Rachel Wrenn

The Rev. Dr. Rachel Wrenn is an Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Capital University. An ordained Lutheran (ELCA) pastor, she teaches foundational courses like Introduction to the Old/New Testament and advanced seminars on Theology of the Prophets, Feminist Biblical Interpretation, and Pauline Theology. She also instructs in Biblical Hebrew for Ministry.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Religion (Hebrew Bible), Emory University
• M.Div., Luther Seminary (St. Paul, Minnesota)
• B.A. in French Language and Literature, Pacific Lutheran University (Tacoma, Washington)

Her research examines the intersection of emotion, embodiment, and theology in biblical texts, with emphasis on the Psalms, divine-human relationships, and Old Testament influences on the New Testament. She critically engages themes of anger, suffering, and justice through feminist and narrative lenses.

Publications consistently explore biblical emotions (especially anger), liturgical applications of scripture, and contemporary preaching challenges. Recent works analyze Psalms, Genesis, and Isaiah through theological and social justice frameworks, reflecting a pattern of bridging academic exegesis with practical ministry concerns.

Beyond academia, Dr. Wrenn co-hosts the First Reading podcast (an Old Testament lectionary resource) and frequently presents at pastoral conferences, demonstrating commitment to public theological education.