
Princeton Seminar Series
Princeton Theological Seminary's Seminar Series invites participants to explore theology, ethics, Scripture, literature, and the intersection of faith and health. Each seminar engages theological texts, concepts, and voices in a dynamic, discussion-based online format led by expert scholars. Join us to cultivate meaningful conversation, connection, and community. Each four-session seminar is $399.
Fall 2025

Reading the Gospel of Mark from the Margins
Thursdays | 9/11 – 10/2 | 12 pm – 2 pm
Explore the Gospel of Mark through feminist, Black, and disability perspectives in this four-week online seminar with Dr. Melanie Howard.

Thinking Politically with Martin Luther
Mondays | 9/22 – 10/13 | 12 pm – 2 pm
Explore Martin Luther’s political theology in this 4-week seminar. Learn how Protestant ideas still shape civic life, revolution, and public engagement today.

Theology and Mental Health: A Pastoral Lens
Wednesdays | 10/8 – 10/29 | 12 pm – 2 pm
Explore depression, addiction, and eating disorders through theological and psychological lenses. A seminar for pastors, caregivers, and thoughtful Christian leaders.

Welcoming the Stranger: Theology and Migration
Tuesdays| 10/14 – 11/4 | 7 pm – 9 pm
Explore theological responses to global migration and immigration policy in this 4-week online seminar with Rev. Dr. Francisco Peláez Díaz.

St. Augustine’s Confessions: Faith, Identity, and Longing
Mondays | 11/3 – 11/24 | 7 pm – 9 pm
Join a guided reading of Augustine’s Confessions and explore timeless questions of faith, identity, and longing with renowned scholar Dr. Paul Rorem.

Leadership Lessons from the Old Testament
Mondays | 11/17 – 12/8 | 12 pm – 2 pm
Explore ancient models of leadership from the Hebrew Bible in this 4-week online seminar with Rabbi Elan Babchuck. Learn to lead with purpose and wisdom.
Meet our Fall Facilitators


Melanie A. Howard
Dr. Howard is Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Simpson University. She holds a PhD in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary and has taught at several institutions. Her scholarship focuses on narrative, embodiment, and biblical characters—especially as they relate to contemporary interpretation and application.

Heather C. Ohaneson

Heather C. Ohaneson
Rev. Ohaneson (Ph.D., Columbia University; M.Div., PTS) is a full-time pastor and seasoned educator in philosophy, theology, and the Great Books tradition. She brings nearly 20 years of college-level teaching experience and a passion for public-facing theology to this seminar.

Samuel Davidson

Samuel Davidson
Samuel Davidson (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Postdoctoral Fellow for Digital Learning and Continuing Education at PTS. He is a systematic and constructive theologian whose eclectic interests come together especially through theological engagements with ecology and psychology. He has taught master’s level courses at PTS as well as Truett Seminary at Baylor University, and he is passionate about training church leaders to think deeply and critically about the content of faith and the vocation of the church. He currently lives in Waco, TX with his wife and two small children.

Francisco J. Peláez-Diaz

Francisco J. Peláez-Diaz
Dr. Francisco Peláez Díaz, Assistant Teaching Professor in Latinx Studies and Ministries at Drew Theological School, researches migration, intercultural ministry, and theology’s role in public life. An immigrant and former pastor of a multiethnic congregation, he brings both scholarly insight and lived experience to his work. He sees his role as a bridge builder, inspiring faith leaders to respond boldly to the challenges of global migration.

Paul Rorem

Paul Rorem
Professor Paul Rorem, the Benjamin B. Warfield Professor of Medieval Church History at Princeton Theological Seminary, is retiring on June 30 after 27 years of distinguished teaching and ministry, having earned his PhD from PTS in 1980. An ordained Lutheran minister, he integrated hymn texts and medieval church history into his pedagogy, especially highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of women leaders in the church. Beloved for his pastoral kindness and scholarly clarity, he deeply impacted students in courses like “St. Augustine: His Confessions and His Influence,” mentoring them both academically and spiritually.

Elan Babchuck

Elan Babchuck
Rabbi Elan Babchuck is the Executive Vice President of Clal and Founding Director of Glean Network, where he advances compassionate, connected leadership for a changing world. Ordained in 2012 and holding an MBA from the same year, he is a sought-after speaker—delivering keynotes from TEDx to the U.S. Army—and a widely published thought leader with work in The Atlantic, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. A founding board member of Springtide Research Institute and partner of Starts With Us, he lives in Providence with his family and enjoys rock climbing and gardening in his free time.
Spring 2026

Explorations in Ecotheology: Christ, Creation & the Church
Tuesdays | 2/3 – 2/24 | 7 pm – 9 pm
Examine how Christology, creation, and ecology intersect in this 4-week online seminar. Learn how churches can engage faithfully with our ecological crisis.

Preaching in Lent from the Lectionary: Matthew & John
Thursdays | 2/5 – 2/26 | 12 pm – 2 pm
Explore Lenten lectionary texts from Matthew and John with Dr. Melanie Howard. Sharpen your preaching for the season of reflection, repentance, and renewal.

Holy Improvisation: A Theology of Graceful Creativity
Mondays| 4/6 – 4/27 | 7 pm – 9 pm
Discover the power of grace, play, and adaptability in Christian life and leadership through this 4-week seminar on theology and improvisation.

Leading from Within: Case Studies in Generous Leadership
Mondays | 4/13 – 5/4 | 12 pm – 2 pm
Explore contemporary leadership rooted in generosity and innovation. Learn from real case studies and develop your own leadership model in this online seminar.
Meet our Spring Facilitators

Samuel Davidson

Samuel Davidson
Samuel Davidson (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Postdoctoral Fellow for Digital Learning and Continuing Education at PTS. He is a systematic and constructive theologian whose eclectic interests come together especially through theological engagements with ecology and psychology. He has taught master’s level courses at PTS as well as Truett Seminary at Baylor University, and he is passionate about training church leaders to think deeply and critically about the content of faith and the vocation of the church. He currently lives in Waco, TX with his wife and two small children.

Melanie A. Howard

Melanie A. Howard
Dr. Howard is Associate Provost and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Simpson University. She holds a PhD in New Testament from Princeton Theological Seminary and has taught at several institutions. Her scholarship focuses on narrative, embodiment, and biblical characters—especially as they relate to contemporary interpretation and application.

Heather C. Ohaneson

Heather C. Ohaneson
Rev. Ohaneson (Ph.D., Columbia University; M.Div., PTS) is a full-time pastor and seasoned educator in philosophy, theology, and the Great Books tradition. She brings nearly 20 years of college-level teaching experience and a passion for public-facing theology to this seminar.

Elan Babchuck

Elan Babchuck
Rabbi Elan Babchuck is the Executive Vice President of Clal and Founding Director of Glean Network, where he advances compassionate, connected leadership for a changing world. Ordained in 2012 and holding an MBA from the same year, he is a sought-after speaker—delivering keynotes from TEDx to the U.S. Army—and a widely published thought leader with work in The Atlantic, The Guardian, and The Washington Post. A founding board member of Springtide Research Institute and partner of Starts With Us, he lives in Providence with his family and enjoys rock climbing and gardening in his free time.