2008 CMU Workshop

 

Randy Willingham is an associate professor of Bible and Ministry atHarding University.  He teaches general bible courses and specializes in courses called “Conflict Management in Ministry,” “Introduction to Christian Ministry,” “Leadership Strategies,” and “Congregational Assessment & Strategies.”  He spent 15 years as a minister before going to Harding in 2000 where he also serves as a church consultant. 

Dr. Willingham has demonstrated ability to utilize academic study in the service of real life church experiences.  His experiences highlight that he is a churchman utilizing scholarship to serve the church. 

He completed his academic work about conflict while in conflict first-hand.  As a minister at a small church, he was completing his doctoral thesis entitled “Fighting for Peaceful Fighting” when he was fired – and then rehired.  He stayed two years after being rehired and the story had a happy ending. 

• Dr. Willingham worked with the leadership of a mid sized congregation to develop a new model for elders’ ministries.  Implementing the model produced improved communication, more congregational support for decisions, a pool of elder candidates, less stress on elders, and the emergence of a ministry partnership between the eldership, ministers, and other “pillars of the church.” 
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He was recognized with academic and professional development awards by Abilene Christian University for his doctoral and practical work in the church context.  He also attended Harding Graduate School of Religion, Harding University, Harding School of Biblical Studies, and Oklahoma State University.  He earned three degrees emphasizing Greek, New Testament, Philosophy of Religion, Church Growth, Spiritual Leadership, and Conflict Management.  He has done additional training in Counseling for Church Leaders, Family and Divorce Mediation, Redefining Leadership, Prepare/Enrich, and the utilization of level-B psychological instruments.  Other than universities, he has presented on leadership topics for the Educator’s Leadership Academy and Great Expectations.  He has written the following courses for churches:  “The Two Shall Become One” (marriage course), “Orientation to the        Church of Christ” (a course designed to be adapted different churches as a way of assimilating new members), and “Fighting for Peaceful Fighting” (a seminar for training church members to manage conflict).  He has also written a course entitled “The Religious Foundations for Christian Ethics.” 

He has been married to Eva since 1982.  They have two teen-age sons, Nathan and Daniel.  He can be reached at Harding University, Bible Department, Box 12280, Searcy, AR 72149-0001 or (501) 279-4614 or (501) 230-2732.  E-mail: rwillingham@harding.edu or contact@randywillingham.com.