This opportunity is open to the general public as part of our Lifelong Learning initiative.

About the Workshop

Register by October 21, 2026 to attend online or in-person on the campus of Louisville Seminary.

Which bold idea do you have for your ministry?
How can we transform ideas into transformative practices and renewed communities of faith?

Join Rev. Dr. Zhenya Gurina-Rodríguez, the Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program, for a hybrid workshop designed to map out your path toward implementing your ideas in your ministry context.

With a clear plan, you can dream boldly, proceed with focus, and implement innovation more effectively.

Cost to Attend

Registration is $25 per person.

How to Participate

All portions of the workshop will be offered ONLINE (via Zoom) and IN PERSON on the beautiful Louisville Seminary campus.
Location details (Zoom link or specific location on campus) are provided in your registration confirmation.

About Your Instructor

Dr. Zhenya Gurina-Rodríguez
Director of Doctor of Ministry Program and Assistant Professor of New Testament and Ministry

Zhenya Gurina-Rodríguez joined the faculty of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2025 as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Assistant Professor of New Testament and Ministry. An ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, she brings nearly two decades of experience in pastoral leadership, theological education, and cross-cultural ministry.

She holds a PhD in New Testament and Early Christian Literature from Brite Divinity School, where her dissertation, Begging for Their Daily Bread: Beggar-Centric Interpretations of Matthew 6, explored how ancient texts reflect and shape the lived experience of marginalized population of the destitute. Her work engages early Jesus movement within its imperial context, highlighting themes of poverty, power, and the complex nature of Gospel proclamation. Gurina-Rodríguez also holds a ThM and MDiv from Brite, and a BA in English and Cross-Cultural Communication from Voronezh State University in Russia.

Her teaching spans a wide range of contexts and languages in El Salvador, Argentina and across the United States. She regularly teaches in both English and Spanish, and has designed curriculum in biblical studies, practical ministry, and spiritual formation for students, clergy, and laity alike.

Gurina-Rodríguez's scholarship includes contributions to the Wisdom Commentary Series on the Gospel of Mark, entries in the Historical Dictionary of Methodism, and the book Begging for Their Daily Bread (Fortress/Lexington, 2022). Her work appears in peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, and devotionals, and she is a frequent presenter at scholarly and denominational conferences.

In both church and academy, Gurina-Rodríguez is passionate about forming thoughtful leaders rooted in justice and community. Her ministry in local churches includes discipleship programming, leadership development, bilingual worship, and innovative models of spiritual care. She has served on the District Committee on Ordained Ministry and the Board of Ordained Ministry in the Horizon Texas Annual Conference and mentored candidates for ministry.

Born and raised in Russia, she now lives in Louisville with her spouse and two young children.

To learn more about Lifelong Learning Opportunities, visit: lpts.edu/LLL

*This event may be photographed and/or recorded. By registering and participating, you understand that your image may be included in the recorded video or still photography, and you consent to this and its use in any and all media throughout Louisville Seminary and its partners.

Turning Problems into Opportunity: There's a DMin for That!

A lifelong learning opportunity.