The Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher has been named the 2019-2020 Henry Logan Starks Fellow at Memphis Theological Seminary. Fisher is pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church, a community activist, and a frequent guest teacher and lecturer at a number of Memphis institutions of higher education. Rev. Dr. Fisher will follow in the footsteps of the inaugural Starks Fellow, Dr. Andre E. Johnson.
Dr. Fisher recently completed his PhD at the University of Memphis. He is also a graduate of Memphis Theological Seminary, where as a recipient of the Starks Scholarship, he earned his MDiv degree. He did his undergraduate studies at LeMoyne Owen College, where he earned a degree in computer science. Dr. Fisher has over nine years of experience teaching in higher education and over six years of experience as senior pastor of Abyssinian Baptist Church. He is known as rising scholar in the area of rhetoric and religion.
“I am excited that the appointment of Dr. Earle Fisher as the Dr. Henry Logan Starks Fellow will continue the Starks legacy, academically, socially, and spiritually,” said Rev. Dr. Amella Starks Umoja, who as the daughter of Dr. Henry Logan Starks was an initiator of the Starks Scholarship.
As Starks Fellow, Rev. Dr. Fisher will teach courses at Memphis Theological, and utilize his resources and connections to assist the seminary in building synergy and partnerships with other institutions and individuals to promote the integration of scholarship, piety, and justice. Dr. Fisher will work with faculty, students, staff and community leaders to bring theological resources to bear upon issues of racial and economic justice, and other relevant social issues.
Dr. Fisher’s work as a pastor and community activist is well-known in the Memphis area. He brings an interdisciplinary approach to informing, inspiring, and educating persons who seek transformational learning and service opportunities in the classroom, the church, and the public square.
Dr. Fisher shared his excitement about being name the Starks Fellow, “I can’t express the depth of my gratitude and appreciation for the legacy of Dr. Starks, the affirmation of his daughter Amella, and my predecessor, Dr. Andre Johnson. I’m excited about housing some of my academic and ministerial efforts at MTS and am confident we’ll produce more activities and materials that will move the Church and community closer to social justice and black liberation.”
Dr. Peter Gathje, Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean states, “I am delighted to have Dr. Fisher joining us at Memphis Theological Seminary. He brings academic rigor integrated with experience in both ministry and work for justice. He is a fitting embodiment of the legacy of Dr. Henry Logan Starks who was a leader in the church and society for justice.”