Dr. Eugene L. Lowry’s career in theological studies involves over 60 years of practical experience of work and teaching. He is currently a professor of preaching emeritus at Saint Paul School of Theology. Initially hired by the seminary as a lecturer in 1962, he ascended the ranks and served as an assistant professor, associate professor, professor of preaching and worship, as well as administrator: Director of Doctoral Studies and Interim Academic Dean.
Prior to serving Saint Paul School of Theology, Dr. Lowry was a pastor of several churches: College Heights United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Missouri; County Club United Methodist Church in Kansas City; First Methodist Church in Wichita, Kansas; and St. Paul Methodist Church in West New York, New Jersey. In related responsibilities, Dr. Lowry has served as a guest lecturer at more than 50 institutions of higher learning, been president of the Academy of Homiletics in 1992, and served as a guest professor at Princeton Theological Seminary and Drew Theological Seminary. A particular honor was to be the Lyman Beecher Lecturer on Preaching at Yale Divinity School in 2009.
Dr. Lowry was first ordained to ministry by the Methodist Church in 1956 and has continued to serve his faith through his preaching, teaching and publication of numerous theological texts. Dr. Lowry notes that ambiguity in preaching is crucial – that one must leave things open enough to allow individuals to finally connect the dots.
Dr. Lowry found the focus on ambiguity to be related to his interest in jazz music improvisation. The outcome was a new form – combining his piano music and speech – that resulted in the creation of lecture/concerts, which he has performed across the country and beyond. Two of his CDs are the lecture/concerts “Jazz and Christianity” and “The Theology of the Blues.”
Married to Sarah, a biochemist, together they have five children: Mark (deceased), Diane, and Jill Lowry and Gayle and Max Cheatum, as well as 19 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys music, vintage cars and jazz piano performance.
Contact Dr. Lowry:
