R. MATTHEW SIGLER

Seattle Pacific University [email protected] 3307 Third Ave. W., Suite 204 206-281-2714 Seattle, WA 98119-1950

Education Ph.D. Boston University, December, 2014 M.A. Asbury Seminary, 2007 B.A. Huntingdon College, 2001

Dissertation: “Mediating Tradition, Navigating Culture(s): Establishing a Wesleyan Paradigm for Liturgical Engagement” From the beginning of the Methodist Church’s formation in America, Methodist worship has been simultaneously “free” and “formal.” has also often found itself seeking to distinguish its liturgy from the cultural trends of the day, while at other times striving to contextualize its worship practices. These two polarities have made it difficult for Methodists to evaluate the faithfulness of their own liturgical praxis. This project explores the way in which three historic mediators of the Methodist liturgical tradition enacted liturgical reform within their particular cultural situations, and how they evaluated Methodist liturgical theology diachronically as well as synchronically. Drawing upon the tools gleaned from the work and insights of these three Methodist liturgists, I construct a paradigm for evaluating emerging trends in Methodist liturgical praxis.

Academic Employment Assistant Professor of /United Methodist Liaison, Seattle Pacific University, September 2015-present Visiting Scholar, Southwestern College, 2013-2015 Adjunct Professor, United Theological Seminary, January 2015 Adjunct Professor, Seattle Pacific University, June 2011 and June 2013

Teaching and Research Positions Teaching Professor in the Religion Department (History of Methodism, Worship Planning, Introduction to Youth Ministry, and Adolescent Spirituality) Southwestern College, Fall 2013-Spring 2015 Teaching Assistant to Karen B. Westerfield Tucker (Introduction to Christian Worship), Boston University, Fall 2012, Fall 2011, Fall 2009 Teaching Assistant to Christopher Evans (History and Doctrine of United Methodism), Boston University, Spring 2011 Teaching Assistant to Don Saliers (Introduction to Christian Worship), Boston University, Fall 2010 Research Assistant to Christopher Evans, Boston University, 2010

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Ecclesial Employment Interim Campus Minister • Southwestern College, Winfield, KS, July 2014-July 2015 Minister of Music • Church of the Cross Boston, Boston, MA, April 2008-August 2013 Worship Arts Pastor • Great Commission Fellowship, Wilmore, KY, August 2004-August 2008 Worship Arts Pastor • Jubilee Shores UMC, Fairhope, AL, August 2001-May 2004 Youth Minister • Jubilee Shores UMC, Fairhope, AL, August 2001-May 2004 Youth Minister • Opp FUMC, Opp, AL, May 1999-May 2001

Publications 1. Articles “Incorporating ‘Contemporary’ Into a Liturgical Framework.” Worship Arts (May-June 2015): 25-26. “New Traditions and Old Apostasies.” Liturgy 31.1 (December 2015): 51-57. “Not Your Mother’s Contemporary Worship: Exploring CCLI’s ‘Top 25’ List for Changes in Evangelical Contemporary Worship.” Worship 87.5 (September 2013): 445-463. “‘Our Hearts Reply’: ’s Lyrical Technique as a Prescription for Rooted Emotion.” Liturgy 28.2 (April 2013): 39-47. “Reconsidering the Role of Music in Worship: A Tale From the Vineyard.” Liturgy (forthcoming, Fall 2016).

2. Papers “Irenics and Polemics in 19th Century Methodist Liturgical Revision: Thomas O. Summers’ Approach to Liturgical Reform.” Paper presented at Societas Liturgica, Wurzburg, Germany, August 7, 2013.

3. Reviews We Have Seen His Glory: A Vision of Kingdom Worship, by Ben Witherington, III. Doxology 27 (2010):105-107.

Ecclesial Publications Contributor to Seedbed.com

Academic Courses Taught Christian Theology Undergraduate course that studies the basic doctrines and practices of historic , such as the being, attributes, and workings of the Triune God; the nature, fallenness, and redemption of human beings; the character and mission of the church; the disciplines and duties of personal faith; and the hope for "last things." Attention will be given to major formative events and key persons in the history of the church that have helped to shape what Christians believe and how they live.

Global Christian Heritage II: AD 1454-1900 Graduate course that explores the history of Christianity from the late medieval roots of the Reformation through the 19th century. With particular attention to primary sources,

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the course introduces students to the thought, institutions, missionary endeavors, and modes of piety that marked Christianity, in its various contexts, during that period.

Global Christian Heritage III: AD 1900-Present Graduate course that explores the history of Christianity from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. With particular attention to primary sources, the course introduces students to the thought, institutions, missionary endeavors, and modes of piety that marked Christianity, in its various contexts, during that period.

History of Methodism Undergraduate course covering the history of Methodism from its beginnings in the Wesleyan revival in England to contemporary issues within the .

Leading and Designing Congregational Worship Graduate, core level course designed to train pastors, musicians, etc. for planning and leading congregational worship.

Introduction to Youth Ministry Undergraduate course introducing students to the field of youth ministry in the local church.

United Methodist History Graduate course that examines the history of United Methodism from its founding to the present day. Attends to its major theological voices and to the ways in which its doctrines, policies and practices have been shaped both by the various nationalities and ethnic groups which have affiliated with it and by the religious, socio-cultural and economic conditions of the nations in which it has taken root (especially the USA). It is presumed that all the students enrolled in a given section of this course belong to or intend to join the denomination in question and are preparing for ordination or other professional service therein.

United Methodist Worship Graduate, core level course examining United Methodist worship from historical, theological, and liturgical perspectives.

Worship Planning Undergraduate course covering a basic history and theology of Christian worship while also attending to practical aspects of worship design and leadership.

Honors and Awards Visiting Scholar, Southwestern College, 2013-2015 Bridwell Library Fellowship, Perkins School of Theology, May 2014 Fellowship, A Foundation for Theological Education, 2008-2012 Hoyt Hickman Award for Excellence in Liturgical Scholarship, Order of Saint Luke, 2007

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Kathryn G. Mayo Scholarship for Excellence in Musical Leadership, 2006-2007

Denominational Affiliation and Service The General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, Symposium on the Future of Methodist Worship: Contributing Member Great Plains Conference of the United Methodist Church, Candidate for Ordination

Professional Memberships American Society of Church History Charles Wesley Society Societas Liturgica Wesleyan Theological Society

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