Karlson Scholar Program

Advancing the gospel in creative, culturally relevant ways. 

In 2022, the seminary established the Karlson Scholar Program, named for Karl J. Karlson who served as Dean of Bethel Seminary from 1925-48. This program fosters partnerships between influential evangelical leaders and Bethel Seminary, facilitating the development of church leaders who will take insights gleaned from the Karlson Scholar into their ministry leadership responsibilities.

The Karlson Scholar Program is designed to be an experience tailored to the strengths of the nominated scholar. Some of the activities that a Karlson Scholar may engage in include teaching a Seminary for Everyone or seminary elective class, being a featured guest of the “Whole & Holy” podcast, and speaking in Chapel.

2024-25 Karlson Scholar: Christopher Watkin

Christopher Watkin is an associate professor of French studies at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and author of nine books, most recently Biblical Critical Theory. This landmark work won the Christianity Today Book of the Year award in 2024 and helps Christians understand the importance and relevance of Scripture in navigating a challenging and often chaotic world.