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Louisville Seminary Announces Appointment of Rev. Dr. Zhenya Gurina-Rodriguez

Louisville, KY, - [January 27, 2025] - Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (LPTS) is pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Zhenya Gurina-Rodriguez will join the Seminary as Director of the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) Program and Assistant Professor of New Testament and Ministry, effective July 1, 2025. Rev. Dr. Gurina-Rodriguez, an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, brings over a decade of ministry experience and currently serves as Associate Pastor of Discipleship at First United Methodist Church, Fort Worth. She holds a PhD in Biblical Studies, has taught at institutions across the United States and Central America, and is the author of Begging for Their Daily Bread: Beggar-Centric Interpretations of Matthew 6, focusing her research on poverty studies and imperial criticism of the Bible.

“I am looking forward to joining LPTS’ vibrant community of dedicated faculty, staff, and students committed to extending God’s love to all people,” said Rev. Dr. Gurina-Rodriguez. “It is an honor to step into this grace-filled environment, where, through rigorous study, mutual care and collaboration, we shall continue to carve the paths of justice, speak the words of truth, and offer healing and grace in our churches and communities.” Beyond her academic work, she has launched discipleship programs, led community ESL initiatives, and supported diverse congregations, including immigrant and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Rev. Dr. Andrew D. Pomerville, President of Louisville Seminary, expressed his enthusiasm for Rev. Dr. Gurina-Rodriguez’s appointment: “Rev. Dr. Gurina-Rodriguez brings to her new position a love for both the church and the academy. Her passion and dedication to theological education is tremendous. She is an innovative, creative, and enthusiastic professor and pastor. I am delighted to welcome her as a colleague on our outstanding faculty.” Dr. Marcus A. Hong, Chair of the Search Committee, added, “Our search committee received dozens of very qualified applications for this position. Dr. Gurina-Rodriguez rose to the top of our search process because of her deep and broad ministry experience, her cross-cultural teaching competencies, her genuine care for people, and her ability to instantly connect to and encourage our DMin students. We brought her name forward with great joy and enthusiasm.”

For more than 50 years, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary has offered a world-class Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree, designed to strengthen the connection between theology, ethics, and ministry practice. As Director of the DMin program, Rev. Dr. Gurina-Rodriguez will shape the curriculum to address the changing demands of ministry, partner with faculty and other departments to recruit and enroll students, and guide candidates through advanced theological study and research. She is also a mother of two, a sci-fi and fantasy enthusiast, and a creative cook, all of which contribute to her holistic approach to ministry and education.

Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary warmly welcomes Rev. Dr. Zhenya Gurina-Rodriguez and looks forward to the transformative work she will undertake with students, faculty, and the broader Seminary community.

At Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, we strive to make quality theological education accessible to people in all kinds of contexts:

• alums@lpts.edu flexible in person and/or online Master of Divinity allows folks with busy lives -- parents with young children, those working full time, caretakers of aging family members, and so many others -- to pursue a graduate theological education as a part of our LPTS community.
• Our Master of Arts in Religion program -- both in person and online -- gives students an opportunity to ask questions and develop research projects about the areas of religious life and Biblical study that matters to them.
• Our residential Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy program offers the ability to work with our world class faculty and ministry and clinical professionals across the Kentuckiana area.
• Our Doctor of Ministry offers flexible, advanced training for experienced ministers through spiritual renewal, refreshed skills, and self-directed research. In our cohort-based program, students experience a supportive peer learning group and receive instruction from our world-class faculty. Apply now to join the January 2026 cohort with an Early Decision Deadline of April 1, 2025. Click here to learn more about admissions requirements.

Fall 2025 Enrollment is OPEN! Click here to apply or to learn more about our flexible options.

You can also connect with an admissions team member or have more information sent to you. We are here to help you discern your call!

Led by the Holy Spirit, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary educates people to proclaim the Gospel, to care for all, and to work for justice in communities everywhere. 

To make a financial gift supporting Christ-centered, justice-driven education at Louisville Seminary, click here.