My name is Don Ray. I have over 20 years' diversified experience as an ordained Pastor; theology and leadership educator; mixed methods researcher; and Law Enforcement Chaplain certified in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
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My recent U.S. nationwide mixed methods study (publications in-review) is the largest-known project ever conducted on trauma, coping, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among clergy (n = 502), and the only known empirical study to examine PTG from a Lutheran Christian perspective.
M.Div. | Concordia Seminary (St. Louis, MO), Presidential Scholarship
Ph.D. in Education | Biola University, Talbot School of Theology (La Mirada, CA), Aquila full academic scholarship
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As an early-career academic researcher, my teaching, research, & theological interests of late include:
trauma, suffering, and trials as continuing education;
trauma, coping and religious coping, and posttraumatic growth among clergy and first responders, respectively;
adult continuing education (lifelong experiential learning);
Luther's theology of the cross, and the essential nature of agonizing struggles (Anfechtungen / tentationes) for Christian formation and maturation
Theology and EDUCATION
Fundamentally, I hold that the cross of Jesus Christ, and Christ crucified, is the essence of all true theology (cf. Luther: crux sola est nostra theologia).
The term “education” comes from the Latin, educatio, and educo, meaning “to breed, rear, bring up;” and “to train, and lead,” respectively. Thus, I define “education” as a leadership process of facilitating learning for others.
Biblical theology and CHRISTIAN education
In my view, an expressly Christ-ian theological education will, by definition, have as its foundation and aim Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ, and facilitate learning from and about the same (cf. Ps. 118:22; Acts 4:11; 1 Cor. 3:11; Eph. 2:19-21). God has revealed this Messiah to mankind personally through His Scriptures, which give witness specifically to Jesus (cf. John 5:39; Luke 24:44).
It remains my conviction that a Christian theological education will, above all and through all, teach and proclaim Jesus Christ to be God’s Son and man’s Savior who lived, suffered, died, and rose from the dead, so that repentance and forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in his name to all nations, with the result that all hearers might believe and have life abundantly (cf. Mt. 2:23; 3:17; 16:16; 17:5; 27:54; Lk. 9:35; 22:70; 24:44-47; Jn. 10:10; 20:30-31; Rom. 10:9ff.; 2 Tim. 2:4).
While a maximally fruitful Christian education entails more than these truths, I believe it cannot, by definition, encompass anything less. Indeed, it will foster rich, critical inquiry and examination of the world in the light of the Scriptures, as it also professes God in Christ to the Creator and Sustainer of all things (cf. Gen. 1-2; Jn. 1:1-14; 14:6; Acts 17:10-11; 2 Cor. 10:5; Heb. 1:1-4).
the PERSONAL nature of Biblical theology and Christian education
I confess and believe in one God, in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. According to the Scriptures, I believe God the Father sent His Son personally into the world, to give His whole life for the world; and this, not to condemn the world, but so that all persons who repent and believe in Jesus as Lord receive the forgiveness of sins and Spirit-filled life in His name (cf. Jn. 3:16-17).
Thus I am persuaded that all Biblical theology and interdisciplinary Christian education and research will be inescapably personal, given the personal God reveals Himself in Christ to and for people.
Accordingly, those whom God calls to serve in the vocations of Christian theological educators, researchers, and learners will be the same: by God’s unmerited grace, we are to be focused in our work on both the person of Jesus Christ and the people whom Jesus has called and privileged us to love, serve, teach, and guide in His name. As the Lord communes with us, we, in turn, enjoy and participate in community with one another, through Him—and together, serve others by His grace, with wisdom and love (cf. Prov. 9:10; Jn. 13:34-35; 1 Cor. 1:18-25; 10:15-17; 13:1-8; Eph. 2:8-10; 4:1-32; Phil. 2:1-11; Jam. 1:5; 1 Pet. 4:10-11).
“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
Rembrandt (ca. 1661). Return of the Prodigal Son.
I (am) know(n), and love(d).
As a former agnostic, and since Baptized at the age of 23, I know what it’s like to not know.
I know what it’s like to wonder, and wander…
Having grown up largely fatherless, I know what it’s like to feel rejected, and to reject.
As a person forgiven and redeemed in Christ, I am known and loved by God; the Word of God who first knew and loved me.
![“‘[M]y son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:24).](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5fb40efac786dc4eef38b37b/1606550869606-KEZZGULU7OU55CA4JU7X/Father%27s+Hands+2.jpg)
“‘[M]y son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate” (Luke 15:24).
My students, parishioners, and clients (are) know(n), and love(d).
As a Christian, ordained pastor, educator, and researcher, the Lord has given me a heart and mind to love, teach, mentor, and share life with fellow sojourners and learners, to include those who may not know…or who wonder, wander, or feel rejected...and help them discover their identity, purpose, and callings in Christ…
As a teacher of theology and leadership, I help learners entrusted to my care to know and love God’s Word; the Word of God who first knew and loved them.