NEWS PROVIDED BY
Dallas Theological Seminary
March 7, 2025

DALLAS, March 7, 2025 /Standard Newswire/ -- Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS) is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs as the new Chair of the Pastoral Ministries Department and Dr. Andi Thacker as the new Chair of the Counseling Ministries Department. These strategic leadership changes reflect DTS’s ongoing commitment to equip students for biblically faithful ministry and gospel-centered service in pastoral and counseling contexts.

Dr. Jeffrey Arthurs: Leading Pastoral Ministries with a Vision for Biblical Preaching

Dr. Arthurs joins DTS from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, where he served as the Haddon W. Robinson Chair of Preaching and Communication and Director of the Haddon W. Robinson Center for Preaching. A recognized scholar and author, Dr. Arthurs brings decades of experience in preaching, rhetorical theory, and biblical interpretation, equipping generations of pastors for effective biblical communication.

His published works, including Preaching as Reminding (winner of the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for Pastoral Ministry) and Preaching with Variety, have significantly shaped the field of expository preaching. His expertise in preaching, theology, and pastoral leadership will strengthen DTS’s commitment to training pastors who faithfully interpret and proclaim God’s Word in a changing cultural landscape.

Dr. Arthurs will also provide leadership for the William B. Dean, MD, Pastor Formation Fellowship, an initiative that provides specialized mentorship, training, and financial support to Master of Theology (ThM) students called to expository preaching and pastoral ministry.

Dr. George Hillman, Vice President for Education at DTS, shared his enthusiasm about Dr. Arthurs’ appointment:

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Arthurs to DTS. His extensive experience, passion for biblical preaching, and commitment to mentoring future pastors make him an invaluable addition to our faculty. We are eager to see how his leadership shapes the next generation of godly servant leaders.”

Dr. Andi Thacker: Advancing the Counseling Ministries Department

Dr. Thacker, a licensed professional counselor, educator, and expert in trauma healing and play therapy, has been part of the DTS faculty since 2014. She brings nearly two decades of clinical and academic experience and a passion for equipping counselors who integrate biblical wisdom with clinical excellence.

Under her leadership, the Counseling Ministries Department will continue to train students for Christ-centered, professional counseling in a variety of ministry and mental health settings. Dr. Thacker’s background includes work in psychiatric hospitals, community mental health, church counseling, and private practice. She is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor, a registered play therapist supervisor, and a nationally certified counselor.

DTS’s Master of Arts in Counseling (MAC) program is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS), currently preparing for review by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs, Dr. Thacker will play a critical role in leading this accreditation process and advancing the department’s mission.

Dr. Thacker expressed her gratitude for this new opportunity:

“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the new department chair. I deeply appreciate the dedication and leadership of those who have served before me, whose efforts have laid a strong foundation for our work. As I step into this role, I pray for wisdom and guidance, trusting in God to lead us forward in fulfilling our mission of teaching truth and loving well.”

Continuing DTS’s Legacy of Ministry Preparation

The appointments of Dr. Arthurs and Dr. Thacker mark an exciting chapter for DTS’s mission to equip godly servant-leaders for ministry. Their leadership will strengthen the seminary’s commitment to sound theological training, practical ministry preparation, and Christ-centered service in both the pastoral and counseling fields.

For more information about the Pastoral Ministries and Counseling Ministries Departments at Dallas Theological Seminary, visit www.dts.edu.

Media Contact:

Jessica Chappell, DTS Media Relations, mediarelations@dts.edu

SOURCE Dallas Theological Seminary