Stories

Eden’s Press Hall tower witnesses to the presence and mission of the Seminary. In October, the Tower is illuminated in orange in honor of Disabilities Awareness. Eden Seminary’s curriculum and mission forms leaders to resist able-ism.

As part of this commitment, Eden participated as one of 16 sponsors of an event held on campus in July by Paraquad, a St. Louis organization that champions equity and independence for people with disabilities through services, partnerships, education and advocacy. The event “Disability Rights and the Breaking of Chains” was a celebration of the 34th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The event celebrated Rev. Dr. Harold Wilke, who was previously a student at Eden, and was an advocacy leader in the United Church of Christ and ecumenical circles for disabilities rights. Rev. Wilke was present at the signing of the ADA in 1990. With Rev. Wilke’s encouragement, and the support of Dr. Harold Peters Schultz, Eden modified its campus in 1982 to make it accessible to those with disabilities. Eden’s elevator, accessible restroom, ramps, and automatic doors were added at that time. Eden presented Rev. Wilke with an honorary Doctor of Divinity in 1993.

By unanimous vote of the Tenured Faculty and Action of the Board of Trustees, Eden Theological Seminary has appointed Dr. Benjamin L. Hartley as Professor of Contextual Education, Mission, and United Methodist Studies. Congratulations!

Dr. Hartley is a historian of mission, Methodism, and world Christianity with a long-standing commitment to contextual theological research and learning. His scholarly and vocational passion for intercultural teaching and learning with congregations and other contexts of ministry reinforces Eden’s way of forming leaders for ministry with and for the church. Dr. Hartley is compelled by Eden Seminary’s model of Contextual Education that is immersive, mentored and integrative. As Professor of Contextual Education, he will curate sites, train and coordinate with supervisors, and support resources to help students integrate local learning and the Eden curriculum. An ordained Deacon in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Hartley also will teach courses in United Methodist History, Doctrine, and Polity. This supports Eden Seminary’s role in training Methodist pastors for ministry in Eastern Missouri since 1850. Eden Semininary continues as an approved school by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church for UMC candidates seeking ordination.

Dr. Hartley received a Th.D. in Mission Studies and Church History at Boston University (2005) and earned an M.Div. degree at the same institution (1999). He also has a Master of Science degree in International Development from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Michigan State University (1996). His BA degree is from Wheaton College in Illinois (1992). He has previously served on the regular faculty at Seattle Pacific University in Washington (2021-2024), George Fox University in Oregon (2016-2020), and, for eleven years, at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University in suburban Philadelphia (2005-2016).

Eden also is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker, who has been leading this area recently has been appointed as Assistant Professor of Community Leadership and Director of the Walker Leadership Institute.

Both Dr. Hartley and Dr. Wise Baker begin their new roles on August 1, 2024. Professor Hartley and his spouse, Dr. Laura Hartley, are moving to St. Louis. We welcome them to the Eden community.

Eden Theological Seminary is delighted to announce the appointment of Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker as the new director of the Walker Leadership Institute, effective August 1, 2024. By action of the Faculty and Board of Trustees, Dr. Wise Baker has been reappointed to the faculty as Assistant Professor of Community Leadership and, in that role, appointed as director of the Walker Leadership Institute. 

Currently, Assistant Professor of Contextual Education and Community Engagement and Director of Contextual Education, Rev. Dr. Baker is also the founding director of the Center for Lived Faith and Organizing at Eden.  She brings to the Walker Leadership Institute position a wealth of experience, skills, and a profound commitment to empowering leaders in congregations, organizations, and the community as agents of social transformation. She has expertise in community organizing and in fostering congregational and organizational vitality. 

Locally, Dr. Wise Baker has been a leader in the work of Episcopal City Mission, and Liberation Christian Church. Nationally, she has provided leadership for the National Benevolent Association (Disciples of Christ). In her current community work she launched the When Black Women Lead project, organizing local and state candidates, elected officials and voters. She also has been a presenter and preacher at many workshops, conferences, and services of worship.

As the new Director of the Walker Leadership Institute at Eden, she will continue to advance the Institute’s mission of identifying, training, and supporting leaders committed to the Common Good by continuing her work to create transformational programs that prepare the community and the church for social justice engagement.  
 
“We are thrilled that Rev. Dr. Dietra Wise Baker is becoming the next director of the Walker Leadership Institute,” said Dr. Deborah Krause, President of Eden Seminary. “Her dynamic leadership and deep commitment to faith and justice align perfectly with Eden’s vision and the work of the Institute to promote the common good. We are excited to see her build upon the solid foundation laid by Rev. Steve Lawler and to work together to connect WLI’s programs to Eden’s emerging strategic plan.”

Rev. Dr. Baker expressed her hope as the new Assistant Professor of Community Leadership and for the work of the Walker Leadership going forward. “I am looking forward to developing deeper relationships with our network, surfacing our current needs to build vital and sustainable communities as sites for social transformation, while we nurture leaders who want to change the world!”

Rev. Dr. Baker succeeds Rev. Steve Lawler, the founding director of the Walker Leadership Institute, who is retiring after eight years of growing the Institute’s work of Leadership for the Common Good. During Rev. Lawler’s tenure, the Institute has offered course work, seminars, lectures, and workshops for congregational leaders, as well as special programs for community and nonprofit leaders. He will continue to collaborate in the Walker Leadership Institute programs of NEXT Steps and Praxis and provide support to Dr. Wise Baker as she transitions to her new role.