Leland Dean Trains Church Leaders in Egypt
Leland Seminary’s Academic Dean, Dr. John Lee, recently traveled to Egypt to participate in an intense week-long program to encourage and equip Christian pastors in their ministries. The program drew 250 attendees from throughout Egypt and some surrounding countries.
Twenty volunteer team members helped to run the program in Egypt which drew leaders from 13 different Christian backgrounds, including Egyptian Coptic, Roman Catholic, Baptists, Presbyterians, and Pentecostals. The program, which is underwritten by major donors to WaveStarters, is based on a “heart school” concept that focuses on relational issues with God.
“Especially in trauma-filled areas, people have a difficult time receiving and enjoying the unconditional love of God,” Dean Lee said. “They operate out of an orphan mentality, not as a child of God. They often think of themselves as workers and servants of God but not as sons and daughters of God who are called to enjoy God’s love.”
In addition to healing, deliverance, gifts of the Holy Spirit, biblical theology and spiritual formation, the attendees are taught “attachment love.”
“That’s understanding, experiencing, and growing in intimacy with Abba, the Father,” he added.
Dr. Lee has been a member of WaveStarters’ Board of Directors since 2020 and has previously travelled twice to Albania to conduct training. In the coming year, he plans to help with similar programs in Bosnia and later, in France, which will draw Turkish leaders living in France.
Pastor Larrin Robertson Joins Leland Adjunct Faculty to Teach Worship & Preaching
Joining Leland’s adjunct faculty to teach Worship & Preaching this Spring 2024 is Pastor Larrin Robertson, a dynamic and well-known expert in preaching from WORD for Life Church Ministries of Ft. Washington, MD.
“We’re so honored to be able to draw on Pastor Larrin’s heart and expertise as we launch this important new program,” said Dr. Kenneth L. Pruitt, President of Leland Seminary. “Preaching plays a vital role in the spiritual health and growth of the Church and Pastor Larrin will play a leading role in equipping church and lay leaders to preach with authenticity, biblical substance, relevance and cultural sensitivity.”
In addition to serving as lead pastor at WORD of Life, Pastor Larrin is Vice President of the Academy of Homiletics Black Caucus and a member of the inaugural Fellows of Princeton Theological Seminary’s Black Theology and Leadership Institute.
Pastor Larrin’s first course, MF 4105 – Worship & Preaching, began on January 23, 6-8pm at Leland’s Arlington campus. The class focuses on the preparation and delivery of sermons, with emphasis on the practical application of biblical truths in a timely, relevant, and informational format. It also includes an introduction to the theological foundations, history, and practice of Christian worship, exploring various forms and practices.
Rev. Drew Hill Publishes Dramatic Account of Grandfather’s Fight Against Bigotry
Head pastor of Memorial Baptist Church in McLean, VA and Leland adjunct professor Rev. Drew Hill has recently released a new book entitled Crossing the Tracks. Set in the railroad yards and union halls of Kansas City during the Civil Rights Movement, it's the uplifting story of Hill’s grandfather, the patriarch of a white, working-class family, who confronts racism and bigotry on the railroad, in the neighborhood, and in his church.
The book, which has garnered enthusiastic reviews from numerous literary sources, details the story of one man's, and by extension his entire family's, attempt to do the right thing in the face of overwhelming opposition.
At Leland, where Rev. Hill serves on the Advisory Group of the Institute for Justice Formation, he lectures on topics such as “The Story of Israel: What God Says About Justice and Race in the Torah.” Memorial Baptist Church, where Hill is Head Pastor, hosted the 2023 IJF Conference on “Connecting Biblical Justice, Human Rights and Civil Rights.”
Rev. Hill holds a Doctor of Ministry and a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and also studied Old Testament archaeology at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Drew has taught at two Baptist seminaries in Ukraine and has been involved in mission work in Canada, South Africa, Belarus, and India. Additionally, he has led various Bible study field trips to Greece, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, and Israel. Before coming to Memorial, Drew served as Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church of Sedalia, Missouri for fourteen years.
The John Leland Center for Theological Studies Announces Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Pruitt as President
It all begins with an idea.
The John Leland Center for Theological Studies Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday, March 17, 2022, to appoint Rev. Dr. Kenneth R. Pruitt as its President. The John Leland Center for Theological Studies, also known as Leland Seminary, is located in Arlington, Virginia, a vibrant and growing part of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
Pruitt succeeds Provost and Acting President Michael Hines who faithfully stepped up during the presidential search process which launched upon the retirement of former president William H. Smith.
The selection and announcement followed a search process led by the Leland Board of Trustees. The search committee was comprised of representatives from the Board of Trustees, faculty, alumni, and students.
Pruitt is in his third year of service on the Leland Board of Trustees. He is a Leland Board of Trustees officer, member of the Executive Committee, and is an adjunct Leland faculty member who teaches New Testament and Formation of Ministry.
“It is with much joy and anticipation that I accept this appointment as Leland’s new President,” said Pruitt. “After many years as a pastor and teacher, I look forward to advancing Leland’s mission to equip transformational leaders for the global ministry of Jesus Christ. Leland is strategically placed in one of the most important metropolitan areas of our day, and we stand ready as the seminary of choice for those in this region and beyond who hear God’s call as pastors and lay leaders—for full-time, bi-vocational, or volunteer ministry and service.”
Pruitt earned his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) in Preaching and Theology from Baylor University, Truett Seminary, Waco, Texas; his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with Biblical Languages from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, School of Theology, Fort Worth, Texas; and his Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in Religious Studies from Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina. He also studied for one year in the School of Religious Education at Southwestern Seminary with a concentration in Marriage and Family Counseling.
Before being called to serve as Leland’s President, Pruitt was full-time Senior Pastor at King’s Grant Baptist Church in Virginia Beach, VA. Prior to that, he had fruitful ministries in other churches in South Carolina, Texas, and North Carolina. In addition to his pastoral duties, as well as his teaching and Board duties at Leland, Pruitt is active in the Baptist General Association of Virginia, his local community, and speaking and leading seminary conferences in India.
“We enthusiastically welcome Ken as the new President. The Board unanimously supported the recommendation of the search committee following earnest prayer and a deliberative process,” said Board of Trustees Chair Donna K. Alexander. “Our confidence in Ken, his spirit of innovation, fresh energy, and clear vision of Leland’s mission, marks an exciting new chapter for Leland. Ken’s pastoral heart reflects our diverse community of students, alumni, partners, and the Church we seek to serve.”
Pruitt will transition to his new role effective March 21, 2022. His official installation service will be announced at a later date.
Pruitt and his wife Terry have three daughters, Nichole (24), Bethany (21), and Sarah Joy (9).