graphic promoting Ministry Leaders Forum event

Seminary to welcome New Testament scholar Scot McKnight for special event Oct. 1-2

Published on Sep. 11, 2026

Ashland Theological Seminary

ASHLAND, Ohio – Ashland Theological Seminary, a graduate division of Ashland University, is welcoming pastors, church leaders and university and seminary students for a special Ministry Leaders Forum featuring prominent New Testament scholar Scot McKnight, Ph.D., on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 1-2.

The community is free to attend Friday’s educational event from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., which will take place at Park Street Brethren Church (619 Park St., Ashland). It will be a day of teaching and discussion focused on “Rethinking the New Testament,” as McKnight will address topics related to Paul, the Sermon on the Mount and Pharisees. There will be ample time for breaks and an engaging Q&A session.

The Ministry Leaders Forum is geared toward pastors and leaders who want to continue education and those who are interested in Biblical studies and faith formation.

McKnight, an author, longtime professor and sought-after speaker, is known for his work on the historical Jesus, early Christianity and Christian living. He is a visiting professor and teaching team member for the Doctor of Ministry program at Houston Theological Seminary as well as an international guest lecturer at Westminster Theological Centre in the United Kingdom.

McKnight, who specializes in the Synoptic Gospels, has written more than 90 books, including the recent “Jesus, People, Pharisees,” a translation of the New Testament called “The Second Testament” and “The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others,” which won a Christianity Today Book Award in 2004.

McKnight earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Cornerstone University, a master’s in biblical studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Ph.D. in theology from the University of Nottingham.

Registration for the event is available at seminary-ashland.edu/ministry-leaders-forum.

For more information, contact Douglas Van Nest, assistant director of advanced degrees and field education at ATS, at dvannest@ashland.edu or 419-289-5706.