Rev. Nelson Cowan, Ph.D.
About Me
Rev. Nelson Cowan, Ph.D., is a United Methodist elder (pastor), worship leader, and liturgical theologian. He earned a Ph.D. in Liturgical Studies from Boston University School of Theology in 2019, and currently serves as the director of the Center for Worship and the Arts at Samford University.Â
Dr. Cowan teaches worship, church history, and preaching adjunctly for Candler School of Theology at Emory University (Course of Study Program), Drew University (M.Div students), and Wesley Theological Seminary (D.Min students). He carries six years of lead pastor experience and twelve years in worship ministry.
Current Projects
Invited Editor, "Branded Worship" in Liturgy: A Journal of the Liturgical Conference (forthcoming, Fall 2023)
General Editor, A Concise Guide to Worship (placeholder title), Abingdon Press (forthcoming, January 2024)
Teaching Competencies
Christian Worship (ecumenically-oriented or United Methodist-specific), Liturgical Theology, Sacramental Theology, Preaching, The History of Christianity, United Methodist History, Doctrine, and Polity.
Research Interests
Liturgical Theology and Hermeneutics, Pentecostal-Evangelical-Charismatic Movements, Contemporary Congregational Song & Hymnology, Intersectional Theology
Curriculum Vitae
Updated October 2022
NCowan - Resume CV - Samford.pdf