A Higher Education

Felisi Sorgwe, PhD

School of Christian Thought
Theology
  • Associate Professor of Theology
  • Director, Center for Exploring Ministry Careers

Education

  • PhD, Religion, Baylor University, 1991
  • MARE, Religious Education, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1982
  • MDiv, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1981
  • BA, Mathematics, University of Washington, 1978
  • BSChE, Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, 1978

Courses Taught

Undergraduate

  • CHRI 1313 Old Testament
  • CHRI 1323 New Testament
  • CHRI 1300 Introduction to the Bible
  • CHRI 3301 Old Testament Theology
  • CHRI 3325 The Christian Vocation
  • CHRI 4343 Old Testament Prophets
  • CHRI 4392 Senior Seminar
  • CHRI 3377 Supervised Ministry Practicum I
  • CHRI 3378 Supervised Ministry Practicum II
  • FYS 1300 Freshman Year Seminar
  • GREK 2312 Greek Grammar I
  • HEBR 2312 Hebrew Grammar I
  • Graduate
  • CHRI 5300 Seminar on Introduction to the Biblical Texts
  • CHRI 5310 Scriptures I (Seminar on The Pentateuch & Wisdom Literature)
  • CHRI 6315 Scriptures III (Seminar on Old Testament Prophets)
  • Seminars on Individual Books—Genesis, Isaiah, Jeremiah

Publications

  •  Wrote a Peer Review of Echoes of Exodus: Tracing a Biblical Motif, 2018, by Bryan D. Estelle
  • Wrote a Peer Review of Planting Missional Churches: Your Guide to Starting churches that Multiply, 2016, by Ed Stetzer and Daniel Im
  • Wrote Bible Comments on Grace and Truth (John), Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2018
  •  Wrote Bible Comments on Gospel Story Investigator (Luke), Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2017
  • Wrote Bible Comments on On Your Mark: A Gospel in Motion, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2016
  • Wrote Bible Comments on Romans: A Gospel-centered Worldview, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2015
  • Wrote Bible comments on Letters to the Ephesians and Timothy: Guidance for the Church and its Leaders, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2014
  • Wrote Bible Comments on The Gospel of Luke: Jesus’ Personal Touch, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2013
  • Wrote Bible Comments on Hebrews and the Letters of Peter: Toward Being
    Vigorous Christians in a Challenging World, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2013
  • Wrote Bible Comments on The Gospel of Matthew: A Primer for Discipleship, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2012
  • Wrote Bible Comments on The Book of Acts: Time to Act on Acts 1:8, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2011
  • Wrote Bible Comments on The Gospel of John: Light Overcoming Darkness, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2010
  • Wrote Bible Comments on The Gospel of Luke: Good News of Great Joy, Adult Bible Teaching Guide, BaptistWay Press, 2009 • Biblical and Theological Reviewer, The VOICE Bible, Thomas Nelson: Nashville, 2011
  • Biblical and Theological Reviewer, The VOICE of Psalms, Thomas Nelson: Nashville, 2009
  • Biblical and Theological Reviewer, The VOICE New Testament, Thomas Nelson: Nashville, 2008Theological Reviewer, Seay, Chris and Capes, David, The Last Eyewitness. Nashville: World, 2006
  • Theological Reviewer, Multi-faceted VOICE Bible Project, World Publishing, Since 2005
  • Ph.D. Dissertation: The Canonical Shape of Ezra-Nehemiah and its Theological and Hermeneutical Implications, 1991

Awards and Honors

  • Won Opal Goolsby Professor of the Year Award, HCU, 2018
  • Nominee (Finalist), Opal Goolsby Professor of the Year Award, HCU, 2007, 2010, 2015
  • Chairman, SERV Program Review Departmental Committee, HCU, 2006-2007
  • Listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, 2004, 2005, 2006
  • H.C. Brown Memorial Preaching Award, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1981
  • President, International Fellowship, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1982
  • Vice President, International Fellowship, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1981-1982
  • Teaching Assistant, Old Testament Hebrew, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1981-1982

Additional Information

Previous Teaching Experience:

  • Visiting Professor at Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, January 2018
  • Directed a Master’s Thesis on “The Secular Roots of the Documentary Hypothesis” by
    John Blacnchette, 2017
  • Visiting Professor at Kenya Baptist Theological College, Summer 2011
  • Short-term Missionary to Ethiopia, 2007Adjunct Professor, Old Testament, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Houston Campus, 2000-2003
  • Adjunct Professor, OT and NT, LeTourneau University, Houston Campus, 1994-2001
  • Mathematics Instructor, Houston Community College, 1994-2001

Professional Organizations

  • Member, Society of Biblical Literature (SBL)
  • Member, Association of Ministry Guidance Professionals (AMGP)
  • Member, In-Service Guidance Association, ISGA (National)
  • Member, In-Service Guidance Association, ISGA (Texas)
  • Member, National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion, NABPR

Church-Related Ministry

  • Pastor, Maranatha International Church, Houston, Since 1998
  • Short-term Missionary to Ethiopia, 2007
  • Pastor, First African Baptist Church, Houston, 1991-1998
  • Apartment Minister, First Baptist Church, Waco, TX 1984 – 1986
  • College Sunday School Teacher, First Baptist Church, Waco, TX, 1983 – 1991
  • Seminary (Singles) Sunday School Teacher, Gambrell Street Baptist church, Waco, TX
    1981-1982
  • Coordinator, High School Sunday School Department, First Baptist Church, Bothell,
    WA, 1976-1977
  • Intensive Ministerial Internship, First Baptist Church, Bothell, WA, 1976-1977
  • Ordained to the Gospel Ministry, First Baptist Church, Bothell, WA, 1979
  • Licensed to the Gospel Ministry, First Baptist Church, Bothell, WA, 1976
  • Summer Missionary to Hong Kong on Univ. of Washington BSM Team, 1976

Nationality

  • Born in Igbogene, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
  • Dual Citizen of the United States and Nigeria

Campus Activities

  • Member, Opal Goolsby Award Selection Committee, 2019 – 2020
  • Member, Student Awards Committee, Since 2010
  • Member, Theology Faculty Search Committee, 2016 – 2017
  • Member, Theology Chair Search Committee, 2013 – 2014
  • Member, Student Life Advisory Committee, 2008 – 2012
  • Member, Faculty Assembly Executive Committee, School of Christian Thought
    Representative, 2012 – present
  • Faculty Sponsor of theta Alpha Kappa(Honor Society for Religious Studies and
    Theology), since 2010
  • Faculty Sponsor of the African Student Association, ASA, Since 2006
  • Member, Convocation Prayer Team, Since 2006
  • Currently leading an on-going, weekly, Interactive CLW-approved Bible Study
  • Served as the Director, of the Center for Exploring Ministry Careers (CEMC) which caters to
    ministerial students, 2016 – 2010, 2013 – 2015
  • Member, Career and Calling Committee, 2015 – 2018
  • Represented HCU at the funeral of Everlynn Goff, March 2020
  • Was a Guest Coach for HCU Women’s Basketball, February 2019
  • Led in prayer at Joint Service with Dallas Baptist University, September 2017
  • Read the Scriptures at the Opening Fall Convocation, September 2017
  • Moderated a Session at Theology Conference, HCU, March, 2017
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Daniel throughout February 2020
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Interacting with the Culture throughout September
    2019
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Interacting with the Culture throughout July 2019
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Interacting with the Culture throughout February
    2019
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Following Christ Wholeheartedly throughout
    September 2018
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Following Christ Wholeheartedly throughout July
    2018
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Following Christ Wholeheartedly throughout
    February 2018
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Following Christ Wholeheartedly throughout
    September 2017
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Being an Example to the Believers throughout June
    2017
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Follow Me throughout February 2017
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation throughout September 2016
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation throughout July 2016
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation throughout February 2016
  • Spoke at Thursday convocation on Siblings in the Bible throughout September 2015
  • Spoke at Thursday Convocation on Kingdom Nuggets from the Parables throughout
    February 2015
  • Attended the Association of Ministry Guidance Professionals (AMGP) retreat at the
    University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, 2015
  • Spoke at Thursday Convocation on The Book of Esther throughout September 2014
  • Facilitator for the Faculty Retreat on The Upper Room Discourse, January 16, 2014
  • Member, Faculty Assembly Executive Committee, COAH Representative, 2011 – 2012
  • Faculty Advisor of the African Student Association (ASA), 2006 – present
  • Represented School of Christian Thought at Graduate Information Reception, October
    17, 2013
  • Helped to organize “Letter from Birmingham Jail” Lecture by Dr. Dyer, October 10, 2013
  • Represented HCU at BGCT Theological Council Meeting in Dallas, September 23, 2013
  • Spoke at Quest on “The Great Commandment,” September 17, 2013
  • Manned HCU booth at SBC Annual Meeting in Houston, June 12, 2013
  • Attended Presidential Luncheon for Dr. Fred Luter, SBC President, April 3, 2013
  • Chaired a session at Philosophy Conference, March 23, 2013
  • Spoke at International Fair organized by Spiritual Life department, March 22, 2013
  • Served on Faculty Committee at Sara Busha’s MACC Oral Exam, February 27, 2013
  • Member, Emancipation Proclamation Commemoration Conference Planning
    Committee, 2012 – present
  • Spoke at Thursday Convocation on “Overcoming the storms of Life II,” January 24, 2013
  • Spoke at Thursday Convocation on “Overcoming the storms of Life I,” January 17, 2013
  • Attended the Presidential Luncheon in honor of Louie Giglio, November 2012
  • Accompanied the President in representing HCU at the installation of Dr. William Blocker as the new president of College of Biblical Studies, October 2012
  • Attended Presidential Luncheon for Faculty Assembly Executive Committee, October 2012
  • Spoke at Thursday Convocation, October 11, 2012
  • Spoke at Thursday Convocation, October 4, 2012
  • Helped to organize Conference on “The Emancipation Proclamation: A Turning Point,” on the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, September 2012
  • Manned MATS and MABL Information Table, October, 2012
  • Assisted Dr. David Capes in conducting Exit Interviews, 2011-2012
  • Was a “Faculty-Buddy” to Dr. Peter Davids, in 2011-2012
  • Member of the Faculty Committee at an oral exam for an M.A. in Psychology student, 2010
  • Mentored Dr. Brett Dutton and Kathie McCart, Adjunct Faculty members, 2010-2011
  • Served the meal at Late Night Breakfast, December 2011
  • Attended the Inaugural Conference on the VOICE Bible 2011
  • Was on 2-man delegation to share Graduate Opportunities at HCU, New Faith Baptist Church, August, 2011
  • Mentored Dr. Robert Campbell, Adjunct Faculty member, 2009-2010
  • Organized Seminary Days to encourage our students to consider Seminary training or other graduate theological education programs, 2007-2010
  • Served on the Early Alert Retention Committee, 2006-2008
  • Served on an Ad-hoc Grade Dispute Committee (chaired by Dr. Lovell, the then Dean) for the College of Arts and Humanities in Summer, 2009.
  • Preached at the evening worship service in Belin Chapel, 2010
  • Preached at the evening worship service in Belin Chapel, 2009
  • Delivered the Homile, Vespers Service, Belin Chapel, 2010
  • Did the Scripture Reading, Vespers Service, 2010
  • Was a Faculty Judge on the Collegiate Award Night/Afternoon 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010.
  • Was a Judge at Husky Review 2009, 2010.
  • Led a seminar on “Why Super-size a Class” in Faculty Symposium, HCU, September 2009
  • Led groups of students to Women in Ministry Conferences at Truett Seminary, Waco, 2008, 2010
  • Preached at Convocation, Passion Week, 2007
  • Faculty Devotion, Welcome Week, Fall 2006
  • Taught an SLP Bible Study on Campus on Several Topics, 2002-2005