Chicago Theological Seminary (CTS) is pleased to announce that Professor Lakisha R. Lockhart will join the CTS faculty as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology effective July 1, 2020.

Lockhart describes herself as a “southern lady hailing from Columbus, GA by way of Waynesville, MO.” She received a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion from Claflin University, an MDiv with a concentration in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Wesley Theological Seminary, an M.A. in Ethics and Society from Vanderbilt University, and a Ph.D in Theology and Education from Boston College. She actively advocates for the usage of the body as a locus for doing theology through engaged and embodied pedagogical practices.

Lockhart is a playful womanist scholar-activist who previously served as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology and Faculty Director for the STREAM Youth Theology Institute at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. The STREAM Youth Theology Institute continues to provide space where high school students explore ways in which they live out their faith in the world. Through this program Lockhart was able to live into one of her gifts and passions of helping young people find God in themselves, and see how their own gifts and talents can transform the world.

Vice President of Academic Affairs and Academic Dean Stephanie Buckhanon Crowder noted “The addition of Professor Lockhart to the faculty will allow CTS to further strengthen its curricular work through formal religious education offerings and expand notions of theology as ‘practical and playful.’”

As a consultant for the Campus Ministry Theological Exploration of Vocation Initiative with the Forum for Theological Exploration, Lockhart is able to learn first-hand about the changing nature of congregations as well as the practical, theological, and spiritual needs of ministers, students and congregants. In this role she personally interfaces with over 100 campus ministry programs across the U.S.

Lockhart has published various article on the body, race, and play. She recently stepped down as President of ARC: Arts | Religion | Culture, a collaborative community for those who cultivate embodied and just ways of knowing and being through artistic and spiritual practices in order to promote the just flourishing of all creation.

CTS will host ARC’s 2020 conference March 20 through 22.