Joanne Lindstrom

Joanne Lindstrom joined the McCormick Theological Seminary in January 1996 as Program Specialist for the Experiential Education and Field Studies (EEFS) Program. After serving two years as Interim Coordinator for the program, she was promoted to the newly-created position of Director of EEFS in July 1998. In July 2007, Joanne was appointed Assistant Professor of Ministry. Dr. Lindstrom was installed as the Jean and Frank Mohr Director of Field Studies and Experiential Education in February 2009.  In 2011, She was promoted to Associate Professor of Ministry.

As a member of the Association for Theological Field Education, Dr. Lindstrom’s writings reflect her deep and passionate commitment to the theological and spiritual formation of leaders for service in the church and world in the 21st century. Joanne is a contributor to Victim to Survivor: Women Recovering from Clergy Sexual Abuse, edited by Nancy Poling and  A Handbook on Legal Issues in Theological Field Education, edited by Susan E. Fox and Judith Trott Guy.  She has also authored numerous essays including “Considerations for Cross-Cultural Placement,” which appears in the influential work Welcome to Theological Field Education! edited by Matthew Floding; "The Formation of Ministerial Authority and Identity: Cross Cultural Experiential Education" in Shaping the Beloved Community: Multicultural Theological Education, edited by David V. Esterline and Ogbu U. Kalu. Other writings include “Digital Natives – Ministry Immigrants” in Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry (Vol 34) and her most recent article written in collaboration with colleagues of the Presbyterian/Reformed Association of Theological Education entitled “Engaging the Dynamic of Pastoral Imagination for Field Studies” also in Reflective Practice: Formation and Supervision in Ministry (Vol 37).

Joanne is an ordained minister of American Baptist Churches USA. For over 20 years, she has served the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago in a variety of capacities including: Women in Ministry Coordinator, Chair of the Ministry Committee, Chair of the Personnel Committee, member of the Ordination Commission and conflict mediation team, workshop leader and teacher.  Additionally, she served as Coordinator for the Nueva Vida Initiative, a two year project aimed at strengthening and revitalizing local congregations through partnership and education with sister churches in the region.  In February 2002, she led a delegation of ABCMC pastors to meet with leaders of the Ghana Baptist Convention to explore the possibility of an international partnership.  Since the partnership was formalized, she continues to lead delegations to Ghana in support of that Partnership, and formerly served as the Chair of the Mission Partnership Committee.  Her ministry in Ghana includes serving as a workshop leader for The Baptist Women's Union of Africa Leadership Conference and the Ghana Youth Convention; teaching at the Ghana Baptist Theological Seminary and ministers’ conferences; and preaching throughout the country. 

In July 2014, Joanne served a one year appointment as one of four Associate Regional Ministers to lead denominational initiatives to strengthen the witness of local churches in the Chicagoland area.

Joanne has presented and taught at several conferences, seminars, and churches, as well as serving as guest preacher for churches in the Chicago metro area. She has served as teacher and facilitator for seminary students in training for cross-cultural ministry on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations in South Dakota and at the Ghost Ranch Retreat Center in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Additionally, she has worked with pastors and judicatories on issues of clergy misconduct. Joanne also was a church planter, serving as co-pastor for a small house church for ten years.

Since 1994, Dr. Lindstrom has served as Associate Minister at The First Baptist Church of Chicago (FBC).  She is currently providing leadership for worship, young adult women's bible study, and stewardship. 

Courses:

  • Reflection on the Practice of Ministry (required with Field Studies)

  • Spiritual Practices for Faithful Discipleship (Hybrid course)

  • Culturally Attentive Pastoral Leadership (DMin)

Education:

  • B.S. Northern Illinois University

  • MDiv. McCormick Theological Seminary

  • DMin., ACTS Doctor of Ministry in Preaching

    Thesis: “Feet Don’t Fail Me Now: Identity and Authority As An Itinerant Preacher”