Announcement from United Theological Seminary

Remembering Dr. Donald B. Rogers

With great sadness we share news of the passing of Rev. Dr. Donald B. Rogers (Oct. 17, 1931 – Nov. 20, 2024), Professor Emeritus of Christian Education.

Dr. Rogers spent the majority of his teaching career at United Theological Seminary, joining the faculty in 1969 and retiring in 2001 as Colonel Robert E. Cowden Professor of Christian Education. A true educator, he continued teaching at United and in other venues following his retirement.

During his tenure at United, Dr. Rogers deeply influenced many students. He taught courses on Christian formation and education, led a Doctor of Ministry cohort and mentored those preparing for Christian education ministries. He was widely respected by students and peers alike. An outstanding teacher, one colleague described his teaching style as “mesmerizing.” 

He established a pottery ministry and a Christian Education Resource Center at United. In October 2001, he delivered the Showers Lectures at United, presenting two lectures on Christian education.

Dr. Rogers also served as Academic Director of the Diaconal Certification Program at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville, Tennessee, offered in partnership with United Theological Seminary from 1988 through 1997. In his retirement, he continued to participate in the Scarritt Bennett Center until 2019 by leading an annual spiritual retreat, co-leading training workshops and serving on the board of directors for the Blessing Center (now Blessing Center Collaborative).

Dr. Rogers’ published a variety of works on Christian education, including Teachable Moments with Kay Kupper Berg (Discipleship Resources), The Way of the Teacher: For Those Who Teach or Think They Might (Discipleship Resources), Urban Church Education (Religious Education Press), In Praise of Learning (Abingdon Press, originally published in 1980; revised and updated with Jacqueline J. Nowak in 2007) and Echoes of Mercy, Whispers of Love: Meditations written by the faculty and staff of United Theological Seminary, edited by Donald B. Rogers 1990-91.

He held a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado (1955) and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from Princeton Theological Seminary (1958, 1967). Prior to joining the faculty at United, Dr. Rogers taught at Princeton Theological Seminary, Westminster Choir College and Texas Christian University. He also served as a pastor and educator in the American Baptist Church, Disciples of Christ and other congregations. He pastored Mt. Auburn Baptist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, for 31 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife Constance Claire Cornwell and is survived by three sons, Scot (Nancee), Gregory, Carl (Kum Dan); grandchildren, Andrew and Hannah; and great-grandson, Beau.

Services will be held on January 25, 2025, 2 p.m., at Wyoming Baptist Church, 170 Burns Ave. Wyoming, OH 45215.