The 2007 Distinguished Alumnus

Arthur Lewis, a 1986 graduate of the seminary, completed a number of  courses through the Urban Theological Institute.  He received his doctorate from LTSG.   One of his missions had been to recruit and advocate for African American clergy and laypersons to become involved and advance in the ELCA.  Pastor Lewis has served at the Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Atlanta, GA and has been an interim pastor in several congregations including Calvary Lutheran in Philadelphia, PA.

Recently, he concluded his tenure as the Director of the Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta (LTCA), part of the Interdenominational Theological Center.  ITC is the largest concentration of African American seminaries in the world.  At LTCA, Art worked to strengthen women and men of African, Hispanic, and European descents as they were formed in ministry in predominantly African American settings.  “He solidified LTCA’s presence and importance within the ITC.  He has mentored Black students for ordination who are now serving in dynamic ministries in the ELCA”, said Rev. Fred  Reisz, former President of LTSS.

Currently, he is president of the national African American Lutheran Association.  Pastor Lewis has also served as the director of church and community ministries (LCFS); director for community development (ELCA Division of Social Ministry Organizations); and director of the New Jersey Governor’s Office of African American Affairs.  He also served as consultant for the Economic Manpower Corporation, the National Urban Coalition and the Lilly Foundation.