Meet James – Winebrenner’s new Assistant Professor of Practical Theology

Rev. Dr. James Ellis III is a new faculty member at Winebrenner Theological Seminary, serving as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology. He has an eclectic background and interests. He is most passionate about helping students to traverse the realities of life winsomely, relevantly, and biblically; to understand the times and know what to do (1 Chronicles 12:32).

James Ellis III arrives at Winebrenner by means of a competitive national job search. He is a practical and public theologian with a gift for writing. His latest books include “An Inward-Outward Witness: Suffering’s Role in Forming Faithful Preachers” and “Tell the Truth, Shame the Devil: Stories about the Challenges of Young Pastors,” with his fourth, “Dysfunction in the Name of Jesus: Confronting the Idolatry of Pastoral Workaholism,” set to be released this year. For several decades he has served across lines of race, theology, culture, and class in churches and academia, in the capacity of pastor and chaplain.

He holds graduate degrees from Western Theological Seminary (DMin), Pittsburgh Theological Seminary (STM), and George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University (MTS). Growing up with military fathers and then relocating for many pastoral assignments once married, he and his wife have resided in 10 states and three countries. As the COVID-19 pandemic began, they ended up spending four years in British Columbia, Canada.

A competitive “spoken word” slam poet once upon a time, James graduated from the University of Maryland, where he was a walk-on football player ever so briefly, with a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies. He is passionate about maintaining a full life outside of work. James frequents the gym, is a photographer, sees napping as integral to life, and is not fond of camping, wasabi, or ice breakers.

In the diverse spirit that has marked his career, James, though comfortably ordained in the Baptist tradition, leads a small, aging Dutch Calvinist church in Holland, Michigan (known for its tulips and heated downtown sidewalks), where he and his wife live.

Welcome to Winebrenner, James!