and Supposition at 14th Annual Convocation, Center for Theological and Spiritual Development at College of Saint Elizabeth, Morristown, NJ (2006) "Beyond Belief to Religion of the Heart" at Interweave Center for Wellness, Summit, NJ (2004) “Charles Williams and the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn” at Interweave Center for Renewal (2004) “Return of the Prodigal Son: A Study in Reconciliation” at Neshaminy-Warwick Presbyterian Church, Hartsville, PA (2003) “The Theology of C. S. Lewis and the Inklings” at Ocean Grove (2002, 2003, 2004) “Mornings with Leonardo: The Artist, the Book and the Da Vinci Code”—a 5-week mini-course co-sponsored by Drew Office of Continuing Education and Madison Public Library (2004) “The Journey of Henri Nouwen” keynote address for Henri Nouwen Day at St. Luke’s UMC, Indianapolis, Indiana (2002) “Pneumatology: The Role of the Spirit in the Book of Revelation” Center for Christian Studies, The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church (2002) “Forgiveness 101: A Lenten Retreat” at Ocean Grove (2002) “The Samaritan’s Imperative Today: Combining Charity with Justice” with William Sloane Coffin at the Center for Scriptural Studies, Manchester, VT (2002) “Three Streams in the River of God: A Theology of Renewal”, The Russell King Lectures, Bay View Chautauqua, Bay View, Michigan (2001) “Apocalyptic Options: Millennialism in Preaching and Practical Theology” Fellowship of Learning, the Annual Pastors’ School of the Nebraska United Methodist Annual Conference, (2000) “Praying with Icons” workshop at Companions on the Sacred Journey Conference, Princeton University (2000) “Equipping the Saints: Mobilizing Laity for Ministry” workshops at Morristown UMC; and at The Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Center for Christian Studies, New York. (2000) Nouwen Series (spiritual retreats or continuing education events focused on the Spirituality of Henri Nouwen at the following host sites: Morristown UMC; Northern New Jersey Annual Conference “Ministry to Ministers” Retreat; Corpus Christi (R.C.) Church in Manhattan; United Church of Christ of Dudley, MA; St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Morristown; Community Congregational Church, Short Hills, NJ; Kirkridge Retreat and Study Center, Bangor, PA; Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, NJ; St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Gladstone, NJ. (2000) Respondent to John Eudes Bamberger: “Living with God in Modern America” Annual Thomas Merton Conference, sponsored by Corpus Christi Church, the Archdiocesan Center for Spiritual Development and the Henri Nouwen Society, New York (2000) “The Silent Life: Merton and Nouwen as Brothers” Annual Merton Conference, sponsored by Corpus Christi Church, the Archdiocesan Center for Spiritual Development and the Henri Nouwen Society, New York (2001) "Developing Retreats for the Laity," The 4th Harry Emerson Fosdick Preaching and Worship Convocation, The Riverside Church, New York (1997) “C. S. Lewis on Scripture” Pastors School, California/Nevada Annual Conference, United Methodist Church (1992) “The Samaritans’ Imperative: AIDS Ministry” Pastors’ School, California/Nevada Annual Conference, United Methodist Church (1992) “City Streets, City People: Ministry with the Homeless” Missions School, California/Nevada Annual Conference, United Methodist Church (1992) NATIONAL CONFERENCE COORDINATIONPlanned, hosted and facilitated annual Drew@National Conferences on Faith Facing the Future and TheNextChurch, including: Mobilizing Laity for Ministry, The New Face of Urban Ministry, Church-Based Community Development, Community and Congregational Revitalization Through Change Leadership, Holiness in the Third Millennium, The Year of Jubilee, and Revivalism in American History, War and Peace in the Wesleyan Tradition, Women’s Preaching and Social Reform, Faith in Film in Popular Culture, and Native American Spirituality: Cherokee Land, Culture, History and Religion. SPECIAL AWARDS AND HONORSRecipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award for significant and outstanding lifetime accomplishments in a profession or in service to a charitable or non-profit organization, Point Loma Nazarene University (2006) Recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Abraham Joshua Heschel Humanitarian Award for Spirituality and Social Justice, Drew University (1998) Recipient of The Helen LePage and William Hale Chamberlain Prize awarded for the Ph.D. dissertation that is singularly distinguished by creative thought and excellent prose style, Drew University (1997) Elected to "Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities" (Point Loma College, 1977 and Drew University, 1995) Training grant, CitiHope International—for design and implementation of the Pastoral and Congregational Care Training (PACCT) program related to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and pastoral care in Malawi, Africa (2006-2007) Participant in the Oral History Project of the Henri Nouwen Society--focused on Nouwen's academic career at Yale and Harvard, funded by the Louisville Institute (2004-2005) Subgrant, UMCOR Family Coping Seminars curriculum development and professional trainings, Greater New Jersey Annual Conference (2002)—in response to mental health needs in the aftermath of September 11. Subgrant, USAID Chernobyl Childhood Illness Program--a four million dollar USAID cooperative agreement to support medical and mental health training in Ukraine (1998-2001) Senior Research Scholar for Russia, Ukraine and Belarus, The Princeton Project on Youth, Globalization and the Church, Princeton Theological Seminary Institute on Youth Ministry (1998-2001) Research Fellowship, Newark Project--two-year stipend for research and analysis of urban models of community development in Newark’s Central Ward (Drew University, 1994-1995) Crossroads Scholar's Program (sponsored by Evangelicals for Social Action and the Center for Public Justice)--research stipend for writing public policy monograph on nuclear issues in former Soviet Union (1994-1996) Will Herberg Merit Scholarship--full tuition scholarship and living stipend for four years (Drew University, 1993-1996) John Wesley Fellowship--living stipend for four years (A Foundation for Theological Education, 1993-97) INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCEServed as Africa Regional Director for new program development in Malawi, for CitiHope International during sabbatical from Drew University. Made two trips to Malawi to oversee food and medical aid programs and launch new AIDS education initiative called PACCT. Missions: short-term visits for relief and development work in 30+ countries, including: China, Taiwan, Haiti, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Europe, Belarus, Ukraine (17 trips to Chernobyl region), Azerbaijan, Macedonia, Kosovo, India, and Malawi. Public Policy Advocacy: invited to testify before the Human Rights Caucus of the United States Congress during the 8th anniversary of Chernobyl (1994), eventually resulting in a four-million dollar USAID relief project for Ukraine. Served as Senior Consultant, Chernobyl Childhood Illness Recovery Program, and Project Manager, Chernobyl Mental Health Project-Ukraine, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)--a three-year, four-million dollar Congressionally-mandated, cooperative agreement (1998-2001). Cross-cultural travel/study: Asian religions in Korea, Singapore, India, Nepal and Tibet. CONSULTING WORK WITH NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
HOBBIES AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Writing, photography and multimedia presentations Commissioned Children’s Chernobyl Artwork in Belarus, exhibited at Capital National Children’s Museum, Johnson & Johnson World Headquarters and Drew University Sold photographs which appeared in books published by HarperCollins, Thomas Nelson Books, Sacred Journey, and various periodicals Produced and promoted a number of special events, benefit concerts, rallies, fund raising banquets, seminars and retreats in New York and San Francisco, including a major fund-raising concert and multi-media presentation at Carnegie Hall
Revised: 7/07
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