Meet CTS Professor & UMC Director Dr. Lane E. Davis
Dr. Lane E. Davis, an accomplished scholar and passionate educator, recently joined the faculty of Christian Theological Seminary (CTS) as Assistant Professor of Church History and United Methodist Studies and Director of United Methodist Studies. With an extensive academic background and pastoral experience, Dr. Davis brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to preparing future church leaders. His love for theological education, Methodist heritage, and community engagement makes him an invaluable addition to CTS.
Dr. Davis discovered his passion for academia during his undergraduate years at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. There, he was inspired by brilliant professors who encouraged him to think critically and engage deeply with religious, philosophical, and literary ideas. “My classroom experiences altered my life’s trajectory,” Dr. Davis reflects. “That’s when I knew I wanted to include academia in my future career plans somehow.”
His academic journey led him to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Religion and Philosophy from Huntingdon, a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, and a PhD in the History of the Christian Tradition from Southern Methodist University. Before joining CTS, Dr. Davis served as an Assistant Professor of Religion at his undergrad alma mater, teaching courses in areas ranging from American church history to biblical studies. He also held teaching roles at Southern Methodist University and Vanderbilt Divinity School, honing his skills as an educator and scholar.
The decision to join CTS came naturally for Dr. Davis after meeting the institution’s faculty and leadership. “I realized how deeply the school cares about United Methodist students and their education,” he explains. “I knew I could thrive here, both personally and professionally.” Now in his role, Dr. Davis teaches courses on Wesleyan history, theology, and United Methodist polity, preparing future leaders within the Methodist tradition.
As the Director of United Methodist Studies, Dr. Davis oversees the academic and pastoral formation of students affiliated with the United Methodist Church (UMC). He also provides theological support to UMC pastors in the Indiana Conference, bridging education and ministry to nurture both future and current church leaders.
Outside of his academic role, Dr. Davis finds joy in family life. He and his wife Elissa have three young children: Jude, 4; Jesse, 3; and Willa, 1. The family’s golden doodle, Auggie, adds to the energy and warmth of their household. “Our house is constant energy and noise, but it’s wonderful,” Dr. Davis shares with a smile.
Dr. Davis embraces the benefits of technology in teaching, noting that it provides innovative ways to engage students beyond traditional lectures. “Students often amaze me with their creative uses of technology,” he says. However, he also emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, reminding students that technology is a tool but not a substitute for deep thought and meaningful learning.
Methodism runs deep in Dr. Davis’s life. His father was a UMC pastor, and Dr. Davis has served in various pastoral roles throughout Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and Alabama. “Despite recent struggles, Methodists remain family to me—even those who’ve left the UMC—and I love them,” he says. His personal and professional ties to the church enrich his work with students at CTS, helping them engage meaningfully with the Methodist tradition and prepare for ministry.
Dr. Davis finds great joy in working with UMC students at CTS. “Our UMC students are brilliant, passionate, and so impressive,” he notes. “Their energy in the classroom makes teaching a joy.” He believes that theological education at CTS is not just about preparing students for future ministry but actively participating in God’s transformative work here and now.
When it comes to designing courses, Dr. Davis follows the “Understanding by Design” framework, which focuses on starting with the desired outcomes and working backward to structure the class. “This ensures that the majority of the class is not just me giving out content but students wrestling with big and important ideas,” he explains. This approach fosters meaningful engagement, allowing students to connect academic theories with real-world applications.
When asked which CTS value resonates most with him, Dr. Davis highlights the affirmation that “all people are created in the image of God and have inherent worth and dignity.” He sees this value as deeply Wesleyan and a radical way to view the world. “It’s still a necessary perspective for us today,” he affirms.
Dr. Davis’s passion for service has taken him on mission trips to Central and South America, where he worked in areas tourists seldom visit. These experiences, while challenging, expanded his understanding of the world and deepened his appreciation for God’s work in diverse contexts. “I have complicated feelings about short-term missions,” he admits, “but the relationships I developed through those trips have been lasting.”
As Dr. Davis continues to settle into his role at CTS, he remains excited about the journey ahead. Whether he is teaching Methodist history, engaging with students in theological discussions, or sharing stories from his musical past, Dr. Davis embodies curiosity, compassion, and lifelong learning. His presence at CTS not only strengthens the United Methodist Studies program but also enriches the entire CTS community. With a heart for ministry and a passion for education, Dr. Lane E. Davis is poised to make a lasting impact at CTS, guiding students as they join in God’s transformative work in the world.
