Rev. Dr. Christopher Schelin
Dean of Students, Director of Contextual Education, Assistant Professor of Practical and Political Theologies Full-time Core Faculty, Staff
B.A. Louisiana College
M.Div. Duke University
Ph.D. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Assistant to the Coordinator of Academic Programs and Dean of Faculty
Rev. Dr. Christopher Schelin serves as an administrator and faculty member at Starr king School for the Ministry. His primary role is coordinating student services programs as the Dean of Students. As the Director of Contextual Education, he oversees praxis-oriented learning opportunities beyond the classroom, such as field education internships and clinical pastoral education.
Chris holds a Ph.D. in ecclesiology and political theory from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. His doctoral studies were conducted in collaboration with the International Baptist Theological Study Centre (IBTS). His thesis explored the intersections of congregationalist ecclesiology and radical democratic theory and practice. It will be published by Mercer University Press in 2024 as part of the Perspectives on Baptist Identities series.
His research interests include Baptist history and theology as well as the interactions between religious traditions, political liberalism, and democracy. Chris is a Senior Research Fellow at IBTS Amsterdam.
Chris is an ordained minister affiliated with the American Baptist Churches USA and the Alliance of Baptists. Before joining Starr King in January 2015, he served as an associate pastor for six years in North Carolina. As an avid student of comparative theology and contemplative spirituality, he is delighted to work in a multireligious environment.
Chris enjoys amateur astronomy, gardening, and camping. He lives in the East Bay with his wife and two children.