Erskine Theological Seminary announces interim Provost

[Due West, SC, 9/01/2019–] Erskine Theological Seminary and President Rob Gustafson are pleased to announce that theologian, pastor, and author, Dr. Michael A. Milton, has accepted the call to serve as the interim Provost of the Seminary.

Dr. Milton occupies the James H. Ragsdale Chair of Missions and Evangelism at Erskine Theological Seminary where he also serves as the Director of Chaplain Ministries. He is a long-time pastor in the Presbyterian Church in America and also holds credentials as a minister in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.  He was senior minister of the historic First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. Dr. Milton’s education includes a BA from MidAmerica Nazarene University, MDiv from Knox Theological Seminary, MPA from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the PhD from the University of Wales.

Dr. Rob Gustafson, President of Erskine College and Seminary, remarked on the appointment:

“We are delighted that Dr. Mike Milton accepted this invitation to provide leadership for Erskine Seminary. He is a pastor-scholar who embodies the vision of Biblically faithful Gospel ministry that we want to instill in our graduates.  While combining a depth of leadership in higher education, pastoral ministry, and senior-level government service, Mike is known as a humble and trusted friend who cares deeply for the people, vision, and mission of our Christian community. I am thankful to welcome Mike and his wife, Mae, to the Erskine family.”

Dr. Milton served as the fourth Chancellor-President and Chief Executive Officer of Reformed Theological Seminary. In 2018 he retired as Chaplain (Colonel) after thirty-two years in America’s Armed Forces (Army and Navy). He concluded his career service as the Command Chaplain of U.S. Military Intelligence. He received the Legion of Merit and was awarded the Order of the Longleaf Pine, the highest award for public service in North Carolina, by the Governor of North Carolina in 2018.

Erskine Theological Seminary is committed to preparing students for ministry with a primary focus on preparing men and women to serve in Christ’s Church.  

“My personal mission statement at this stage in my service is to shepherd shepherds who will shepherd the flock. Being invited to live out that vision here at Erskine is a blessing. I love the pastoral and missional emphasis at Erskine, and delight to support the greater vision of sending forth Gospel workers for the Kingdom of Christ so that there will be a multitude of souls safe in the arms of Jesus when He comes again.”

Dr. Milton lives in North Carolina with his wife, Mae, and their son, John Michael, the youngest of eight children. Their seven adult children are all married and settled throughout the East Coast and Deep South. Further information about Dr. Milton is available at http://michaelmilton.org/about.

 Erskine Theological Seminary supports the Mission of God in the world by educating, from a biblically Reformed perspective, persons for service in the Christian Church (Matthew 28:16-20).