THE INSTALLATION OF REV. DR. JONATHAN S. BARNES AS THE 19TH DEAN
Jan 17, 2026 | Lexington, KY
Lexington Theological Seminary joyfully celebrates the installation of Rev. Dr. Jonathan S. Barnes as Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dean, and Associate Professor of Church History and Mission. This service marks his appointment as the nineteenth dean to lead the Seminary’s academic mission in service to students, faculty, staff, and the broader Lexington Theological Seminary community.
Rev. Dr. Jonathan S. Barnes
With extensive experience in global mission and theological education, Rev. Dr. Jonathan S. Barnes brings a vocation shaped by teaching, scholarship, and international service. Discover more about his academic work, publications, and leadership journey by reading his full biography.
Order of Service
January 17th, 2026
11:30AM EST
Prelude
The Prelude marks the beginning of the Installation and serves as the time during which the faculty, officers, and invited participants of Lexington Theological Seminary will process and take their places.
Processional Hymn
God of Grace and God of Glory #464
Call to Worship
Rev. Dr. Denise Bell, Donald and Lillian Nunelly Assistant Professor of Pastoral Leadership
Opening Prayer
Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship
Welcome
Rev. Dr. Charisse L. Gillett, President
Greetings
Rev. Dr. Donald K. Gillett, II, General Minister, Christian Church in Kentucky
Bishop John Stowe, Diocese of Lexington
Prayer of Illumination
Rev. Darryl Jefferson, Senior Staff Chaplain, Larry Dr. Johnson Hear and Vascular Institute, Memorial Hermann, Texas Medical Centers
First Scripture – Isaiah 55: 6-9
Dr. Esther Parajuli, Assistant Professor of Christian Theology
Second Scripture – Luke 6: 20-26
Dr. Jerry Sumney, Professor of Biblical Studies
Sung Response
Santos, Santos, Santos #111
Third Scripture – Matthew 15: 21-28
Dr. Wilson Dickinson, Director of D.Min. Program & Ms. Dolores Yilibuw, Library Director
Hymn
Called As Partners in Christ’s Service #453
Presentation of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean
Litany of Installation
Rev. Dr. Charisse L. Gillett, President
Charge to the Dean
Rev. Carolyn Richart, Assistant Secretary, LTS Board of Trustees
Installation Prayer
Rev. Dr. Loida I. Martell, Dean Emerita
Installation Address
“The Maps We Inherit, the World We Create”
Rev. Dr. Jonathan S. Barnes
Hymn
Ours the Journey #458
Prayers of the People
Minister Jeff Damron, LTS Master of Divinity Student
Communion
Invitation to the Table – Rev. Dawn Barnes
Prayers for the Cup and Bread – Khaya and Alyson Barnes
Communion Hymn
We Call Ourselves Disciples #357
Benediction
Minister Rhonda Padilla, LTS Master of Divinity Student
Recessional Hymn
Blest Be the Ties that Bind #433
Postlude
Speakers
Meet Our Speakers
Rev. Dr. Charisse L. Gillett
President, Lexington Theological Seminary
Rev. Dr. Donald K. Gillett, II
General Minister, Christian Church in Kentucky
Bishop John Stowe
Diocese of Lexington
Rev. Dr. Loida I. Martell
Dean Emerita
Rev. Carolyn Richart
Assistant Secretary, LTS Board of Trustees
Want to send well wishes or a congratulatory note to Dr. Barnes?
Rev. Darryl Jefferson
Senior Staff Chaplain, Larry Dr. Johnson Hear and Vascular Institute, Memorial Hermann, Texas Medical Centers
Rev. Dawn Barnes, Ms. Khaya and Ms. Alyson Barnes
Family of Rev. Dr. Jon Barnes
Support LTS
Event Location
Embassy Suites by Hilton Lexington Green
245 Lexington Green Cir, Lexington, KY 40503
