Speaking

 

Speaking

Dr. Shively Smith is a sought-after speaker. She presents in these capacities as an academic lecturer, workshop teacher, and ecumenical preacher across a variety of academic, public, and ecumenical forums. Her topics range from biblical interpretation, Howard Washington Thurman, and Nineteenth Century African American women to the call stories of the bible, the history of Jesus and the Gospels, and more. 

People experience her as a moving, inspiring, and thought-provoking speaker. As one community stated, “Dr. Smith’s speech is riveting and infectious, pointing us toward what it means to be better human beings together in the world.”

 
 
 

Signature Workshops

Beyond the academy, Smith teaches workshops in person and virtually around the world. 

    • Imagining our Interpretive Practices with Thurman 

    • Watching Jesus Hang: Reading the Gospel of Accounts of Jesus' Crucifixion through African American Biblical Histories.

    • Exploring Biblical Notions of Calling

    • Pondering the Parables 

    • Exploring Our Interpretive Practices with 19th Century Women 

    • Exploring the New Testament: Hebrews to Jude

    • And offering a host of Other Workshops! Inquire for more information.

    • Princeton University Chautauqua Lakeside Summer Preacher’s Series

    • Children’s Defense Fund Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry

    • The National Festival of Young Preachers Princeton Theological Seminary’s Preacher Series

    • Festival of Homiletics

    • Ebenezer Baptist Church (Atlanta, GA)

    • Colgate Rochester Crozer

    • Calvin University

    • Interdenominational Theological Seminary

    • Epiphanies Conference of The Episcopal Diocese of Michigan

    • Westminster Presbyterian Church (Minneapolis, MN)

    • Annual UMC Conference of Western Pennsylvania

    • Boston College

    • Foundry United Methodist Church

    • Office of Faith Based and Community Partnerships for Maryland Department of Health

 

  • kind words

    “Dr. Smith's workshops and events with women's ministry on calling and vocation has helped me to further articulate the ways I am called and how they are connected to generational calls and biblical women. Her illumination of the ways of being and work of Howard Thurman allows us to recognize Black scholarship and contemplative practice throughout the world, the academy and the church.”

    - Elder in African Methodist Episcopal Church (USA)

  • kind words

    “Rev. Dr. Shively Smith's scholarship and pedagogy shifted the way I see, study and preach the Holy scriptures. I see color in the text where I once only saw shades of gray. Not only is she a preacher's preacher who exhibits homilietical genius she makes God's Word accessible for all- the scholar, the student and the sista-girl in the congregation. Master preacHER, Master teacHER, and Outstanding Scholar...Dr. Smith is the one we've been waiting on!”

    - Baptist Pastor and Former Student (Maryland)

  • kind words

    “Dr. Smith's work has both affirmed and given voice to my theology. Her work has allowed me to be unapologetic in the way in which I now present challenges of scriptural interpretation, particularly in the Black Church. Dr. Smith thoroughly understands and embraces context and history & challenges others to do the same.”

    - Human Resources Consultant (Washington, DC)

  • kind words

    “Dr. Smith's teaching style engages one to be drawn in as she breaks down scripture with passion and conviction; a true scholar who has the gift of making one feel that they are included as a partner in her deep study and research of the word of God. “

    -Workshop Participant (Washington, DC)

 

Book Dr. Shively Smith for your next event.

Please fill in your details in this Speakers Request Form below and you will be contacted by a member of our team. Please allow 5-7 business days for us to review your request.