Michael J. Christensen

Michael J. Christensen, Ph.D.

Michael J. Christensen (M.A., Yale; Ph.D., Drew), is a practical theologian affiliated with Drew University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Episcopal School for Ministry, and Northwind Seminary where he is Professor of Theology and Academic Dean.

Previously he was Associate Professor of Spirituality and Director of the D.Min. program of Drew University Theological School in Madison, New Jersey; International Director of Communities of Shalom of The United Methodist Church: and Founding Pastor of Golden Gate Community Church of the Nazarene.

Author of eleven books and many articles on various topics of practical theology, spirituality and social justice, and leadership development, he is married to author Rebecca Laird with whom he has co-edited three posthumous books by Henri Nouwen known as “The Nouwen Trilogy”: Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation and Discernment.

He “graduated with distinction” from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, with a B.A. in Literature and a minor in Psychology (1977). He has an M.A. in Religion from Yale Divinity School (1981) and a Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies from Drew University (1997). Currently, his research and writing interests include: apocalyptic eschatology, comparative spirituality, inter-religious theology, and theosis as spiritual social transformation.

Ordained in the Church of the Nazarene and a Clergy Member of The United Methodist Church, Dr. Christensen is available for speaking, teaching, consulting, training, and as a retreat facilitator. Contact: mchriste@pointloma.edu