j. randall o’brien president carson-newman university · 1 curriculum vitae j. randall o’brien...

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CURRICULUM VITAE

J. RANDALL O’BRIEN

President

Carson-Newman University

1646 Russell Avenue

Jefferson City, Tennessee 37760

Office phone: 865-471-3200

Cell phone: 865-368-8364

Email address: [email protected]

EDUCATION:

Yale Divinity School Master of Sacred Theology, 1987

Area of Concentration: Human Nature and the

Study of Personality

Thesis: “An Analysis of Parental Influence upon

Conceptualization of and Relationship to God”

Major Professor and Mentor: James Dittes

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Doctor of Theology, 1982

Major in Old Testament and Hebrew

Minor in New Testament and Greek

Dissertation: “The Progression of the Mosaic

Motif to the Johannine Concept of Messiah”

Major Professor and Mentor: George W. Harrison

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Master of Divinity, 1977

Mississippi College Bachelor of Science, 1975

Southwest Mississippi Junior College Associate of Arts, 1972

Other:

Harvard University The Harvard Seminar for New Presidents, 2009

Harvard University Harvard Institutes for Higher Education, 2000

Management Development Program

Harvard Graduate School of Education

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Yale University Research Scholar. 1986-7

Oxford University Visiting Fellow, 2002

The University of New Orleans Additional Study, German, 1978

Southern University of New Orleans Additional Study, German, 1979

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

Administrative

President Carson-Newman University 2008-present

Administration Baylor University 1998-2008

Executive Vice President and Provost Baylor University 2005-2008

Chair, Department of Religion Baylor University 2002-2005

Special Assistant to the President Baylor University 2001-2002

Dean, Interim, George W. Truett Baylor University 2000-2001

Theological Seminary,

Executive Assistant to the President Baylor University 1999-2001

Chair, Acting, Department of Religion Baylor University 1998-1999

Teaching

Carson-Newman University 2008-present

Professor of Religion

Baylor University 1995-2008

Professor of Religion (Biblical Studies)

Baylor University

Associate Professor of Religion 1991-1995

George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University 2000-2002

Adjunct Professor of Christian Scriptures

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Baylor Law School 2002-2008

Visiting Professor of Oral Advocacy

Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary 1990-1991

Adjunct Professor in Biblical Studies

Yale University 1987

Teaching Assistant (Psychology of Religion)

Ouachita Baptist University 1983-1986

Assistant Professor of Religion

Tenured in 1986

Associate Director of College Honors Program

Ouachita Baptist University 1980-1982

Instructor of Religion

New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary 1978-1980

Fellow in Old Testament and Hebrew

Pastoral (Licensed and ordained Baptist minister)

Calvary Baptist Church Little Rock, AR June 1987-July 1991

Senior Pastor

DeGray Baptist Church Arkadelphia, AR October 1980-August 1983

Pastor

Red Bluff Baptist Church Greensburg, LA October 1978-August 1980

Pastor

Interim Pastorates

Trinity Baptist Church San Antonio, TX January 2007-December 2008

Columbus Avenue Baptist Church Waco, TX August 2005-August 2006

Harris Creek Baptist Church Waco, TX January 2005-July 2005

South Main Baptist Church Houston, TX March 2002-March 2003

First Baptist Church Hillsboro, TX January 2001-February 2002

First Baptist Church Killeen, TX August 1998-July 2000

Tallowood Baptist Church Houston, TX March 1997-May 1998

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Meadowbrook Baptist Church Robinson, TX September 1995-October 1996

Live Oak Baptist Church Gatesville, TX June 1994-March 1995

University Baptist Church Fort Worth, TX October 1992-November 1993

Broadway Baptist Church Fort Worth, TX June 1992- September 1992

First Baptist Church Lampasas, TX December 1991-June 1992

First Baptist Church Hot Springs, AR August 1985-June 1986

Richwoods Baptist Church Arkadelphia, AR August 1984-June 1985

First Baptist Church Benton, AR September 1983-July 1984

Missionary

Home Missionary Associate, HMB, SBC March 1976-January 1978

Carver Baptist Center;

Associate Pastor of Christian Love Missionary Baptist Church

Inner-City, New Orleans, LA

Other

Haiti Preaching/Medical Mission May 2013

Russian Teaching Mission, St. Petersburg Evangelical Theological Academy May 2009

South Africa Mission/Study Program June 2009

Baylor in Great Britain Study Program July-August 2004

Bulgarian Teaching Mission March 1997

Mission Mexico March 1995

Medical and Evangelistic Mission August 1990

Guatemala

Evangelistic Crusade September 1989

Republic of South Africa

Bible Study Fellowship (Teacher) September 1986-May 1987

Yale Law School, New Haven, CT

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Fellowship of Christian Athletes 1974-1975

Leader/Speaker, Mississippi College

Bible Conferences, Revivals, Retreats, 1971-Present

College Campus Speaker, National and

State Convention Speaker, Civic Speaker, etc.

PUBLICATIONS:

Encyclopedia and Dictionary Articles

The Anchor Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Amal” (Person), by J. Randall O’Brien.

The Anchor Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Ara” (Person), by J. Randall O’Brien.

The Anchor Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Ashvath” (Person), by J. Randall O’Brien.

The Anchor Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Beera” (Person), by J. Randall O’Brien.

The Anchor Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Bimhal” (Person), by J. Randall O’Brien.

The Anchor Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Birzaith” (Person or Place, uncertain), by J. Randall O’Brien.

Eerdman’s Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Amram” by J. Randall O’Brien.

Eerdman’s Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Lentils” by J. Randall O’Brien.

Eerdman’s Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Teman” by J. Randall O’Brien.

The Holman Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Elisha” by J. Randall O’Brien.

The Holman Bible Dictionary, S.v., “Ramah” by J. Randall O’Brien.

Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, S.v., “Amos (Book of)” by J. Randall O’Brien.

Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, S.v., “Amos (Person)” by J. Randall O’Brien.

Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, S.v., “Tower of Babel” by J. Randall O’Brien.

Mercer Dictionary of the Bible, S.v., “Flood” by J. Randall O’Brien.

Articles and Essays

O’Brien, R. “A Bronze Star for Brenda (Civil Rights Heroine).” Christian Ethics Today. (Winter 2008).

. . . . . . . . . “A Bronze Star for Brenda.” Porchscene (Online Journal). (October 17, 2017).

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. . . . . . “A Conversation at the Rifle Range,” The Huffington Post, (July, 2016).

. . . . . . . “A Declaration of Dependence,” The Truett Pulpit. (2006-07).

. . . . . . . “A Duck Call for All,” Christian Ethics Today. (Spring 20014).

. . . . . . . “An Open Letter to Dr. Ben Carson: Physician, Correct Thyself,” The Huffington Post,

(February, 2015).

. . . . . . . “Ancient Ways of Discerning the Will of God,” Biblical Illustrator. (Summer 1990).

. . . . . . . “Sensitive to ‘The Left,’ and ‘The Right’: Our University’s Experience in Our LGBT/Title IX

Exemption Case,” Social Work & Christianity, (Spring, 2017).

. . . . . . . “Billy Graham,” Youth Disciple. (1997).

. . . . . . . “Bomb or Baby,” 1985 Commencement Address, OBU, Baptist Peacemaker. (January 1986).

. . . . . . . “Chesed: Unfailing Love in Hosea,” Biblical Illustrator. (Summer 2001).

. . . . . . . “Chipping Away at the Block of Wood in My Eye,” The Huffington Post, (August 2015).

. . . . . . . “Chipping Away at the Block of Wood in My Eye,” Christian Ethics Today, (Fall 2015).

. . . . . . . “Chipping Away at the Block of Wood in My Eye,” Baptist News Global, (August, 2015).

. . . . . . . “Convention Uniform Sunday School Lessons,” The Baptist Standard. (July – December 1994).

. . . . . . . “Crime Control or Gun Control,” The Huffington Post, (February, 20, 2013).

. . . . . . . “Daniel: His Life and Times,” Biblical Illustrator. (Fall 1989).

. . . . . . . “Dealing With Anger,” Deacon. (July, August, September 1992).

. . . . . . . “Dealing With Anger in the Family,” The Baptist Standard. (January 20, 1993).

. . . . . . . “Easter Musing from Carson-Newman,” The Morristown (TN) Citizen Tribune, (March 29,

2013)

. . . . . . . “Eighth Century Judah and Its Neighbors,” Biblical Illustrator. (Fall 1993).

. . . . . . . “Elisha: Prophet of God,” Biblical Illustrator. (Summer 2002)

. . . . . . . “Fatherhood: Strengthening Family Relationships,” Adult Leadership. (Spring 1990).

. . . . . . . “Flood Stories of the Ancient Near East,” Biblical Illustrator. (Fall 1986).

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. . . . . . . “Forgiveness: Taking the Word to Heart,” Christian Reflection. (Fall 2001).

. . . . . . . “Glory,” Biblical Illustrator. (Fall 1987).

. . . . . . . “Good News for Duck Dynasty Nation, A&E, You and Me,” The Huffington Post, (Dec. 2013).

. . . . . . . “Hell to the Chief! Preying on the National Prayer Breakfast,” The Huffington Post, (Feb. 2015).

. . . . . . . “How Might an Intelligent Person Believe in God?” Huffington Post. (March 2015).

. . . . . . . “How We Got Our Bible,” Youth Disciple. (1997).

. . . . . . . “Humor in Scripture and Incarnate,” Journey in Faith. Ouachita Baptist University Press.

(November 1985).

. . . . . . . “Inveigling a Blessing Out of the Reluctant Audience,” Baylor News. (June 1996).

. . . . . . . “Is the Church Still Relevant?” Arkansas Gazette. (June 23, 1990).

. . . . . . . “Is the Death Sentence on Death Row?” Huffington Post (June, 2015).

. . . . . . . “Is There a Blueprint for a Christian University?” Huffington Post. (March 2015).

. . . . . . . “Is There a Blueprint for a Christian University?” Carson-Newman Studies (Fall 2015).

. . . . . . . “Lent: March Madness meets Easter Gladness in Worship Playoff” Huffington Post. (Mar. 2015)

. . . . . . . “Lessons for Lent: Beams, Gongs, and Stones,” Huffington Post. (March 2015.

. . . . . . . “Likemindedness,” Biblical Illustrator. (Fall 1987).

. . . . . . . “Listening to the Snake: A Story,” Baptist Peacemaker. (July 1986).

. . . . . . . .”May God Bless America and May We Bless God,” Baptist & Reflector, (February 25, 2015).

. . . . . . . “Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Youth Disciple. (1997).

. . . . . . . “Matthew’s Use of the Old Testament,” Biblical Illustrator. (Fall 1986).

. . . . . . . “Moralizing on American Sniper,” Huffington Post. (February 2015).

O’Brien, Kay and Randall. “Motherhood: Strengthening Family Relationships,” Adult Leadership.

(Spring 1991).

O’Brien, J. Randall. “My Most Memorable Deacon,” Deacon. (April, May, June 1992).

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. . . . . . . “National Prayer Breakfast was Beautiful, Unifying,” Knoxville News Sentinel, (Feb. 14, 2015).

. . . . . . . “New Clear Vision or Nuclear Fission,” Baptist Peacemaker. (January 1989).

. . . . . . .”Ode to Nam on the 40th Anniversary of the War’s End,” The Huffington Post, (Feb., 2015).

. . . . . . . “Of Fasts and Solemn Assemblies,” Biblical Illustrator. (Spring 1996).

. . . . . . . “On Coming Home from Nam,” The Huffington Post, (February, 2015).

. . . . . . . “Parenthood: Strengthening Family Relationships,” Adult Leadership. (Spring 1991).

. . . . . . . “Parents, Children, and God,” The Theological Educator. (Spring 1991).

. . . . . . . “Pastoral Leadership: Implementing the Vision,” Baylor News. (January 20, 1993).

. . . . . . . “Pastoral Theology in the Book of Job,” Theologia, Journal of St. Petersburg Theological

Academy, Russia, (June 2009).

. . . . . . . “Police and Populace: A Dance of Praise and Caution,” Huffington Post, (June, 2015).

. . . . . . . “President Obama’s New College Scorecard Receives an “F,” Huffington Post, (Sept., 2015).

. . . . . . . “Book of Job: My Eye Sees Thee,” Theophilus. (Fall 2001).

. . . . . . . “Pilgrim in a Racist Land,” Christian Ethics Today. (February 2005).

. . . . . . . “Practical Ethics of Christian Caregiving: A Joban Model,” Christian Ethics Today. (Winter

2004).

. . . . . . . “Predestination and Evil,” Baptists Today. (February 2000).

. . . . . . . “Presidential Convocation Address,” Carson-Newman Review, (Spring 2014).

. . . . . . . “Profile of Today’s College Student,” Adult Leadership. (March 1986).

. . . . . . . “Psalm 22: Suffering and Faith,” The Theological Educator. Number 29, (Fall 1984).

. . . . . . . “Recent Trends in Old Testament Studies,” The Theological Educator. (Spring 1994).

. . . . . . . “Religion and Politics,” The Theological Educator. Number 30, (Spring 1985).

. . . . . . . “Remembering Brenda,” The Huffington Post, (March 4, 2013).

. . . . . . . “Remembering Vietnam: Dear Ashleigh,” The Huffington Post, (February, 2015).

. . . . . . . “Roots,” The Canon. New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Newspaper, (1977).

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. . . . . . . “II Corinthians 1:1-2:13,” The Theological Educator. (Fall 1989).

. . . . . . . “Scorecard for Colleges Unfair and Damaging,” The Knoxville News-Sentinel, B-2, ( 9/19/15).

. . . . . . . “Sensitive to the Left, Sensitive to the Right: Our University’s Experience with Title IX,” Social

Work and Christianity, (February, 2017).

. . . . . . . “Should Sanctity of Life be a Presidential Campaign Issue?” The Huffington Post, (Sept., 2015).

. . . . . . . “Sticks ‘n Stones and Campaign Words,” Christian Ethics Today, (Spring 2016).

. . . . . . . “Tennessee Promise efforts show great progress,” The Nashville Tennessean, in Opinion

Section, Tennessee Voices (September 29, 2015).

. . . . . . . “Thank You to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,” The Huffington Post,(January

2014).

. . . . . . . “The Church: A Non-Prophet Organization?,” Christian Reflection. (Spring 2003).

. . . . . . . “The Concept of Sin in Psalms 19 and 51, or Sin Described,” Biblical Illustrator. (Spring 1999).

. . . . . . . “The Court Prophets in the Ancient Near East,” Biblical Illustrator. (Spring 2000).

. . . . . . . “The Dream Lives,” The Huffiington Post, (February, 2015).

. . . . . . . “The Evangelist of the 20th Century goes to . . . ?,” The Huffington Post, (March 28, 2013).

. . . . . . . “The Future of the Past: Celebrating our Heritage and Hope” (Presidential Inaugural Address,

October, 30, 2009), Carson-Newman Studies. (Fall 2010).

. . . . . . . “The Grasshopper Complex,” Southern University Presidents’ Proceedings. (Summer 2015).

. . . . . . . “The King in Ancient Israel,” Biblical Illustrator. (Fall 1992).

. . . . . . . “The Meaning of ‘Create’ in Genesis 1:1-4, 26-31,” Biblical Illustrator. (January 1997).

. . . . . . . “The Relevance of the Church,” The Theological Educator. (Fall 1991).

. . . . . . . “The Resurrection: Hocus Pocus?” The Huffington Post, (April 3, 2013.

. . . . . . . “The 63rd Annual National Prayer Breakfast, Beautiful, Unifying,” The Knoxville News Sentinel,

(February 14, 2015).

. . . . . . . “The Soul of the Christian University,” The Huffington Post, (February, 2015).

. . . . . . . “The Soul of the Christian University,” The Baptist & Reflector, (March 25, 2015).

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. . . . . . . “The Soul of the Christian University,” Baptists Today. And also Baptist Press. (March, 2015).

. . . . . . . “Thinking Christianly in an Increasingly Christian World,” Christian Ethics Today (submitted

1.15.15).

. . . . . . . “Thinking Christianly in an Increasingly Christian World,” The Huffington Post, January, 2015.

. . . . . . . “Toward an Understanding of Suffering: The Cross on a Hill Called Bulgaria,” Vitania,

(Bulgarian Baptist Magazine, 1997).

. . . . . . . "Turning Bread Into Stones," Christian Ethics Today. (Spring 2001).

. . . . . . . “Vietnam War Poems: A Trilogy of Commemoration,” Christian Ethics Today. (Spring 2015).

. . . . . . . “Vietnam War Poems,” Porchscene, (Online Journal), (September, 2017).

. . . . . . . “War and Peace: Christian Reflections,” Theophilus. ( Accepted for publication; rights

purchased; Journal became defunct).

. . . . . . .”War: What is it Good For?” The Huffington Post, (February, 2015).

. . . . . . . “We Must Focus on What We Agree on to Prevent Gun Deaths,” Knoxville News Sentinel,

Guest Editorial, February 23, 2013.

. . . . . . . “With Liberty and Justice for All?” The Huffington Post, May 6, 2014.

. . . . . . . “What Does It Mean To Be Baptist?” Youth Disciple. (1997).

. . . . . . . “What is Justice?” Biblical Illustrator. (Winter 1998).

. . . . . . . “World, Winds, and Whirlwinds: The Voice of God Meets the ‘Vice of God’,” (The Book of

Job), Perspectives in Religious Studies, (Summer 2003).

. . . . . . . “Worship,” Adult Leadership. (Spring 1992).

. . . . . . . “Worship at the Corner of Antioch and Jerusalem,” Vitania, (Bulgarian Baptist Magazine, 1997).

. . . . . . . “Yahweh and Jehovah,” Biblical Illustrator. (Fall 1988).

Books

O’Brien, J. Randall. Set Free By Forgiveness: The Way to Peace and Healing, Grand Rapids: Baker Book

House, 2005.

. . . . . . . I Feel Better All Over Than I Do Anywhere Else: (And Other Stories to Tickle Your Soul).

Atlanta: Smyth & Helwys Publishers, 1996. Second edition, 1999.

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. . . . . . . Who Is Jesus? Nashville: Convention Press, 1993.

. . . . . . . ed. Journey in Faith. A volume of essays in honor of Vester E. Wolber. Ouachita Baptist

University Press. November 1985.

. . . . . . . The Progression of the Mosaic Motif to the Johannine Concept of Messiah. University M.

International, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1985.

. . . . . . . Going For The Gold. Served as chairman of the Religious Activities Committee, Home Mission

Board, SBC. Responsible for the publication of this devotional book of Scripture used in

the 1984 Olympic Ministries.

Other

O’Brien, J. Randall, Yale Thesis. “An Analysis of Parental Influence Upon Conceptualization of and

Relationship to God,” 1987.

. . . . . . . “The Soul of the Christian University,” in Making College Better: Views from the Top, ed. by Joe

Devitis. (Peter Lang Publishing, 2018.)

. . . . . . . Monthly Pastoral Column, Arkansas Baptist Newsmagazine. Arkansas Baptist State Convention.

1990-1991.

. . . . . . . The Canon. Editor. The New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Newspaper. 1977-1978.

. . . . . . . “War and Peace: How to Think Clearly When the Picture Is So Muddied,” The Arkansas

Gazette, February 23, 1991.

. . . . . . . “Dealing with Anger In the Family” in Here’s Help For You, ed. by Presnall H. Wood. (Dallas:

Baptist Standard Press, 1993).

. . . . . . . Uniform Sunday School Lessons, on Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges,

Samuel, and Kings. Baptist Standard. July-December 1994.

. . . . . . . Pastoral Articles, Catholic Quarterly, 1990-1991.

. . . . . . . Pastoral Articles, Baptists Today, 1998-1999.

. . . . . . . Pastoral Articles, Formations, Smyth & Helwys, 1999-2004.

. . . . . . . “Is God Still Relevant in the New Millennium?” Killeen Daily Herald, Killeen, TX, January 1, 2000.

Bailey, Raymond; Dilday, Russell; O’Brien, J. Randall, Principles of Biblical Interpretation, Texas Baptist

Laity Institute, 2002.

O’Brien, J. Randall, Book Reviews, Baptist Standard, 2005.

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. . . . . . . “The Leader as Mentor and Pastor,” in Christian Leadership Essentials: A Handbook for Managing

Christian Organizations, ed., David S. Dockery, (Broadman & Holman, Publishers, 2010.)

. . . . . . . . “Ministering to the Suffering: Pastoral Theology From the Book of Job,” in Assaulted by Grief:

Finding God in the Broken Places, ed., Gerald Borchert and David Crutchley, (Mossy Creek

Press, 2011).

. . . . . . . . “Foreword,” Festschrift for Professor Naymond Keathley, (Baylor University Press, 2017).

. . . . . . . . “Servant Leadership,” in A Pastor’s Manual, TBA.

. . . . . . . . . “Scorecard for Colleges Unfair and Damaging,” Congressional Record, U.S. Congress, October

22, 2015.

Lectures, Papers, and Presentations

“Hunger and Spirituality: A Problem.”

World Hunger, Public Policy, and Christian Citizenship Conference.

Ouachita Baptist University

October 31, 1980.

“The Progression of the Mosaic Motif to the Johannine Concept of the Messiah.”

Faculty Colloquium

Ouachita Baptist University, Spring 1983.

“What to Look for in a College”

President’s Leadership Forum


December 2, 1983

“Why Choose a Christian University over a State University?”

Christian Higher Education Day


February 8, 1986

Respondent to the Joint Educational Consortium Lecture Series

Lecturer, Gene Youngblood, on “The Communication Revolution and Human Values.”

Ouachita Baptist University, November 15, 1983.

“Forgiveness: What, Why, and How?”

Houston Baptist University

Houston, TX, 1984.

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“Canonical Criticism: A Theological Counter-Revolution.”

Faculty Development Retreat


Spring 1984.

“How to Grow as a Professional”

Baptist Student Ministers Conference

Arkansas Baptist Convention

January 27-29, 1988

“Turning Audiences Into Actors and Actors Into Audiences: When Teacher-Student Roles Reverse

Through Active Learning Exercises.”

ASOR (American Schools of Oriental Research), Society of Biblical Literature,

American Academy of Religion Regional Meeting, Dallas, TX, March 1993.

“The Voice is Jacob’s, but the Hands are Esau’s: Inveigling a Blessing out of the Reluctant Student.”

American Schools of Oriental Research, Society of Biblical Literature

American Academy of Religion, Regional Meeting, Dallas, TX, 1994.

“Religion and Politics”

Faculty Colloquium

Houston Baptist University

October 1984

“The Anatomy of a Failed Potential”

Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society

Baylor University

March 18, 1993

“Religion and Politics”

Faculty-Student Symposium

Ouachita Baptist University, November, 1984

“Focus on Forgiveness”

A Christian Growth Conference

First Baptist Church, Dothan, Alabama,

April 11-12, 1986

“Faith Development”

Baylor Minister’s Conference

Baylor University

July 1992.

“Involving Laity in the Work of the Church: Biblical Foundations From a Pastoral Perspective”

Pastor’s Conference

Baylor University, May 1992.

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“Life Beyond the Hedges,”

Rice University,

January 24-25, 1986.

“Canon, Criteria for Canonicity, and Community: How Came the Bible?”

Baylor Summer Teaching Institute

June 16, 1993

Baptist Television Network (BTN), Nashville, TN. Bible Teacher. “Philippians.” March 1989.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Numbers.” May 1989.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Joshua.” January 1990.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “John.” January 1990.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Psalms.” February 1990.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Ecclesiastes.” February 1990.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Growing in the Christian Life.” May 1990.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Counsel and Conflict in the South.” August 1990.

Convocation Address, Carson-Newman University, Annually, Jefferson City, TN, 2008-present.

Convocation Address, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Belton, TX, August, 2014.

Convocation Address, Houston Baptist University, Houston, TX, September 21,1991.

Convocation Address, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA, November 12, 1997.

National Youth Minister’s Conference, Keynote Speaker, February 1992, Nashville, TN.

National Youth Minister’s Conference, Keynote Speaker, February 1996, Atlanta, GA.

National Meeting of the Baptist Medical-Dental Fellowship, Keynote Speaker, February 23-26, 1995.

National Preschool Worker’s Convention, Keynote Speaker, Nashville, TN, October 1999.

International Network of Children’s Ministry Convention, Keynote Speaker, San Diego, CA., Feb., 2001.

International Network of Children’s Ministry Convention, Keynote Speaker, Dallas, TX, Jan., 2002.

The Carr P. Collins Outstanding Professor, Public Lecture, Baylor University, May 1996.

Baptist State Youth Conventions: Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Georgia, Oklahoma,

Arkansas, and Mississippi, in the 1990s, and Virginia again, 2004.

Bible Conferences in Churches Include Studies in: Genesis, Joshua, Psalms, Job, Isaiah, Amos, Hosea,

Malachi, The Sermon on the Mount, John, I Corinthians, Philippians, Hebrews, and Ephesians, in

the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s.

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Baptist General Convention of Texas, Church Weekday Education Annual Convention, Keynote Address,

July, 10, 1998.

The American Red Cross Annual Banquet, Keynote Address, Waco, TX, August 28, 1999.

“Stages of Faith and the Christian University”

Mississippi College (Faculty Presentation)

February 5, 1991

“Prayer: The Delight and Discipline of Spiritual Growth”

Georgia Baptist Convention, Winter Youth Celebration

January 12-15, 1996

“Women in Ministry: Does God Have an Opinion?”

Waco Ministerial Alliance

Waco, TX

January 14, 1999

“Teaching and Learning in the Religion Classroom.”

Baptist Union of Religion Professors

Dallas, TX., July 1995.

“Faith Development in Christian Higher Education”

Faculty Colloquim

University of Mary Hardin-Baylor

February 22, 1996

“How We Got Our Bible”

Herbert H. Reynolds Summer School for Senior Adults

Baylor University

May 23, 1995

“Studies in the Book of Exodus”

Louisiana College Senior Adult Summer School

July 10, 1997

“The Doctrine of Salvation”

Louisiana College Senior Adult Summer School

July 12, 1997

“Thinking Christianly in an Increasingly Post-Christian World”

Carson-Newman University Chapel

January 12, 2015

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“Stages of Faith in the Seasons of Life”

Herbert H. Reynolds Summer School for Seniors

Baylor University

May 27, 1997

“Studies in Psalms and Job”

Herbert H. Reynolds Summer School for Seniors

Baylor University

May 29, 1997

“Songs of the Soul: Praying the Psalms in the Seasons of Life”

Baylor University Music and Worship Conference

January 1995

“Faith Development as an Educational Goal”

Baylor University Regents Retreat

Houston, TX

July 1998.

“The Book of Amos”

Pastor’s Conference

Baylor University

September 1995.

“Studies in the Book of Joshua”

Pastor’s School

Campbell University

July 1998.

“The Book of Joshua”

Baylor Bible Conference

Baylor University

October 1998.

“The Hardship of Leadership”

Virginia Youth Minister’s Conference

Williamsburg, Virginia

February 4-5, 1999

“The Theology of Forgiveness”

Faculty Colloquim

Howard Payne University

February 13, 2001

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“The Hardship of Leadership”

Texas Baptist Ministers of Religious Education Conference

Salado, TX.,

April 18-19, 2001

“The Resurrection: Is It Real? Is It Relevant?”

Resurrection Week

Baylor University

March 31, 1999.

“The Vietnam War: Up Close and Personal”

Vanguard College Prep School; Midway High School

Waco, TX, 1998-2006.

“The Life of Jesus Christ: Birth, Temptations, Teachings”

Louisiana Baptist Convention, Theme Interpreter/Bible Teacher

Monroe, LA.

November 15-16, 1999.

“Conversion of the Imagination: Storytelling as Creative Preaching”

Religious Faith and Literary Art Conference

Baylor University

February 24-25, 2000.

“Balancing Family and Ministry”

Church Staff Conference/Ministry Effectiveness

Baylor University

February 29, 2000.

“Developing a Healthy Church”

Conference on Ministry Effectiveness

Hispanic Baptist Theological Seminary

San Antonio, TX, March 3-4, 2000.

"Turning Bread Into Stones"

Fall Convocation Address

George W. Truett Theological Seminary, August 24, 2000.

“Sermon Preparation: Philosophy and Model”

Conference on Ministry Effectiveness

El Paso, TX, December 1-2, 2000

Houston, TX, January 26-27, 2001,

McAllen, TX, September, 14-15, ‘01

“Biblical Imperatives for Evangelism: Mandates and Models”

Texas State Evangelism Conference

San Antonio, TX, January, 29-30, 2001

18

“Sermon Preparation: Practical Guidelines for Busy Leaders”

Bi-vocational Ministers and Lay Leaders Seminar

Baylor University, November 30-December 1, 2001

“Storytellin’ as Gospel Sneakin’ Up on Us”

Baylor University Pastor’s R & R Conference

March 27-30, 2001

“The Book of Job: Questions of Suffering, Doubt, and Faith”

Pastor’s School

Campbell University

July 16-20, 2001

“Studies in the Book of Job”

Paisano Baptist Assembly

Alpine, TX

July 22-27, 2001

“Studies in the Book of Genesis”


July 21-26, 2002

“Studies in the Book of Psalms”


July 20-25, 2003

“Principles of Biblical Interpretation”

Texas Baptist Laity Institute

Abilene, Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, TX

September 10-24, 2001; May 2002

“The Book of Job: Questions of Suffering, Doubt, and Faith”

21st Annual Baylor Bible Conference

Baylor University. October 11-12, 2002.

“Dr. Sominex Meets Beavis and Butthead: Awakening the Professor When the Students Sleep,”

Faculty Colloquium (Creative Pedagogy)

Campbell University

November 4, 2002

“Church College or College Church: Should Faith Development be Modeled and Encouraged in the

Sectarian University Classroom?”

Faculty Colloquium

Campbell University

November 5, 2002

19

“Sweet Soul Music: Singing the Blues and Praising the Lord in the Psalms of Israel”

Highland Colony; Jackson, Mississippi

January 19, 2003

“A Study of the Book of Amos: Reality, Revelation, Relevance”

Mississippi Baptist Pastors

Jackson, Mississippi

January 20, 2003

“Qoheleth Meets Sisyphus”

Golden Key Honor Society, Induction Ceremony, Keynote Address

Baylor University

March 4, 2003

“World, Winds, and Whirlwinds: The Voice of God meets ‘The Vice of God’”

(The Book of Job)

Society of Biblical Literature/American Academy of Religion

Regional meeting, Dallas, TX, March 15-16, 2003

“World, Winds, and Whirlwinds: The Voice of God meets ‘The Vice of God’”

Scholars Day, Baylor University

March 8, 2004

“Studies in the Book of Amos”

Bulgarian Pastors

Sofia, Bulgaria, March 1997

“Nurturing Personal Growth in Self and Others”

Texas Baptist Weekday Educator’s Conference, Keynote Address

Baylor University

July 10, 2003

“Songs of the Soul: Praying the Psalms in the Seasons of Life”

Carson-Newman College

April 3-4, 2003

“How to Interpret the Bible: Theory and Practice”

Hispanic Pastor’s and Laity Conference

Texas Baptist Laity Institute/George W. Truett Theological Seminary

April 26, 2003

“From Resentment to Forgiveness to Freedom”

Theological Retreat, Second Baptist Church, Lubbock, TX

Glorieta, New Mexico

February 20-22, 2004

20

“Principles of Biblical Interpretation: Does One Size Fit All?”

Hispanic Preaching Conference

George W. Truett Theological Seminary

April 16-17, 2004

“Practical Ethics of Care Giving: A Joban Model”

National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion

Regional Meeting, Devotional Presentation

Dallas, TX, March 6, 2004

“Golden Keys of Leadership”

Golden Key Honor Society, Induction Ceremony, Keynote Address

Baylor University

March 23, 2004

“Can We Talk about Forgiveness? The Professional as a Person”

Administrative Professionals Conference

Baylor University

May 25, 2004

“Interpreting Scripture: Literary and Historical Approaches”

Texas Baptist Laity Institute Fall Conference

Tyler, Texas, September 10-11, 2004

“Stories Doeth Good Like a Medicine”

Texas Senior Adult Conference

Latham Springs, Texas, September, 22, 2004

“Biblical Interpretation”

Inaugural Small Church Preaching Conference


October 8-9, 2004

“Following a Call to Ministry: How Do I Prepare?”

Ministry Student Conference

Baylor University

October 28, 2004

“Tsunami: Where Was God? (Christian, Jewish, Muslim Responses)”

Center For American and Jewish Studies

Baylor University

January 27, 2005

“Reading the Book of Job: What Do Theodicy and Theocentricity Have in Common?”

Scholars’ Day, Baylor University

February 4, 2005

21

“Reading the Book of Job: Toward a Model of Pastoral Care”

Scholars’Day, Baylor University

February 4, 2005

“Daddy, were you tellin’ the truth or were you just preachin’? Telling the Old, Old Story in Fun,

New Ways”

Art and Soul Conference

Baylor University, April 7-9, 2005

“Possessing Promised Lands”

Southwest Mississippi Community College Commencement Address

Summit, Mississippi

May 6, 2005

“The Grasshopper Complex”

Baptist College of Health Sciences Commencement Address

Memphis, Tennessee

December 15, 2005

“Reading and Being Read: The Biblical Book of Job and Other Stories Which Surprise”

Texas Baptist Church Weekday Educator’s Conference

Salado, Texas. April 21, 2005

“Once Upon a Time: Storytellin’ as Legacy”

Baylor Institute for Learning in Retirement, Fall Convocation

Baylor University

September 1, 2005

“Invitation to Excellence”

Invitation to Excellence Program for National Merit Semifinalists, Keynote Address

Baylor University

November 11, 2005; November 3, 2006

“Storytelling: Stories Doeth Good Like a Medicine”

Conference for Pastors and Laymen


February 6-8, 2006

“The Authority of the Bible in the Twenty-first Century”

President’s Doctrinal Conference

Baylor University, February 14, 2006


Baylor Christian Faculty and Graduate Student Fellowship

Baylor University, March 2, 2006

22

“Stages of Faith Within the Mission of Christian Private Schools“

50th Anniversary of Texas Baptist Schools Convention, Keynote Address

Baylor University, March 10, 2006

“Faculty Diversity Initiatives”

2006 Higher Education Symposium

Dallas, Texas, March 30, 2006

“When Forgiveness Comes Hard and Forgetting Becomes Impossible”

Texas Baptist Church Weekday Educator’s Conference

Salado, Texas

April 6, 2006


New Faculty Orientation

Baylor University

August 19, 2006

“When Windows Turn to Mirrors: Seeing What the Prophet Amos Saw”

South Main Baptist Church

Houston, Texas

January 28, 2007

“Getting Leah, Finding God: When Bitter Reality Brings Sweet Revelation”

George W. Truett Theological Seminary Pastor’s Conference

February 5, 2007

“Why Forgive? What The Bible Really Says About Forgiveness”

George W. Truett Theological Seminary Pastor’s Conference

February 6, 2007

“Reflections on Forgiveness: What Does Theology Really Have to Do With Christian Living?”

First Baptist Church, Greensboro, North Carolina


“Set Free by Forgiveness: The Way to Peace and Healing”

Carson-Newman College

April 24, 2007

“A Declaration of Dependence Upon God”

Retired Missionaries Conference


July 1-3, 2007

“Why Diversity on the College Campus is Important”

Baylor Connections, Baylor University

August 30, 2007

23

“Turning Bread Into Stones”

Presidential Address

National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion, Southwest Region

Dallas, Texas

March 14, 2008

“The Power to Bless”

12th Annual Central Texas Youth Connection Regional Conference, Keynote Address

Waco, Texas

April 11, 2008

“Presidential Transition”

International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities

Annual Meeting, Branson, Missouri

June 2, 2008

“Why Should We Forgive?”

Baptist Medical-Dental Fellowship

Annual Meeting, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

May 7, 2009

“When Dreams Come True”

Keynote Speaker, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

City of Morristown, Tennessee

January 18, 2010

“Refresh”

Church Renewal Journey Leader’s Retreat, Tennessee Baptist Convention

Carson Springs Conference Center, Newport, Tennessee

May 13-15, 2011

“You May Say Martin was a Dreamer, But He’s Not the Only One.”

Keynote Speaker, Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration

City of Morristown, Tennessee

January 19, 2015

“Alternatives to the Death Sentence.”

Panelist, Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Sentence

University of Tennessee

October 22, 2015.

24

Invited Lectures

“Set Free by Forgiveness: The Way to Peace and Healing”

Carson-Newman Lectures/Winter Worship Series


February 6-8, 2018

“Is There a Blueprint for a Christian University?”

Russell Bradley Jones Lecture


March 5, 2015

The Weatherly Lectures, Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, Huntsville, Alabama

“Forgiveness: What, Why, and How?”


The George Knight Lectures, Hardin-Simmons University

“Retelling the Story of Job and Hearing it Again for the First Time”

“When Bad Things Happen to Good People: Reflections on the Suffering of Job”

“Toward a Biblical Model of Ministry: Pointers from the Book of Job”

“Q & A on the Book of Job: Questioning the Answers When the Answers are the

Questions”, November 12-13, 2007.

The Dotson M. Nelson, Jr. Lectureship on Religion in Life, Samford University

“How Does Forgiveness of Others Make Sense?”

September 5-6, 2005

The Mississippi College Evangelism Lectures “Practical Ethics of Care Giving: A Joban Model”

February 7-8, 2005

Baptist College of Health Sciences Religion Lectures, Memphis, TN

“Burning Bushes and New Beginnings: A Theology of Hope”

February 28-March 2, 2005

The Weatherly Lectures, Weatherly Heights Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL

“The Book of Job: Meaning and Mystery in the Spiritual Journey”


The Greensboro Bible Lectures, The First Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC

“The Book of Job: Questions of Faith, Theodicy, and Grace”

February 6-8, 2004

25

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectures, Campbell University

“A Theology of Hope”

November 4-7, 2002

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectures, Howard Payne University,

“Forgiveness: What, Why, How?”


The Perry W. Sanders Lectures in Biblical Studies, Louisiana College,

“Forgiveness: What, Why, How?”

September 9-11, 1997.

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectures, Howard Payne University,

“Burning Bushes and New Beginnings: A Theology of Grace”

February 24-26, 1997.

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectures, Campbell University,

“God and His People: Calling and Commandments” (Exodus)

October 22-24, 1996.

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectures, Samford University,

“Stages in My Spiritual Pilgrimage”

September 9-11, 1996.

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectures, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor,

“The Theology and Power of Words”

February 21-23, 1996.

The Tommy Logue Lecture Series, University of Arkansas at Little Rock,

“Children of the Light, Orphans in the Darkness? Questions of Suffering, Doubt, & Faith,”

(The Book of Job) October 1994

The Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectures, Mississippi College,

“The Theory and Practice of Just War: Thinking Clearly When the Picture is Muddied”

February 4-6, 1991.

Courses Taught on the University Campus:

Old Testament Introduction

New Testament Introduction

Introduction to Christian Scripture

Old Testament Interpretation

The Pentatuech

The Prophets

The Psalms and Wisdom Literature

The Book of Job

26

Hebrew Grammar; and Readings in Hebrew Bible

Christian Scriptures 2 (Truett Theological Seminary)

Theological Capstone (Truett Theological Seminary)

Oral Advocacy (Baylor Law School)

Archaeology

Hermeneutics

Homiletics

Honors Colloquia in the Honors College

The Art of Leadership

Professional Affiliations, Honors

Who’s Who in America

Who’s Who in Religion

Who’s Who in Humanities in Higher Education

Who’s Who in Biblical Studies and Archaeology

Who’s Who in the South and the Southwest

George W. Truett Distinguished Church Service Award, 2010, Hall of Fame, Baylor Alumni Association

Distinguished Alumnus Award, 2004, Hall of Fame, Southwest Mississippi Community College

Honorary Alumnus, George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University, 2002

Alumnus By Choice, Baylor Alumni Association, Baylor University, 2005

Member: Society of Biblical Literature (former 25 year member)

Member: American Academy of Religion (former 25 year member)

Member: National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion (former 25 year member)

Member: Council for Advancement and Support of Education

President, National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion, Southwest Region, 2007-08.

Vice-President, National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion, Southwest Region, 2006-07.

President, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary Alumni Association (NOBTS), Arkansas 1985-86.

President-Elect, NOBTS Alumni Association, Arkansas 1990-91. (Moved to Texas in 1991)

27

National Secretary, NOBTS Alumni Association, 1986-87.

Board of Trustees, NOBTS, 1989-90.

National Treasurer, NOBTS Alumni Association, 1990-91.

Board of Advisors, Legacy Family Ministry, 1998-2009.

Academic Advisory Board, Chair, Center for American and Jewish Studies, 2004-2005.

Member, Ouachita Baptist University Faculty Senate, 1983-1986.

Member, Baylor University Faculty Senate, 2004-2005.

Theological Education Committee, Baptist General Convention of Texas, 1998, 2002-2005.

Board of Directors, International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities, 2006-2010

Board of Directors, Hope Unlimited, 2010-2012.

Chair-elect, Executive Board, Consortium for Global Education, 2010

Chair, Executive Board, Consortium for Global Education, 2011

Board of Directors, Consortium for Global Education, 2010-present.

Vice-Chair, President’s Council, South Atlantic Conference, 2013-15.

Chair, President’s Council, South Atlantic Conference, 2015-16, 2016-17.

Board of Directors, Boys and Girls Club, White Pine, Tennessee, 2014-15.

Board of Directors, Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association, 2012—2015.

Teaching Honors

Circle of Achievement, Distinguished Professor, Baylor U. Mortar Board, 1994-95, 1996-97, 1998-99.

Outstanding Faculty Member, Baylor University, elected by the Baylor Student Congress, 1996-97.

Carr P. Collins Outstanding Faculty Member, $10,000 Prize, Baylor University, 1995-96.

(Chosen by vote of Graduating Class).

Outstanding Professor Baylor University 1992-1993, Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society.

Panhellenic Professor of the Month, Five-Time Honoree, Baylor University, 1992-96, 2005.

28

Centennial Baccalaureate Speaker Elected by Graduating Class of Ouachita Baptist University, 1986.

Outstanding Faculty Member, Ouachita Baptist University, 1984-85.

Commencement Speaker Elected by Graduating Class of Ouachita Baptist University

Class of 1982, Class of 1985.

Outstanding Faculty Member, Ouachita Baptist University, 1981-82.

Other

Commencement Speaker, Baptist College of Health Sciences, Memphis, TN, 2005.

Commencement Speaker, Southwest Mississippi Community College, 2005.

Commencement Speaker, Baylor University, August 2007.

Commencement Speaker, The King’s Academy, May 2012.

Commencement Speaker, The Tennessee Home-School Education Association, May 2012.

Commencement Speaker, Cornerstone Academy, Morristown, TN, 2014.

Elected to preach the Annual Sermon for the Baptist General Convention of Texas, 2008, (move to Texas

prevented the honor, which went to the alternate).

Elected to preach the Annual Sermon for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, 1989.

Glorieta and Ridgecrest National SBC Baptist Assemblies Preacher, Summer 1995, 1997.

“Christival” Mississippi State University, January 1996.

1990 Mobil Cotton Bowl Classic, Chaplain, University of Tennessee vs. University of Arkansas,

January 1, 1990, Dallas, TX.

Phi Theta Kappa, National Honor Society, member, inducted 1972.

Golden Key National Honor Society, Honorary Member, Baylor University.

Fellow in the R.G. Lee Society at Union University.

Sponsor, Phi Kappa Chi men’s fraternity, Baylor University, 1994-2005.

Sponsor, Baylor Students for Social Justice, Baylor University, 2000-2003.

29

United Way Board of Directors, Waco, TX, 3 year term, 1996-1999.

Chaplain, Baylor Baseball Team, 1996-2005.

Past Volunteer Little League Baseball Coach

Past Volunteer Community Girls and Boys Basketball Coach

Leadership Tennessee, 2015-16.

Military Service Decorations (or Awards)

Vietnam War Veteran

United States Army Combat Infantryman Badge

Two years’ service, 1970-1971 United States Air Medal

(U.S. Army Reserves, Inactive, 1971-76)

101st Airborne Division, 3rd Brigade, Proficiency Award

2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, Leadership Award

Company D, Non-Commissioned Expert Medals in Marksmanship, Rifle, Pistol

Officer, Quang Tri Province, I Corps Honorable Discharge

Vietnam

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Service Medal

Overseas Service Ribbon

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

With Device

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with

Palm Unit Citation Badge

Bronze Star*

*(Awarded in Vietnam, without paperwork)

30

(Civilian-military Honors):

Distinguished Visitor

Department of the Army

U. S. Army War College

47th Annual National Security Seminar

June, 2000

Honorary Golden Knight

U.S. Army Golden Knights Skydiving Team

Tandem Jump, Fort Knox, KY

June 13, 2014

References

Available upon request

j. randall o’brien president carson-newman university · 1 curriculum vitae j. randall o’brien...

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