On Thursday, April 17, the GST hosted a campus reception honoring James Thompson’s 21 year career at ACU. James served 9 years as the GST’s Associate Dean and holds the Onstead Chair for Biblical Studies. He is a loved professor emphasizing Hebrews, Pauline literature, and the relationship between biblical interpretation and preaching. James is well known for his academic writing that serves the church. He has recently written Preaching Paul, Pastoral Ministry according to Paul, and Moral Formation according to Paul. Soon his forthcoming book on Paul’s theology of the church will be published. Many churches have used his books for adult Bible school curriculum, for example, Our Life Together, The Mark of a Christian, Strategy for Survival, The Church in Exile, and Equipped for Change.

James’s love for the church extends also to his service to the University Church of Christ where he has served as an elder for many years. One of his primarily roles for the church is writing the adult Bible school curriculum.

At the reception James was joined by his wife Carolyn, his children Phil and Eleanor, and three of his four grandchildren. Various faculty members honored James with words of appreciation. Thankfully James will continue to work with the GST by teaching 6 hours each year, archival work in the library, and advising MA in NT students. In retirement, James will continue to do what he enjoys most, writing and watching UT basketball. He says, “He is blessed to be able to call work what he most enjoys doing as play.”

Congratulations James!