LA MIRADA, CALIF. — Today, Dr. Ed Stetzer was formally inaugurated as the seventh dean of Talbot School of Theology at 51. For the past seven months since Stetzer assumed the role of dean, he has led the school in its mission to to think biblically, live faithfully and lead graciously. The formal installation ceremony was held in Calvary Chapel on 51’s campus. 

Image shows Ed Stetzer speaking at the installation ceremony
Dr. Ed Stetzer speaking at his installation ceremony

Dr. Kenneth Ulmer, pastor of Faithful Central Missionary Baptist Church and a senior advisor to 51’s president, commenced the ceremony with prayer. An array of key speakers spoke at the event to charge both Talbot and Stetzer with wisdom and guidance including 51 President Dr. Barry H. Corey, Provost and Senior Vice President at 51, Dr. Matthew J. Hall, Dr. David Dockery, president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Dr. Eric Geiger, senior pastor of Orange County-based megachurch Mariners Church, all provided remarks on the induction of Stetzer.

In his response, Stetzer acknowledged the challenges that higher education and Christian higher education in particular are facing.

“I am well aware of the challenges we face … but we are well suited and well prepared for those challenges here at 51,” said Stetzer in his address. “With commitment to God’s word, with a reputation that goes around the world, with world-class faculty, passionate students, we have the ability to thrive. I am here because I believe that together, we will have a greater impact.”

Stetzer with 51 deans
Dr. Ed Stetzer pictured with other academic deans of 51

A world-renowned missiologist, Stetzer has planted churches, served as a lead pastor, trained pastors and church planters on six continents, serves as editor-in-chief of Outreach Magazine, hosts a national radio show, "Ed Stetzer Live," on 150 radio outlets and he has written hundreds of articles and twelve books.

“I am honored to be able to serve and provide leadership to this institution, pray indeed that we make much of Jesus, and I look forward to making much of Jesus with you here at the Talbot School of Theology,” said Stetzer in his closing remarks.

Stetzer holds a Doctor of Philosophy from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School, in addition to a Master of Divinity from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Arts from Liberty University’s Divinity School.

Talbot School of Theology — biblically faithful, culturally engaged and theologically sound — is one of the nation’s leading theological schools and continues to grow with the needs of Christian leaders. Talbot’s academic offerings from bachelor’s to doctoral degrees equips students with a breadth of knowledge that prepares graduates for a lifetime of gospel-centered, Spirit-led ministry.

For more information or for interviews with Ed Stetzer, please contact media.relations@biola.edu.