Some moments in ministry are beautifully bittersweet—filled with both joy and sadness. I experienced such a moment last week, when Dr. Lisa Kimball, during our regular one-on-one, shared her intention to retire from Virginia Theological Seminary as of July 31, 2026. After prayerful discernment, Lisa has decided her time as a faculty member is drawing […]
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend of the Seminary who wanted proof of systemic racism in America. He was not, for example, persuaded by the evidence that a higher percentage of African Americans die at the hands of law enforcement. As I listened, I paused—puzzled. Even at the level of basic education, there […]
Today is a special moment as the Lifelong Learning team gathers on campus. Much of their work happens remotely, so being face to face is a rare and welcome gift. It is wonderful to have everyone here—from those who manage the complexities of grant work to those who carry forward continuing education and keep our […]
Dan Coleman, from Admissions and Student Housing, has launched a creative initiative linking the seminary’s lectionary readings with classic PC games. Starting this August and running all year, students, faculty, and staff can gather in the Flamingo coffee bar to play games chosen to connect with the upcoming Sunday’s passages. This project turns preparation for […]
Today we are pleased to welcome Paula de Mello Alves to campus as a guest of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. Paula will participating in and assisting the training of 12 young leaders from Brazil, the 6th and final cohort under a grant from Trinity Church, Wall Street. Paula is coming to us from […]
VTS Press has experienced a remarkable transformation. Before the arrival of the Rev. Christopher Poore, its publications reflected the best efforts of dedicated amateur colleagues at Virginia Theological Seminary. Their work was important and heartfelt, though uneven—some books carried real substance, while others showed the limits of resources and experience. That season laid a foundation, […]
During the height of the pandemic, when fear and isolation weighed heavily, it was Senior Vice President Jacqui Ballou who first introduced me to the original UK version of The Blessing. Drawn from Numbers 6:24-27, its words became more than music—they were a prayer of comfort and peace in uncertain times. For people confined to […]
The work of chronicling the story of our chapel is unfinished business—one that calls for the combined commitment of those who lived its creation firsthand. It is both a privilege and a responsibility to join my esteemed recently retired colleagues, Ms. Linda Dienno and the Rev. Dr. Barney Hawkins, to bring our long-contemplated book project […]
Jenn Baker, Program Coordinator for Doctoral Programs and Education Technologist for Academic Affairs at Virginia Theological Seminary, brings both heart and skill to everything she does. She guides the Doctoral Programs with grace and steadiness, ensuring they flourish year after year. Under her care, the Doctor of Ministry offerings have grown into rich, well-organized experiences […]
Dr. Stephen Cook’s Instagram is a refreshing gift for those seeking to draw closer to the Old Testament as it speaks through the Church’s Lectionary. His short reels are more than lessons—they are windows into the living Word, crafted with clarity and reverence. With each post, he makes the ancient stories come alive, revealing their […]