Leonard Sweet

Leonard Sweet
Born Leonard I. Sweet
Nationality American
Education BA, University of Richmond, Master of Divinity Colgate/Rochester/Bexley Hall/Crozer and PhD University of Rochester
Occupation writer, teacher, preacher
Employer Drew University
Known for semiotician
Title Professor
Spouse(s) Married
Website
http://www.leonardsweet.com/

Leonard I. Sweet is an American theologian, semiotician, church historian, pastor, and author. Sweet currently serves as the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism at Drew Theological School at Drew University, in Madison, New Jersey; and a Visiting Distinguished Professor at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon. Sweet is a leading figure in bridging the worlds of academe, pop culture, and the church, which has embroiled him in a variety of controversies (especially with the emerging church movement and traditionalists). For example, see his dispute with Brian McLaren.[1][2] Sweet was a pioneer advocate of contextualizing Christianity into digital culture. Leonard Sweet tells pastors to embrace change, but keep Jesus at the heart of everything. He is regularly voted one of the most influential Christian leaders in America.[3][4] Sweet is ordained in the United Methodist denomination.[5]

Biography

Before becoming the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism, Sweet had been Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the Theological School at Drew from 1995 to 2000. Prior to his appointments at Drew University, he served as President and Professor of Church History at United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio. His first academic administration position was as Provost and Associate Professor of Church History at Colgate Rochester Divinity School/Bexley Hall/Crozer Theological Seminary.

Sweet is founder and President of SpiritVenture Ministries. His writings focus on the study of Semiotics.

He is the author of more than sixty books, hundreds of articles (many of a scholarly and technical nature), and over 80 prefaces/forewords to others' books. He has over 1000 published sermons, and currently is the chief weekly contributor to the lectionary-based sermons.com. Sweet has weekly podcasting on iTunesU entitled Napkin Scribbles.

Sweet has served a term on the council of the American Society of Church History and was an associate editor of the Journal of the American Academy of Religion for ten years. An honors and Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Richmond, he earned his Master of Divinity degree from Colgate/Rochester/Bexley Hall/Crozer and PhD from the University of Rochester. Sweet is the recipient of honorary Doctorates of Divinity from University of Richmond, Baker University, Lebanon Valley College, Coe College, and Otterbein College. Two years in a row, 1999 and 2000, he received the Crystal Award for the best audio-books of the year, for Soul Tsunami and Soul Salsa.

Sweet lectures around the world and has spoken in various locations including China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines, Hong Kong; Australia, New Zealand; Canada, Brazil, South Africa, South Korea, Russia, Latvia, England, Iceland, Wales, and Scotland.

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ http://www.leonardsweet.com/response.php
  2. ↑ http://www.christianbook.com/html/static/leonard_sweet.html
  3. ↑
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ http://www.leonardsweet.com/about.php

External links