Susan Harlow named director of congregational development at Seabury-Western

June 24, 2009 [Seabury-Western] The Rev. Dr. M. Susan Harlow, an experienced theological educator and ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, has been hired as the director of congregational development and professor of practical theology at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. The executive committee of the board of trustees unanimously approved Harlow's selection at a June 23 meeting at the seminary.

According to the Very Rev. Gary Hall, dean and president of Seabury-Western, Harlow was chosen from a field of 12 candidates based on her teaching, administrative and leadership abilities. "Susan Harlow is exactly the right person to lead Seabury's work in congregational development in the years ahead," he said. "She brings vision, experience, and theological depth to the task of continuing Seabury's ministry as a leader in the building of effective faith communities in the Episcopal Church and beyond."

Harlow will oversee the Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Development and Doctor of Ministry in Preaching programs at the seminary.

Seabury-Western has just begun a new joint Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Development with the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. The school also participates in the Association of Chicago Theological Schools Doctor of Ministry in Preaching program.

From the early 1990s until 2003, Harlow was associate professor of religious education and associate dean for external affairs at Meadville/Lombard Theological School in Chicago. She has extensive experience in congregational studies and community organizing.

Most recently, Harlow has been an adjunct professor at McCormick Seminary in the Ecumenical Doctor of Ministry program, a collaborative program of McCormick Theological Seminary, the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, and Catholic Theological Union.

Harlow received her bachelor's degree from Hollins College and a Master in Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School. She was awarded the Th.M. (Master of Theology) degree from Harvard Divinity School and an Ed.D. from Columbia University Teachers College in conjunction with Union Theological Seminary. She was a member of the steering committee of the Committee on Curriculum Research and Theory of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. and of the Constructive Theology Working Group of the American Academy of Religion. She has also represented the United Church of Christ on various councils and committees.

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