Bobby Kelly

Dr. Bobby Kelly serves as the Ruth Dickinson Professor of Religion at Oklahoma Baptist University, holding this named professorship since 2004 after previously occupying the Rowena Strickland Professorship of Bible. With over 25 years of continuous service since joining OBU's faculty in 1997, he is a cornerstone of the Department of Bible where he teaches core courses including New Testament History and Literature, The Gospels and Acts, Biblical Hermeneutics, and comprehensive Greek language sequences.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from Clear Creek Baptist College (1988), Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1992), and PhD in New Testament Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (1998), where he also served as a teaching fellow for three years.

Dr. Kelly's research spans New Testament exegesis with particular emphasis on first-century discipleship models, Johannine theology (including the "I Am" sayings), apocalyptic literature in Revelation, and sociological studies of women and family structures in the Gospels. His methodological approach integrates historical-critical analysis with practical theological application for contemporary church contexts.

His publication pattern from 2011-2017 demonstrates consistent scholarly output primarily through the Biblical Illustrator journal and academic handbooks, revealing a sustained focus on bridging ancient textual analysis with modern ecclesiastical relevance. Key thematic threads include linguistic analysis of Greek texts, historical reconstruction of early Christian communities, and pastoral application of biblical narratives.

Teaching excellence defines his career trajectory:

• Distinguished Teacher Award (OBU's highest faculty honor, 2011)
• Promising Teacher Award (junior faculty recognition, 2000)
• Delta Epsilon Chi Award (distinguished alumnus, Clear Creek Baptist College, 2000)
• H.C. Brown, Jr. Memorial Award (Southwestern Seminary, 1992)

While formal advising relationships aren't detailed in available records, his ministry engagement demonstrates educational leadership through interim pastorates at fifteen Oklahoma churches including Quail Springs Baptist and First Baptist Midwest City, plus frequent preaching engagements statewide. His current major project—The Story of the New Testament for the Hobbs College Library—represents significant ongoing scholarly contribution beyond classroom instruction.