Baylor University’s Truett Seminary Announces the Appointment of Larry Parsley, PhD, as Clinical Professor of Christian Ministry and Director of Mentoring
WACO, Texas (March 27, 2023) – Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary announced today that Larry Parsley, PhD, has been appointed to serve as Clinical Professor of Christian Ministry and Director of Mentoring.
Drawing upon years of pastoral leadership and service, Parsley will guide Truett Seminary students as they learn and practice Christian ministry in a variety of field education placements. In coming to Truett, Parsley brings both considerable knowledge and experience to the classes he will teach in spiritual formation and pastoral ministry.
“We are truly fortunate to welcome Dr. Larry Parsley to our faculty in Fall 2023,” said Angela Reed, PhD, associate dean for academic affairs, associate professor of practical theology, director of spiritual formation, and chair of the search committee. “Dr. Parsley brings many years of experience providing leadership amid the joys and challenges of congregational life. He has served his congregation faithfully over the long term, effectively addressing some of the most challenging ministerial matters of our time. Dr. Parsley brings a kind of wisdom, warmth, and humility to his work that will serve our students well as they are formed for ministry leadership in relationship with God and others.”
Parsley holds a BA and a PhD with a concentration in Christian ethics from Baylor University and a MDiv from Southwestern Seminary. He currently serves as senior pastor at Valley Ranch Baptist Church where he has led the congregation since 1999. Previously, Parsley served multiple churches in Texas and Georgia as a youth minister, college minister, singles minister, and teaching pastor. He has also taught as an adjunct professor with Logsdon Seminary and Dallas Baptist University, teaching courses on preaching, Christian ethics, and developing a Christian worldview.
“I am beyond thrilled to join the outstanding team of faculty and staff at Baylor’s Truett Seminary,” said Parsley. “I deeply admire Truett’s academic excellence, gospel centrality, and irenic spirit as she helps to raise up a new generation of leaders for the global church. In a time where so many pastors struggle with disillusionment and fatigue, I hope to help students discover spiritual renewal, the power of pastoral imagination, and the rich roots of our ancient calling. I am eager to partner with the women and men who have made Truett their seminary home, especially as they are mentored in ministry and non-profit settings. It is no exaggeration to call this privilege a dream come true.”
In addition to mentoring and teaching, as a Truett faculty member Parsley will continue to serve as a regular contributor for Christianity Today’s Preaching Today and Mockingbird, where he writes on the intersection of faith and literature.
“As one of Baylor University’s professional schools, Truett Seminary highly values both theory and practice. In Dr. Larry Parsley, the two are wed,” said Todd D. Still, PhD, DeLancey Dean and Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures at Truett. “It is altogether fitting and equally thrilling that such a skilled and seasoned practitioner, who has labored faithfully and fruitfully on the ministerial front lines for years on in, would come to our school to offer our students invaluable instruction and practical wisdom, grounded in experience and reinforced by example. Dr. Parsley is technically the first ‘professor of practice’ in Truett’s short, if storied, history, and I could not be happier that he is coming to join our capable, committed, and caring faculty. We will be stronger and better because of his presence in our midst.”
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions.
ABOUT GEORGE W. TRUETT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University’s George W. Truett Theological Seminary is an orthodox, evangelical, multi-denominational school in the historic Baptist tradition that equips God-called people for gospel ministry in and alongside Christ’s Church by the power of the Holy Spirit. Accredited by the Association of Theological Schools, Truett Seminary provides theological education leading to the Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Contextual Witness and Innovation, Master of Arts in Theology, Ecology and Food Justice, Master of Arts in Theology and Sports Studies (online), Master of Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, and Ph.D. in Preaching. Truett Seminary also offers joint degrees through Baylor University school/college partnerships in social work, business, law, music, and education. In addition to the flagship Baugh-Reynolds Campus in Waco, the Seminary also has additional instructional sites in Houston and San Antonio. To learn more, visit baylor.edu/truett.
