Bishop J. Michael Lowry installed as Bishop-in-Residence at United Theological Seminary
DAYTON, OHIO, January 13, 2022 — United Theological Seminary welcomed Bishop J. Michael Lowry as Bishop-in-Residence during a service of installation on January 10, 2022. Bishop Lowry will be the first to hold this position at the United Methodist seminary in Dayton, Ohio.
“Bishop Lowry is not just a passionate preacher and disciple but an erudite one as well,” said Dr. David Watson, Academic Dean and Senior Vice President for United. “He is a lifelong student of Christian theology and praxis….Our students will benefit not only from his character and experience but his great learning as well.”
As bishop-in-residence, Bishop Lowry will preach and preside in chapel services, teach courses, and serve as a co-mentor for one of United’s doctoral focus groups. He will also provide a pastoral presence for students seeking counsel as they prepare for ministry. In addition, he will serve as a senior leader of the Seminary.
“I’m looking forward to having Bishop Lowry on our executive team and on our cabinet, providing mature, wise experience as we seek to make decisions for the seminary,” said Dr. Kent Millard, president of United.
Bishop Lowry spoke of his role at United as one of servant leadership.
“My image, I told President Millard, is that I am here to hold your coat, and to help in whatever way I can. I hope to fruitfully and faithfully be of help to the faculty, to the staff and administration, and to the students here at United,” he shared. “It is my joy and pleasure, my deep honor, to be with you.”
A 1972 graduate of Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, Bishop Lowry earned his Master of Theology from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and his Doctor of Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He was ordained a Deacon in The United Methodist Church in 1974, an Elder in 1978 and was elected to the episcopacy in 2008. On January 1, 2022, he entered vocational retirement from the episcopacy. Prior to his retirement, he was the longest-tenured leader of the Fort Worth Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church.
United Theological Seminary is one of 13 United Methodist seminaries in the United States. Located in Dayton, Ohio, United prepares students from more than 30 denominations to become faithful and fruitful Christian leaders who make disciples of Jesus Christ. On-campus and online learning options provide access to master’s and doctoral theological degrees or continuing education. Founded in 1871 by Bishop Milton Wright, father of aviation pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright, United has continued in that spirit of innovation to equip the Church for the past 150 years.
