Ellsworth Kalas

J. Ellsworth Kalas is the President of Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky.He obtained his Bachelor of Science at University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1951; his Bachelor of Divinity at Garrett Theological Seminary in 1954; and did additional graduate studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Harvard University.
Dr. Kalas also holds honorary degrees from Lawrence University, Asbury Theological Seminary, and Kentucky Wesleyan College. He served as pastor for 38 years in the Wisconsin and Ohio Conferences of the United Methodist Church. He was also associated for 5 years with the World Methodist Council. His tenure with Asbury began in 1993 and has been teaching Preaching since 2000. He is currently serving as president of Asbury. He is the author of multiple Bible Studies published by the United Methodist Publishing House as well as a ground breaking study called "Christian Believer" which attempts to teach Methodist laity systematic theology.

His addition to the field of Homiletics is the concept of the "Biographical Sermon"; teaching a doctrine or biblical concept through the story of a real person's life. Biographical preaching can model methods for dealing with suffering and pain by telling the story of an exemplar's struggle with suffering and pain. He has authored over 30 different books and many additional published articles.

Books

*"Preaching About People: The Power Of Biography ", ISBN 0827230028, ISBN 978-0827230026

*"The Grand Sweep 365 Days from Genesis Through Revelation", ISBN 0687720532, ISBN 978-0687720538

*"Incandescence: Light Shed through the Word", ISBN 0802832083,ISBN 978-0802832085

References

* [http://www.asburyseminary.edu/about/administration-and-faculty/faculty-g-k/ellsworth-kalas Dr. J. Ellsworth Kalas' Faculty Page at Asbury]