Dr. Kathryn Helleman is a familiar name to many who know Winebrenner Seminary. So, why are we re-introducing her here? For the past few years Dr. Helleman has been serving as the Interim Director of the Doctor of Ministry program and today’s announcement is that beginning with the 2024-2025 academic year the “Interim” will be removed! So, it is my pleasure to share more about Dr. Helleman:
Winebrenner Theological Seminary has been a part of Kathryn Helleman’s life for over two decades. She came to Winebrenner in 2002 and graduated with her MDiv degree in 2006 and her Doctor of Ministry degree in 2015. Kathryn began her career at Winebrenner as an adjunct in 2008, teaching various theology, Christian ethics, and Christian ministries courses. She became a full-time member of the Winebrenner staff in 2013, serving as the Assistant Academic Dean and later as Director of Organizational Assessment and Accreditation. She returned to a faculty role in 2020, serving as the Assistant Professor of Church Ministries and the Interim Director of the Doctor of Ministry program.
Kathryn is ordained in the United Church of Christ and has served congregations in Northwest Ohio as an associate, interim, and senior pastor in rural and urban settings. She holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) Credential from the International Coaching Federation and coaches clergy in transition and first-call settings. She also assists non-profits in strategic planning and has consulted with other post-secondary theological schools on accreditation issues.
Kathryn’s undergraduate degree in English from the University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, fed her life-long love of words. She is passionate about effective writing and speaking and enjoys reading various fiction and non-fiction topics. She enjoys writing poetry, gardening, and reading in her spare time.
Kathryn and her husband Arnold will celebrate 40 years of marriage this year and are blessed to live near their two daughters and their partners, as well as three grandsons ranging from 19-9 years of age.