A church having a “Spiritual Theologian in Residence” is far from typical. And yet, this role is a significant expression of Hope’s mission, vision, and values. There are many facets of Aaron Badenhop’s new title that merit some explanation. This brief article may not resolve all points of confusion, but we hope it provides some needed clarity.

What is Spiritual Theology?

This is such a significant question that Aaron has written a separate article on the matter. That said, Hope is accustomed to seeking integration where there is unnecessary and unhelpful separation. Spiritual Theology is about the interplay and integration of theology (what we know about God) with spirituality (how we live with God). An emphasis on Spiritual Theology is closely connected to Hope’s value of “emotionally healthy spirituality (head and heart).”

What is a Spiritual Theologian in Residence?

In addition to his divinity degree, Aaron received an advanced degree in Leadership and Spiritual Formation. His primary calling in ordained ministry is to found and direct an independent non-profit called Carmen House Christian Study Center on the doorstep of Ohio State. His work is an outward expression of Hope’s value of: “the connection of the church and our campus (church and city).” In one sense Aaron will remain engaged in leadership at Hope, as much or more than ever. Aaron will help Hope to continue to develop some of its key values in pursuit of Hope’s vision towards our city’s surprising encounter with Jesus. But in another sense, Aaron’s in residence role is a way of acknowledging that the majority of his ordained ministry will extend beyond the body of Hope; Aaron will not be hired or employed directly by Hope at this time.

What is remaining the same?

Since Aaron has been a ruling elder at Hope, he will continue to engage with the session (elder board) as an ordained officer (teaching elder) at Hope.* Aaron and Elisabeth have long been supported financially by Hope as campus ministry staff with Cru, and now with Carmen House/Global Service Associates, and this will continue. Elisabeth, Brooke, and Molly’s membership at Hope will likewise continue as before.

What is changing?

Aaron’s ordination to the role of Spiritual Theologian in Residence acknowledges his education and twenty years of full-time vocational ministry experience on campus. As a teaching elder and assistant pastor at Hope, Aaron will be able to administer the sacraments. This ordination providentially coincides with the founding of Carmen House Christian Study Center. Though the study center will be an independent non-profit, much of Aaron’s work at Carmen House will be a resource and compliment to Hope’s own ministry. One expression of this will be Aaron’s spiritual theology newsletter called Active Passivity.

*Per EPC polity, as an assistant pastor, Aaron will technically discontinue his role as a voting member of the session Hope. The congregation of Hope could have the opportunity at a later date (in context of a congregational meeting) to call Aaron as associate pastor at Hope, which if approved at presbytery, would place Aaron back on the session officially as a voting member.