Joshua R. Sweeden, Ph.D.

Rev. Dr. Josh Sweeden serves as Dean of the Reuben Welch School of Theology & Christian Ministry at Point Loma Nazarene University. An ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene and a practical theologian in the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition, he is committed to integrating theological scholarship, faithful Christian leadership, and service to the Church.

Prior to joining PLNU, Dr. Sweeden served for nearly a decade at Nazarene Theological Seminary as Chief Academic Officer/Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Church and Society. He previously served as Assistant Professor of Theology and Richard B. Parker Co-Chair in Wesleyan Theology at Portland Seminary of George Fox University. A proud PLNU alumnus, he has dedicated his vocation to equipping students, pastors, and church leaders for thoughtful, faithful ministry in a rapidly changing world.

Dr. Sweeden's work spans teaching, academic leadership, scholarship, and local church ministry. He is passionate about theological education as a transformative practice for individuals, congregations, and communities. His leadership focuses on cultivating academic excellence, fostering institutional innovation, and helping theological education respond creatively to emerging challenges while remaining deeply rooted in the historic Christian faith.

His research explores the ways particular contexts shape ecclesial identity, Christian ethics, and the dynamic relationship between Christian belief and practice. In the classroom, he seeks to cultivate collaborative learning environments where students engage diverse theological traditions, perspectives, and life experiences with intellectual rigor, humility, and charity. He believes such communities of learning become places where students develop the imagination and wisdom necessary for faithful witness in the world.