(JACKSON, Miss.) – December 17, 2013 – Dr. Charlie Wingard has been elected as a regular faculty member at Reformed Theological Seminary’s Jackson campus. He will begin as assistant professor of practical theology on Jan. 1, 2014.
Wingard’s dad, a Presbyterian minister, worked in orphanages in Arkansas and Missouri and adopted him into their home in 1958. Wingard recalls, “Dad became the most influential person in my life – my father, pastor, adviser, and friend. I made no contribution to the most important decision ever made about me – my adoption. That is a good truth for a future Presbyterian minister to keep in mind.”
At age 14, during a Lay Renewal Conference at his dad’s church, Wingard sensed a call to the gospel ministry. “Dad frequently took me on hospital and home visits,” he said. “I saw him read scripture and pray with patients and families. All of this was a valuable introduction to pastoral theology.”
He went on to receive a B.A. in Political Science from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tenn, an M.Div. from Vanderbilt and a D.Min from Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
His hobbies include hiking, reading political and military history, and traveling with his wife Lynne. He and Lynne have four sons and one granddaughter.
“The faculty position for Practical Theology is both the easiest and the hardest of all positions to fill,” said Dr. Guy Richardson, president of RTS Jackson. “It is the easiest to fill because many people qualify ‘on paper’ to take the role. It is also one of the hardest to fill because it takes a person who not only has the necessary academic credentials, but also a love for our Lord and his Word and a determination to teach others how to communicate those wonderful truths. That means he must have both passion and patience- and they are hard to find in one person! We are so grateful to God that he has led us to Charlie. He not only fills both needs, but he brings many years of deep pastoral experience to help prepare our students for ministry. We could not be more pleased and excited!”