The CPT is pleased to announce that Dr. Todd Wilson has been named by the CPT Board of Directors as the first President of the Center For Pastor Theologians effective in a full-time capacity, June 2018. As President, Dr. Wilson will provide vision and oversight for the next stage of expanded programming for our organization. CPT board member, Rev. Dr. John Yates III commented on Wilson’s new installation, “I am thrilled with Todd's appointment and excited for the future of the CPT as we embrace a bold vision for transforming pastoral ministry in North America. I cannot think of a more capable and visionary pastor-theologian to lead the way.”
Dr. Wilson has served for the past 10 years as the Senior Pastor of Calvary Memorial Church, a historic and diverse congregation located in Oak Park, Illinois, just outside Chicago. After prayerful consideration and a season of mutual discernment, the elder board of Calvary Memorial has affirmed Wilson’s transition to this new role. “We are thankful to God for Todd's years of fruitful ministry among us as a local church, and now send him off with our blessing to serve Christ and the global Church through his leadership of The Center for Pastor Theologians,” said Calvary Elder Board Chairman, Chris Jahns.
Dr. Wilson earned a B.A. in Philosophy as well as an M.A. in Biblical Exegesis from Wheaton College. He went on to complete his Ph.D. in New Testament Studies at Cambridge University. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books, including The Curse of the Law and the Crisis in Galatia (Mohr Siebeck, 2007), Pastors in the Classics (Baker, 2012), Galatians: Gospel-Rooted Living (Crossway, 2013), The Pastor Theologian (Zondervan, 2015) Real Christian (Zondervan, 2014), Mere Sexuality (Zondervan, 2017), The Crucified Apostle (Mohr Siebeck, 2017), and the forthcoming Zealous for Good Works (Moody, 2018).
Wilson’s leadership will allow the CPT to continue to expand and impact more pastors and churches for the good of Christ’s Kingdom. CPT theological mentor and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School professor Kevin Vanhoozer commented, “Todd's new position moves him from one pulpit to another: he'll now have a bully-pulpit from which to communicate and commend the merits of the pastor-theologian model. Preach it, Todd!"
Dr. Gerald Hiestand, co-founder (along with Wilson) of the CPT, will continue on as part-time Executive Director, providing oversight to the CPT’s various programing initiatives. “Over the past decade, Todd and I have a built a close working relationship and deep friendship, fostered in the trenches during our time together at Calvary Memorial. I’m excited to continue working with him in this new role, and look forward to seeing where the Lord leads us,” said Dr. Hiestand.
The CPT remains committed to helping pastors live into the theological leadership that is inherent to their office. “I’m honored to be able to serve the CPT in this way,” said Wilson, “and thrilled to give my energies more fully to helping promote its vision for the renewal of the church through the renewal of the pastorate and the renewal of theology.” On behalf of Dr. Wilson and the CPT, we covet your prayers for this new season of ministry. May the Great Shepherd of this sheep bless his under-shepherds through the ministry of the CPT, for the well-being of his church and her mission in the world.
