Bethany Welcomes Dr. Valerie Bridgeman As Chapel Speaker

Bethany Theological Seminary will welcome the Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman as guest speaker for its chapel service on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, beginning at 11:20 a.m. Her sermon is entitled, “God, Why???”

Dr. Bridgeman is dean and vice president of academic affairs at Methodist Theological School of Ohio (MTSO), in Delaware, Ohio, where she is also associate professor of homiletics and Hebrew Bible. She is founder and CEO of WomenPreach! Inc., an organization that provides practical training and nurturing community spaces that empower preachers. The organization shares with MTSO a $1.25 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to support that work.

Dr. Bridgewater earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University, an MDiv from Austin Theological Seminary, and a PhD from Baylor University. She has published on a variety of scholarly topics. 

“The Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman is an outstanding scholar of Homiletics and the Hebrew Bible as well as a leader in the Academy of Homiletics. Known for her advocacy on behalf of marginalized persons, the founding director of “Woman Preach!” (supporting Black women preachers), and her passion for prophetic justice, she is both cherished and esteemed by colleagues who count on her keen mind, sound judgment, and willingness to address challenging issues,” notes Dr. Dawn Ottoni-Wilhelm, Brightbill professor of preaching and worship at Bethany. 

“Dr. Bridgeman has also been an invaluable member of the editorial board of the journal Homiletic where she continues to provide wisdom and guidance in navigating the complex landscape of academic publishing. We welcome her to the pulpit of Nicarry Chapel, knowing that her words will bear witness to God’s truth and love.”

During the academic year, Bethany gathers for worship in Nicarry Chapel on the first three Wednesdays of each month. Following Wednesday’s chapel, the Bethany community will gather for a common meal, followed by a Q&A session with Dr. Bridgeman.

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