Related Links: About MVNU | 2007-08 Lecture Artist Series (pdf) |

Scharen will be speaking on “Faith in Popular Culture: A Carnal Theology of Surrender.” He is the author of four books including Public Worship, Public Work: Character in the Local Congregational Life and One Step Closer: Why U2 Matters to Those Seeking God. He is also working on a fifth book, titled Embodying Care of Souls: Notes on an Apprenticeship in Ministry. He has also written numerous essays and reviews.

His Work
Scharen has also been a featured speaker at numerous special events. In the past, he has served as Co-Coordinator at the Room in the Inn Shelter for the Homeless as well as the founding president of United Action of Central Connecticut. He currently serves as director of the Faith as a Way of Life/Pastoral Excellence Program and assistant professor of congregational studies and practical theology at Yale Divinity School.

Education and Involvements
With a specialization in American religion and culture, Scharen received a Ph.D. from Emory University. He is a member of the American Academy of Religion, Association of Practical Theology and the Society of Christian Ethics. Scharen is also involved with the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion, as well as the North American Academy of Liturgy.

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Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students and working adults. U.S. News & World Report ranks MVNU as a Best in the Midwest (Bachelor’s) institution for the third year in a row. With a 401-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and nine satellite Adult and Graduate Studies campuses throughout the state, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education to more than 2,600 students from 23 states and five countries/U.S. territories.