Dr. Stephen A. Seamands
Professor of Christian Doctrine
Expertise:
- Historical Theology
- Systematic Theology
- United Methodist Doctrine
- Pastoral Theology
- Renewal
Education:
- B.A., Asbury College, 1970; M.Div., Asbury Theological Seminary, 1972; Th.M., Princeton Theological Seminary, 1974; Ph.D., Drew University, 1983.
Dr. Stephen Seamands currently serves as professor of Christian Doctrine at Asbury. The son of missionary parents, Steve grew up in India. Prior to assuming a teaching position at the seminary in 1983, he pastored United Methodist churches in southern New Jersey for eleven years. Steve is known for gracefully merging the classical and the practical. His courses on theology and doctrine are taught with a scholar’s mind and a pastor’s heart.
He is the author of several books including Christology and Transition in the Theology of Edwin Lewis (University Press of America, 1987); Holiness of Heart and Life (Abingdon Press, 1990), A Conversation with Jesus (Victor Books, 1994), Wounds that Heal: Bringing Our Hurts to the Cross (InterVarsity Press, 2003) and Ministry in the Image of God: The Trinitarian Shape of Christian Service (InterVarsity Press, 2005). He has also written articles for various journals and magazines.
In addition to teaching and working with seminary students, Steve is actively engaged in leading seminars and retreats and conducting spiritual renewal events in local churches across the U.S. He has a particular interest in theological and spiritual renewal within the United Methodist church as well as the larger body of Christ. He also has a deep concern for the spiritual needs of pastors and Christian leaders.
Steve has developed a particular interest in the areas of emotional healing, spiritual warfare, and intercessory prayer. His workshop, “The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” which he has presented at scores of churches and conferences, has ministered deeply to the brokenness in people’s lives. He is regularly involved in what he describes as “a ministry of healing prayer” to seminary students.
Dr. Seamands and his wife, Carol, are the parents of four adult children, Matthew, Jason, Joseph and Stephanie, and six grandchildren. In his leisure time, he enjoys playing racquetball as well as listening to various types of music.