On August 1, 2016, Dr. Michael K. Turner begins his work at Memphis Theological Seminary (MTS) as the newly appointed Associate Professor of Wesleyan Studies. Turner will work closely with colleagues in the Methodist House of Studies. The Methodist House of Studies at MTS is an initiative within the Seminary’s distinctly ecumenical environment that is designed to form leaders, foster ministries, and facilitate connections between the Seminary and area-wide Methodist churches and Annual Conferences (UMC, CME, AME) through the framework of Wesleyan theological education.
Dr. Turner comes to MTS after having served from 2012 to the present at Hood Theological Seminary of Salisbury, N.C., as Associate Professor of the History of Christianity. In 2009, he received the Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies degree from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. , where his dissertation focused on early American Methodism. Dr. Turner earned a Master of Arts in Religious Studies degree from Vanderbilt in 2006 and a Master of Divinity degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2000.
In addition to teaching courses in Wesleyan Studies at MTS, Dr. Turner will teach courses in the History of Christianity. A dynamic teacher, active leader within the United Methodist church, and a prolific writer, among his recent articles are “Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address,” “Christian Methodist Episcopal Church,” “Hood, James Walker,” “Oxnam, Garfield Bromley,” “Varick, James,” “Young, Brigham” in the Encyclopedia of Christianity in the United States, ed. Mark Lamport; Rowan & Littlefield, 2015.
MTS welcomes this wonderful scholar and church leader to an already impressive faculty.