Two internationally known pioneers in new Christian ministries—F. Willis Johnson and Dave Male—have joined Luther Seminary’s faculty this year as visiting instructors.

Johnson and Male are supporting the seminary’s initiatives designed to start and develop new ministries, especially ministries for those unfamiliar with traditional or “inherited” forms of church.

Johnson, senior minister at Christ Church in Columbus, Ohio, and adjunct professor at Methodist Theological Seminary in Delaware, Ohio, has contributed to TIME Magazine and National Public Radio. He brings a depth of experience with ministries in diverse settings and contexts across the United States.

“Luther Seminary’s commitment to testing boundaries and cultivating innovative practices mirrors my passion for equipping leaders to envision and embody the church’s future,” Johnson said.

Male, co-director for vision and strategy at the Archbishops’ Council of the Church of England, helped create one of the first “fresh expressions” in England—Christian communities aimed at people in their 20-40s with no experience of church.

“I am very excited about this new role with Luther Seminary and am looking forward to working in a creative and innovative environment as we help people start and develop new Christian communities,” Male said.

Both Johnson and Male are helping the seminary not only educate ministry entrepreneurs but identify, recruit, and support them well beyond their time at Luther.

Terri Elton ‘98 M.A., ‘07 Ph.D., dean of academic affairs and professor of leadership, is glad that Luther Seminary students have this opportunity to learn from Johnson and Male. “They are in the field and out ahead of us. For students to be engaged with these experienced entrepreneurial leaders is a good thing for the seminary and for the gospel.”