Dr. Dennis Edwards is the newest member of the NPTS Theology Faculty. He is a professor of New Testament and Biblical Greek, and has served many years both as a pastor and as a professor.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am the grateful husband of Susan Steele Edwards and proud father of 4 adult children, and grandfather of 2 boys (with another grandchild on the way). New York City is my home, and I grew up in the borough of Queens. I went to one of NYC’s specialized high schools because of my interest in science and mathematics. I graduated from Cornell University with a BS in chemical engineering. However, I didn’t work full time as an engineer, but taught math and science at private schools in NYC. Eventually, I attended Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, earning an MDiv with an urban ministry concentration. I went on to plant a church in Brooklyn, NY. A few years after that I earned the MA and PhD in Biblical Studies from Catholic University of America in Washington, DC while serving as a pastor and church planter in that city. After nearly 18 years in DC, I accepted a call as senior pastor of the Sanctuary Covenant Church in Minneapolis, MN, where I served for 6 years prior to becoming a full-time instructor of New Testament.
So, you started as a pastor and have transitioned into being a full time professor. How did you sense God’s call for this?
The story of my call to ministry is long and circuitous, but the upshot is that I felt God wanted me to be a diligent student of the Scriptures, and then to provide thoughtful biblical instruction. In fact, I’ve applied the description of Ezra to my situation: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach the statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10). I strive to study, do, and teach God’s word.
As a professor, I have had the opportunity to do some publishing, including 1 Peter (The Story of God Bible Commentary), a chapter in State of New Testament Studies, and most recently What Is the Bible and How Do We Understand It? (The Jesus Way: Small Books of Radical Faith).
What drew you to North Park Theological Seminary?
I’d come to know NPTS back in 2001 when I applied and was offered a position to direct the Center for Community and Justice Ministries. For a variety of reasons, I could not accept the position. Later, in 2004, I was offered an opportunity to teach at NPU with Dr. Scot McKnight. After consulting with my family, I had to turn down that opportunity. When a third opportunity to be connected to the NPU community arose, I could not turn it down. Over the years I’d grown to respect many people connected to NPTS and appreciate the broader ECC denomination, as it holds my ordination. In essence, it’s the sense of community at NPTS that makes me excited to be here.
Any words of encouragement for students?
Seminary education is amazingly helpful for being a good disciple of Jesus who can lead God’s people in a variety of settings. But attending seminary is also a challenge. I understand well the creative energy needed to balance the demands of life, especially when one is a student. Time will reveal how God will make use of your education—which includes the relationships developed with faculty and other students—to shape your ministry in unique ways.
And before we go, what is one random fact about yourself?
I’m a decent woodwind player (sax and flute), persistent weightlifter, and once appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (no, I did not win $1 million). I have, however, provided a link if anyone is interested.