The mission of The Gospel Initiative is to support the Church in its public witness concerning difficult issues in contemporary society.
The Gospel Initiative
Theological education is at its best when it connects “God’s purpose and engagement in the world with the present gritty realities of human experience” (Dr. Mark Young, The Hope of the Gospel, 6). Public engagement with The Gospel Initiative blends the outreach ministries of churches and Christian nonprofits with the education strategies of Denver Seminary.
We conduct ongoing research and host conferences related to the most difficult issues in our society. These resources are intended to help pastors and ministry leaders navigate through the complexity and imagine new strategies for gospel engagement. Resources are compiled jointly by TGI staff and program participants.
Gospel Initiative Offerings
We offer:
Public Education. Our “Compelling and Credible Witness” conference series looks at complex issues like gender identity, climate change, abortion, Christian Nationalism, and immigration, with an eye toward fresh gospel engagement. We also do relevant events in partnership with other departments at Denver Seminary. Our events are often offered at no cost to participants.
Public Resources. Our growing resource page organizes videos, articles, and other media for gospel ministry practitioners. These resources are intended to help pastors and ministry leaders navigate through the complexity and imagine new strategies for gospel engagement.
Christian Witness Workshops. Academically grounded and adaptable to diverse needs, our workshops allow participants to leverage our resources to solve complex problems in their own ministry. Our workshops can either be a supplement to formal seminary education, or an on-ramp to a certificate or a degree at Denver Seminary.
The Gospel Initiative Fellowship. Ministry practitioners come together in a year-long opportunity for connection, encouragement, and problem solving in applied public theology. TGI offers cohort members modest grants to launch new ministry ideas and members share their findings.
Dr. Patty Pell, Executive Director
Dr. Patty Pell is the Executive Director of The Gospel Initiative and Assistant Professor of Theology, Justice, and Social Advocacy. She also serves as the Program Director for the Master of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies and the Christian Thought and Ministry Division Chair.
Dr. Pell received her BA from the University of Wyoming, her MA in Biblical Studies – Old Testament from Denver Seminary, and her PhD from the University of Aberdeen in the UK in the field of public theology. She has served in ministry as a campus staff member, Area Director, Associate Regional Director, and Training Specialist with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. She has also ministered as a College Pastor, Adult Ministries Pastor, and Pastor of Community Outreach. She led a church planting team that established an immigrant and refugee congregation in Greeley, CO and most recently served on the preaching team at Cornerstone Community Church.
Dr. Pell’s passion for justice and reconciliation has led her to spend several summers directing student groups in urban Denver, India, and Kenya as well as teach courses in Old Testament at Bishop Balya College in Fort Portal, Uganda. She has worked for immigration reform, volunteered in the public schools, and has a desire to help local congregations affect social change in their communities in ways that reflect the heart of God.
Dr. Pell has published several books and study guides with InterVarsity Press including Esther: Character Under Pressure, Hospitality: God’s Call to Compassion, Motherhood: Being Grounded in Christ and the N.T. Wright Commentary Series Study Guides for Luke, Hebrews, Romans, 2 Corinthians, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians.