Michael J. Christensen, Ph.D.

Michael J. Christensen (M.A., Yale; Ph.D., Drew), is a practical theologian affiliated with Drew University, Point Loma Nazarene University, Nazarene Theological Seminary, Episcopal School for Ministry, and Northwind Seminary where he is Professor of Theology and Academic Dean.

Previously he was Associate Professor of Spirituality and Director of the D.Min. program of Drew University Theological School in Madison, New Jersey; International Director of Communities of Shalom of The United Methodist Church: and Founding Pastor of Golden Gate Community Church of the Nazarene.

Author of eleven books and many articles on various topics of practical theology, spirituality and social justice, and leadership development, he is married to author Rebecca Laird with whom he has co-edited three posthumous books by Henri Nouwen known as “The Nouwen Trilogy”: Spiritual Direction, Spiritual Formation and Discernment.

He “graduated with distinction” from Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, with a B.A. in Literature and a minor in Psychology (1977). He has an M.A. in Religion from Yale Divinity School (1981) and a Ph.D. in Theological and Religious Studies from Drew University (1997). Currently, his research and writing interests include: apocalyptic eschatology, comparative spirituality, inter-religious theology, and theosis as spiritual social transformation.

Ordained in the Church of the Nazarene and a Clergy Member of The United Methodist Church, Dr. Christensen is available for speaking, teaching, consulting, training, and as a retreat facilitator. Contact: mchriste@pointloma.edu

Henri Nouwen was born in Holland in 1932 and ordained a Catholic priest in 1957. He obtained his doctorandus in psychology from Nijmegen University in The Netherlands and taught at Notre Dame, Yale, and Harvard. He experienced the monastic life with Trappist monks at the Abbey of the Genesee, lived among the poor in Latin America with the Maryknoll missioners, and was interested and active in numerous causes related to social justice. After a lifetime of seeking, Henri Nouwen finally found his home in Canada, as pastor of L'Arche Daybreak - where people with intellectual disabilities and their caregivers live together in community.

Henri Nouwen wrote over 40 books on spirituality and the spiritual life that have sold millions of copies and been translated into dozens of languages. His vision of spirituality was broad and inclusive, and his compassion embraced all of humankind.

He died in 1996. His work and his spirit live on.

Henri Nouwen pronounced his name "Henry Now-en." For more information on his life and work, please visit www.henrinouwen.org .