Vita
Curriculum Vitae of Roland G. Kuhl
Employment
2023- Faculty Mentor, Doctor of Ministry Program, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, IN.
2015- Adjunct Online Faculty, EdD Program in Organizational Leadership (Christian Ministry), College of Doctoral Studies, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ.
2019-2024 Instructor, Journey: A Missional Leadership Development Program, Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, IN.
2016-2018 Adjunct Faculty, Religious Studies and Core Curriculum, Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI.
2012-2016 Conference Minister Liaison for Cultivating Missional Church, Illinois Mennonite Conference, Mennonite Church USA.
2013-2014 Associate Conference Minister, Illinois Mennonite Conference, Mennonite Church USA
2009-2015 Lead Pastor, North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL
2010-2011 Team Member and Coach, Chicago Team of ForgeAmerica
2008-2009 Pastor of Community Service, North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL
2007-2008 Pastor, sacred space – a missional community, Round Lake Beach, IL (co-sponsored by the Great Rivers Region – ABC-USA, North Central Region of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship)
2006-2016 Adjunct and Visiting Faculty; Northern Seminary, Lombard, IL (2006-2016), Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL (2006-2011), Perkins School of Theology, Dallas, TX (2008), Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI (2008), Christian Leadership Institute, Colorado Springs, CO (2007), Associated Canadian Theological Seminaries, Langley, BC (2007).
2006-2008 Director of Educational Initiatives, The Center for Parish Development. Chicago, IL
2001-2006 Director of Doctor of Ministry Studies, Northern Seminary, Lombard, IL
2001-2006 Assistant Professor of Education and Ministry, Northern Seminary, Lombard, IL
2002 Interim Academic Dean, Northern Seminary, Lombard, IL
1998-2001 Associate Dean of Extension and Affiliated Education, Division of Open Studies, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL
1999-2002 Adjunct Faculty, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, IL
1996-1997 Adjunct Faculty, Trinity International University, College of Arts and Science, Deerfield, IL
1995-1998 Director, Non-Credit and Modular Studies, Division of Open Studies, Trinity International University, Deerfield, IL
1988-1993 Pastor of Care and Family Ministries, McKernan Baptist Church, Edmonton, AB
1984-1988 Associate Pastor of Christian Education and Youth, Simpson United Methodist Church, Elkhart, IN
1983-1984 Teaching Assistant for Colin Brown, Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA
1981-1983 Youth Pastor, St. James United Methodist Church, Pasadena, CA
1979 Youth Director, Immanuel Baptist Church, St. Catharines, ON
Education
1993-1998 Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois Ph.D. (Educational Studies), 1998
1992-1993 Edmonton Baptist Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta
1984-1985 Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries, Elkhart, Indiana
1983-1984 Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California
1979-1983 Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California M.Div, 1983
1976-1979 Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma BA (magna cum laude), 1979
1974-1975 University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario
1969-1974 Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, St. Catharines, Ontario
Ministerial Credentials
January 2009 Ordination Recognized, Illinois Mennonite Conference of the Mennonite Church USA
June 1990 Ordained, McKernan Baptist Church, North American Baptist Conference
1985-1990 Ordained Deacon, North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church
1984-1985 Licensed Local Pastor, North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church
Dissertation
Educating Christianly: The Reign of God as a Paradigm for Christian Education
Publications
“‘Teach them to obey’: A Missional Perspective on the Purpose of Obedience in Framing Discipleship as Identification with the Humanity of Jesus” in Missional Disciple-Making, David Gustafson and Michael Breen, eds. Greenville, SC: 3DM Publishing. 2019.
We Should Embrace ‘Missional,’ The Mennonite, Vol 15, No. 12 (December 2012), 31.
Church Growth Led by the Spirit: Organizing Church Around the Moving of the Holy Spirit. The Mennonite, Vol.15, No. 5 (May 2012), 20-23.
Unfolding Ministry: Ten Thousand Gardens and the Mission of God. Missional Crossroads, Illinois Mennonite Conference, (June 2009), 3.
Leadership or Servantship? The Edge. Vol. 7, No. 1 (Winter 2007), 1-2.
Educator as Theologian, Love, Meditation, Thomism, four articles in Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Christian Education, ed. by Michael J. Anthony. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. 2001.
Educating Christianly: The Reign of God as a Paradigm for Christian Education. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University Microfilms International. 1998, 2000.
The Reign of God: Implications for Christian Education. Christian Education Journal. ns 1, no 2 (Fall 1997), 73-88.
The Relationship Between Moral Reasoning and Moral Action: A Search of the Literature. Educational Studies Monograph. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.1996
The Attitude-Behavior Relationship and Factors Which Mediate the Relation: A Literature Review of Significant Sources. Educational Studies Monograph. Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. 1996
Book Reviews
The Deliberate Church: Building Your Ministry on the Gospel, by Mark Dever and Paul Alexander. Review & Expositor (104 no 2 Spr 2007): 403-404.
The Soul of the Congregation: An Invitation to Congregational Reflection, by Thomas Edward Frank. Review & Expositor (104 no 1 Wint 2007): 177-179.
The Lost Religion of Jesus, by Akers. Review & Expositor (Vol. 3, No. 3, Summer 2006): 633-635.
Ephesians, by Thomas R. Yoder Neufeld. Review & Expositor (Vol. 103, No. 2, Spring 2006): 424-425.
What is Mission?: Theological Explorations, by Andrew Kirk. Review & Expositor (Vol. 102, No. 4, Fall 2005): 747-749.
The Kingdom Focused Church: A Compelling Image of an Achievable Future, by Gene Mims. Review & Expositor (Vol. 102, No. 3, Summer 2005): 542-544.
Reading the Gospels Today, by Stanley E. Porter, ed. Review & Expositor (Vol. 102, No. 2, Spring 2005): 325-327.
What Would I Believe If I Didn’t Believe Anything? A Handbook for Spiritual Orphans, by Kent Ira Groff. Congregations (Vol. 31, No. 2, Spring 2005): 38.
The Art of Reading Scripture by Ellen F. Davis and Richard Hays. Review & Expositor (Vol. 101, No. 4, Fall 2004): 771-773.
Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Learning and Teaching, by Judith E. Lingenfelter and Sherwood G. Lingenfelter. Review & Expositor (Vol. 101, No. 2, Spring 2004): 334-336.
Capturing the Pagan Mind: Paul’s Blueprint for Thinking and Living in the New Global Culture, by Peter R. Jones. Review & Expositor (Vol. 101, No. 2, Spring 2004): 325-327.
The Emerging Church: Vintage Christianity for New Generations, by Dan Kimball. Congregations (Vol. 30, No. 2, Spring 2004): 41.
Jesus Driven Ministry, by Ajith Fernando. Review & Expositor (Vol. 100, No. 3, Summer 2003): 499-501.
Spiritual Living in a Secular World, by Ajith Fernando. Review & Expositor (Vol. 100, No. 3, Summer 2003): 489-490.
Theological Foundations for Ministry, by Ray S. Anderson. NAPCE Newsletter (Summer/Fall 2002): 7.
Web Sites and Blogs
RolandKuhl.com Focuses on theological perspectives for everyday living, as well as houses the archives for past blog posts for Missional Matters, Community Pastor, and other blogsites. https://www.rolandkuhl.com
Addresses, Unpublished Papers, and Pastoral Letters
Growing into Effectiveness (Session 1) and Leaving a Legacy (Session 2). Developing a Heart for Christ’s Mission – Men’s Conference, New Life Bible Church, Winnebago, IL, October 4, 2014.
The Church Which Comes: Being Missional in our Neighborhoods. Community Mennonite Fellowship, Sterling, IL, November 10, 2013.
Being Sent into the World: Being Missional in Daily Life. Open Space Workshop, Illinois Mennonite Conference Annual Assembly, Lombard Mennonite Church, Lombard, IL, April 20, 2013
Working with God: Being Missional Where We Work. Annual Men’s Breakfast, Cazenovia Mennonite Church, Lowpoint, IL, March 23, 2013
Undoing the Violence of Leadership in the Church. Anabaptist Study Center, North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL, September 20, 2012
Being a Missional Community. Hopedale Mennonite Church, Hopedale, IL, May 6, 2012
Discovering the Ways Your Church is Being Called to Participate with God in God’s Mission. Open Space Workshop, Illinois Mennonite Conference Annual Assembly, East Bend Mennonite Church, Fisher, IL, April 21, 2012.
Gift Discernment: Part 1 The Holy Spirit, Part 2 Discerning Gifts. Documents shared with Board of North Suburban Mennonite Church, Fall 2011.
The Opportunity in Transitioning into the Next 25 Years. Letter shared with the North Suburban Mennonite Community at the Fall Congregational Meeting, October 31, 2011.
Reconciling Relationships: Letter to the North Suburban Mennonite Community. May 22, 2011.
Deconstructing and Reconstructing Leadership. Residency Intensive #3, ForgeAmerica, Wauconda, IL, May 19, 2011.
Missional Spirituality. Residency Intensive #2, ForgeAmerica, Wauconda, IL, February 16, 2011.
Confessing Jesus: Speaking about Jesus in a Pluralistic Culture. Illinois Mennonite Conference Day of Discernment, Markham, IL, November 6, 2010
Theological Shift: Reframing our Understanding of God’s Nature as a Calling and Sending God. Residency Intensive #1 (New Paradigms for a Missional Revolution), ForgeAmerica, Aurora, IL, October 1, 2010.
Living in the Mission of God: Guiding Ministry Engagement at North Suburban Mennonite Church. Document prepared for the North Suburban Mennonite community, June 6, 2010
To Whom Do We Pass on Ministry Leadership? Study Document presented to the Church Board, North Suburban Mennonite Church, January 10, 2010.
Evaluation of Ministry Proposals. Policy paper presented to the Church Board of North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL, February 9, 2009.
What Does It Mean to be Missional? Workshops given at Life Community Church, Palos Heights, IL, September 7,14,21,28, 2008.
Developing a Foundation for Guiding Growth in Mature Faith for the Community of North Suburban Mennonite Church. Paper presented to the Christian Education Committee of North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL, April 6, 2008.
Educating from God’s Future: An Innovative Approach for the Future of Biblical and Theological Education. Paper presented to the Board of Rock River Christian College, Beloit, WI, January 8, 2008.
Shaping Our Leadership Imagination: The Influence of Culture. Paper presented at Christian Leadership Insititute, Colorado Springs, CO, November 2, 2007.
Missional Community. Workshop Presentation for Area 1 Gathering of the Great Rivers Region, American Baptist Church, USA at First Baptist Church, Moline, IL, March 3, 2007.
The Future of the Missional Church: Its Potentials in the Multicultural Setting of Canada. Paper presented at Associated Canadian Theological Seminary, Langley, BC, November 28, 2006.
What If Jesus Was a Liar? Address given to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Carthage College, Kenosha, WI, November 8, 2005.
What is Pastoral Leadership? A Review of the Relevant Literature on Approaches and Understandings of Pastoral Leadership at the Beginning of the 21st Century. Paper submitted to the Rank and Tenure Committee at Northern Seminary, Lombard, IL, March 30, 2005.
Don’t Lower the Bar: Christian Morals and Values – A Perspective from a Christian Educator. Christian Faith Summit at Lindner Conference Center, Lombard, IL, November 20, 2004.
Lifting and Empowering Lay Leadership. One-Day Seminar for the American Baptist Church Ministerial of Decatur, IL, at First Baptist Church, Decatur, IL, September 9, 2004.
Ministry in Postmodern Context. Paper presented at the West Conference Meeting (ELCA Lutheran Ministerial), at Lutheran Church of the Master, Carol Stream, IL, March 17, 2004.
Leadership in Christ’s Community: A Different Perspective. Paper presented at Up/rooted: A Gathering of Emergent Leaders, at Life on the Vine Community Church, Long Grove, IL, February 2, 2004.
The American Church Franchise: Should We Buy It? Paper presented at Gatherings at Matthew=s House Series, sponsored by Trinity International University and Border=s Books, Deerfield, IL, December 13, 2001.
Courses and Seminars Taught
Undergraduate Courses
Introduction to Christian Theology
Foundations for Christian Theology
The Common Good in the Life of a Christian
Serving the Common Good: American Citizenship in Global Perspective
Interpersonal Communications
Master Courses
Personal Assessment and Ministry Orientation
Principles of Teaching and Learning
Educational Ministry with Adults
Christian Formation and Journey
The Pastor as Educator
Equipping God’s People for Ministry
Leadership in Missional Perspective
Insights on Pastoral Leadership from Writings of Eugene Peterson
Foundations in Biblical Studies
Social and Cultural Exegesis
Missional Church
The Educational Ministry of the Church
Doctoral Seminars/Courses
Becoming Doctors of the Church
Leadership in the Emerging Church
Worship, Evangelism and Nurture
Ministry Leadership in Missional Perspective
History and Theology of Christian Spirituality
Contours of a Missional Spirituality
Thesis Design and Research Methodologies
Practical Considerations in Christian Ministry
Theology of Leadership
Christian Ministry and Culture
Trends and Issues in Christian Ministry
Discipleship Making in the Leadership Context
Sermons/Meditations
2017
“Dancing with Two-Left Feet: In Step with the Ways of God.” St. Peter’s Community Church, New Albin, IA and Evangelical Peace Church, Crooked Creek, MN. January 29, 2017
2016
“Connecting with God in the Neighborhood.” At Fellowship of Faith Lutheran Church, McHenry, IL. June 26, 2016.
2009 – 2015
Numerous sermons preached at North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL. Titles available on request. Posting of sermons on After Last Sunday, http://afterlastsunday.blogspot.com/
2014
“As we go, be about making disciples.” Retreat Meditation, Illinois Mennonite Conference Congregational Leaders Workshop at Camp MennoHaven, Tiskilwa, IL, February 9, 2014
2008
“Responding to God – Living in the Way of Jesus: Luke 2: 21-35.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., December 28, 2008.
“God Among Us: Luke 2: 1-20 (Advent Series).” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., December 21, 2008.
“Look! There’s God: Luke 1: 5-25, 57-66 (Advent Series).” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., December 14, 2008.
“Open to God: Luke 1: 26-38 (Advent Series).” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., December 7, 2008.
“Where is God?: 1 Samuel 1: 1-17 (Advent Series).” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., November 30, 2008.
“A Gentle Answer: Proverbs 15: 1-2.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., November 12, 2008.
“Listen, Listen, Listen: James 1: 19-25.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., November 2, 2008.
“The Art of Walking: Galatians 5: 16-26.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., October 12, 2008.
“It’s Not About Me: Galatians 5: 16-26.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL., October 5, 2008.
“Do You Know What Love Is?: Galatians 5: 22-23.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL. August 10, 2008.
“Receiving the Breath of God: John 20: 21-23.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL. May 11, 2008.
“That the Works of God Might Be Displayed: John 9: 1-7.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL, May 4, 2008.
“Causing Trouble: Acts 17: 1-15.” At :Living Water Community Church Retreat, Camp Friedenswald, Cassopolis, MI. April 25, 2008.
“A Little Pain and Suffering; a Little Hope Too: Genesis 3: 8-19.” At North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, IL. January 27, 2008.
2006
“The Rhythm of Our Lives: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL, December 31, 2006.
“Possessed by the Heart of God – Don’t Be Like Jonah: Jonah 4: 1-11.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL, July 9, 2006.
2005
“Now That the Waiting is Over: Luke 2:15-35.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL, December 25, 2005
“Set Your Mind on Things Above: Colossians 3:1-4.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL, July 31, 2005.
“Continuing to Live in Christ: Colossians 2:6-10.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL, July 10, 2005.
“Jesus is the Head of the Church: Colossians 1:18-20.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL, June 12, 2005.
2004
“New Orientation Through Praise: Psalm 113.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL August 8, 2004.
“Orientation Through Creation and Word: Psalm 19.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL, July 25, 2004.
“Keep Our Eyes on the Dream: 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18.” At Bethel Green Missionary Baptist Church, Chicago, IL, February 8, 2004.
2003
“Living by the Spirit: Galatians 5: 16-21.” At Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, IL, August 17, 2003.
“Temptations During Transition: Reflections on Matthew 4:1-10.” At Face To Face, sponsored by Ohio & Indiana/Kentucky Regions of the American Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Crawfordsville, IN, May 2, 2003.
1988 – 1993
Numerous sermons preached at McKernan Baptist Church, Edmonton, AB. Titles available on request.
1984 – 1988
Numerous sermons preached at Simpson United Methodist Church, Elkhart, IN. Titles available on request.
1982 – 1984 Various sermons preached at St. James United Methodist Church, Pasadena, CA.
Church/Community Involvements
1972-1982 Member, Immanuel Baptist Church, St. Catharines, Ontario
1982-1984 Member, St. James United Methodist Church, Pasadena, California
1984-1985 Member, Simpson United Methodist Church, Elkhart, Indiana
1985-1990 Probationary Member, North Indiana Conference of the United Methodist Church
1985-1988 Liaison, Church Community Services, Elkhart, Indiana
1986-1987 Co-chair, CROP Walk Committee, Church World Session, Elkhart, Indiana
1988-1993 Member, McKernan Baptist Church, Edmonton, Alberta
1991-1992 Soccer Coach, Belgravia Community, Edmonton, Alberta
1997-1998 Member, Committee on Church Relations, Habitat for Humanity, Lake County, Illinois
1997-1998 Member, United Methodist Church of Antioch, Antioch, Illinois; Junior High United Methodist Youth Fellowship Leader, Confirmation Teacher
1998-2000 Attendee, The Chapel, Grayslake, Illinois
2001-2004 Member, Faith Baptist Church, Grayslake, Illinois
2003-2004 Vice President, Grayslake Middle School Booster Club, Grayslake, Illinois
2004 Small Group Leader, The Chapel, Grayslake, Illinois
2004 Volunteer, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Park City, Illinois.
2004-2007 Member, Life on the Vine Christian Community, Long Grove, Illinois
2007-2015 Member, North Suburban Mennonite Church, Libertyville, Illinois
2007-2008 Organizing Pastor, sacred space (a missional community), Round Lake Beach, Illinois
2009-2013 Community Organizer, Ten Thousand Gardens, Libertyville, Illinois
2012-2015 Committee Member and Chair, Professional Advisory Group, Clinical Pastoral Education Program, Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, Illinois
2017-2020 Member, English Lutheran Church (ELCA), La Crosse, Wisconsin
2017-2019 Executive Committee, BikeFest, La Crosse, WI
Seminar, Conference and Camp Planning
2009-2015
Annual North Suburban Mennonite Church Retreat (Camp Mennohaven) – Tiskilwa, IL, First weekend of February.
1998
The Reproduction Revolution–Deerfield, IL, July 16-18. Bioethics Institutes–Deerfield, IL, July 13-18.
Telling the Truth: Evangelizing Postmoderns–Deerfield, IL, May 15-17.
1997
Effective Family Ministry Workshop–Akron, OH, October 9-11.
Effective Family Ministry Workshop–Deerfield, IL, September 18-20.
Christian Adult Higher Education Conference–Deerfield, IL, August 5-7.
Ethical Issues in Health Related Missions–Deerfield, IL, July 20-22.
The Changing Face of Health Care–Deerfield, IL, July 17-19.
Bioethics Institutes–Deerfield, IL, July 14-19.
Breathtaking Decisions–Mobile, AL, April 25-26.
1996
The Christian Stake in Genetics–Deerfield, IL, July 18-20.
Bioethics Institutes–Deerfield, IL, July 15-20.
Families, Faith & Morality: Raising Kids in Changing Times Conference— Deerfield, IL, May 1-4.
Breathtaking Decisions–Buffalo, NY, March 22-23.
Breathtaking Decisions–Ft. Lauderdale, FL, February 9-10.
Nov. 1992 Northern Alberta Missions Conference–Edmonton, AB
Jan. 1991 Alberta Baptist Association Pastor=s Conference–North American Baptist Conference, Camp Caroline, Caroline, AB
July 1987 Senior High Institute–North Indiana Conference, The United Methodist Church, Epworth Forest Campgrounds, North Webster, IN
July 1986 Senior High Institute–North Indiana Conference, The United Methodist Church, Epworth Forest Campgrounds, North Webster, IN
July 1985 Senior High Institute–North Indiana Conference, The United Methodist Church, Epworth Forest Campgrounds, North Webster, IN
Interests
Walking/Hiking, Cycling, Kayaking/Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Snowshoeing; Engaging people in conversations in third places over coffee, Reading Political and Theological Biography, Photography.