Zhenya Gurina-Rodríguez

Director of Doctor of Ministry Program and Assistant Professor of New Testament and Ministry

Zhenya Gurina-Rodríguez joined the faculty of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2025 as Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program and Assistant Professor of New Testament and Ministry. An ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, she brings nearly two decades of experience in pastoral leadership, theological education, and cross-cultural ministry.

She holds a PhD in New Testament and Early Christian Literature from Brite Divinity School, where her dissertation, Begging for Their Daily Bread: Beggar-Centric Interpretations of Matthew 6, explored how ancient texts reflect and shape the lived experience of marginalized population of the destitute. Her work engages early Jesus movement within its imperial context, highlighting themes of poverty, power, and the complex nature of Gospel proclamation. Gurina-Rodríguez also holds a ThM and MDiv from Brite, and a BA in English and Cross-Cultural Communication from Voronezh State University in Russia.

Her teaching spans a wide range of contexts and languages in El Salvador, Argentina and across the United States. She regularly teaches in both English and Spanish, and has designed curriculum in biblical studies, practical ministry, and spiritual formation for students, clergy, and laity alike.

Gurina-Rodríguezrsquo;s scholarship includes contributions to the Wisdom Commentary Series on the Gospel of Mark, entries in the Historical Dictionary of Methodism, and the book Begging for Their Daily Bread (Fortress/Lexington, 2022). Her work appears in peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, and devotionals, and she is a frequent presenter at scholarly and denominational conferences.

In both church and academy, Gurina-Rodríguez is passionate about forming thoughtful leaders rooted in justice and community. Her ministry in local churches includes discipleship programming, leadership development, bilingual worship, and innovative models of spiritual care. She has served on the District Committee on Ordained Ministry and the Board of Ordained Ministry in the Horizon Texas Annual Conference and mentored candidates for ministry.

Born and raised in Russia, she now lives in Louisville with her spouse and two young children.

I am excited to join LPTS vibrant community of dedicated faculty, staff, and students committed to extending God’s love to all people. It is an honor to step into this grace-filled environment, where, through rigorous study, mutual care and collaboration, we shall continue to carve the paths of justice, speak the words of truth, and offer healing and grace in our churches and communities.
—Zhenya Gurina-Rodríguez