BIOGRAPHY About Kathleen
Kathleen grew up in St. Louis and attended Wheaton College, where she earned a B.A. in English and French, sang in the Women's Glee Club -- and met her husband Niel. She completed her Ph.D. in literature at Vanderbilt University, and has taught in the English departments of Vanderbilt, Bethel College (MN), and Wheaton. In recent years, Kathleen has spent the majority of her professional life writing, teaching, and speaking on biblical books and topics. She has directed and taught Bible studies at several churches, and speaks at conferences and retreats nationally and internationally. Kathleen serves as director of women's initiatives for The Gospel Coalition , on whose website her periodic blogs can be found. She also serves on the board of directors of The Charles Simeon Trust .
College students remain a special focus and love, both at the college where her husband serves as President and at other educational institutions she visits in her speaking role. Kathleen and Niel have relished the chance to travel with groups of students to Kenya, Romania, India, South Africa, and Cambodia.
Kathleen has authored numerous Bible studies as well as various articles, poems, and a book: Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word (2011) .
For over three decades Kathleen has been joyfully married to Dr. Niel Nielson, President of Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Kathleen and Niel have three grown sons and two beautiful daughters-in-law. Kathleen loves any kind of family time. . . enjoying their adult children. . . playing with and reading to new granddaughter Adelyn Grace. . . Covenant College events and relationships. . . being part of her home church's Bible study. . . travel. . . seeing the Church at work in other cultures. . . reading. . . walking. . . stopping to talk over a cup of coffee or tea.
© 2010 Kathleen Nielson
STUDIES These nine studies are available from P&R Publishing. Click on each image to access the P&R web page for more information.
Joshua
"All God's Good Promises"
Nehemiah
"Rebuilt and Rebuilding"
Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs
"Wisdom's Searching and Finding"
Psalms
"Songs Along the Way"
Proverbs
"The Ways of Wisdom"
Colossians and Philemon
"Continue to Live in Him"
Isaiah
"The Lord Saves"
John
"That You May Believe"
1 & 2 Thessalonians
"Living the Gospel to the End"
A Personal Word From Kathleen
Appears in the introductory section of each study
I began to write these Bible studies for the women in my own church group at College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. Under the leadership of Kent and Barbara Hughes, the church and that Bible study aimed to proclaim without fail the good news of the Word of God. What a joy, in that study and in many since, to see lives changed by the work of the Word, by the Spirit, for the glory of Christ.
In our Bible study group, we were looking for curriculum that would lead us into the meat of the Word and teach us how to take it in, whole Bible books at a time -- the way they are given to us in Scripture. Finally, one of our leaders said, "Kathleen -- how about if you just write it!" And so began one of the most joyful projects of my life: the writing of studies intended to help unleash the Word of God in people's lives. The writing began during a busy stage of my life -- with three lively young boys and always a couple of college English courses to teach -- but through that stage and every busy one since, a serious attention to studying the Bible has helped keep me focused, growing, and alive in the deepest ways. The Word of God will do that. If there's life and power in these studies, it is simply the life and power of the Scriptures to which they point. It is ultimately the life and power of the Savior who shines through all the Scriptures from beginning to end. How we need this life, in the midst of every busy and non-busy stage of our lives!
I don't think it is just the English teacher in me that leads me to this conclusion about our basic problem in Bible study these days: we've forgotten how to read! We're so used to fast food that we think we should be able to drive by the Scriptures periodically and pick up some easily digestible truths that someone else has wrapped up neatly for us. We've disowned that process of careful reading. . . observing the words. . . seeing the shape of a book and a passage. . . asking questions that take us into the text rather than away from it. . . digging into the Word and letting it speak! Through such a process, guided by the Spirit, the Word of God truly feeds our souls. Here's my prayer: that, by means of these studies, people would be further enabled to read the Scriptures profitably and thereby find life and nourishment in them, as we are each meant to do.
In all the busy stages of life and writing, I have been continually surrounded by pastors, teachers, and family who encourage and help me in this work, and for that I am grateful. The most wonderful guidance and encouragement come from my husband, Niel whom I thank and for whom I thank God daily.
May God use these studies to lift up Christ and his Word, for his glory!
© 2010 Kathleen Nielson
NEW Bible Study: Following the Ways of the Word
Rather than being a Bible study, this book is about Bible study. It asks us to step back and remember just what this Bible is , and then to consider the implications for how we should study it. It's available now, from P&R or from the main online vendors.
"Kathleen Nielson wants all Christians to be involved in thoughtful and faithful Bible study -- and tells us how to do it. This is a well-written and wonderfully sane book that deserves the widest circulation." -D. A. Carson
"I don't know of a greater need among Christians today than better understanding and applying our Bibles. Kathleen Nielson has blessed us with a deeply profound yet thoroughly comprehensible tool to help us do that." -Carol Ruvolo
"For people who teach the Bible -- or who aspire to teach it -- this book will be the gold standard for knowing how to do it right." -Leland Ryken
"Nielson's literary expertise and love of the Bible that we have seen time and time again are put to their fullest use here, as she shows us how to view the Bible as both the crucial (and approachable) Word of God and as a literary masterpiece to be immersed in and savored."
-R. Kent Hughes
Isaiah: The Lord Saves
Isaiah presents God's plan of redemption in a theological masterpiece that contains some of the most beautiful poetry in the Bible. This latest study guide gives you both depth and a clear overview, as Kathleen encourages and enables you to read the book with growing understanding and joy.
"In preparing this study on the prophet Isaiah, Kathleen Nielson has done all of us a huge favor. By that, I mean she has already done much of the heavy lifting. In doing so, she has cleared the way for us to come to a better understanding of this part of God's Word. Her commentary guides us across terrain we first thought impassable. Her writing style both piques and retains our interest along the way. And her routine attention to questions of application will bring the message of the book home to our hearts." -David R. Helm
"Kathleen helps students understand the historical context in which the book of Isaiah was written, presenting lasting truths in their original setting. She points the eyes of the reader forward to the promised Messiah, and encourages personal application of timeless, biblical truths. This study will be enjoyed and appreciated by anyone who is serious about understanding the message of Isaiah." -Cindy Cochrum
"Dr. Nielson drives you closer to the heart of God and his Word through her thoughtful studies. If you don't want to read a lecture in the form of a commentary, but want to relish the sweeping expanse of Scripture within a book through private inquiry, here is your source."
-Diane Poythress
Nehemiah: Rebuilt and Rebuilding
Nehemiah is not only an example of great leadership; his story shows us in living color God'’s sovereign plan to work through his people for his redemptive purposes in Jesus Christ. This study leads us to immerse ourselves in a dramatic story of God’'s people led by a godly leader at a crucial point in salvation history.
"“Christian Bible study guides that make an attempt to bring us into the Hebrew world of divine promises to Abraham and David require great care, and should be written by those who possess an understanding of that world on its own terms. Further, the fruit of their work must demonstrate a mature grasp of biblical theology, so proper connections to Christ and his church can emerge. In Kathleen Nielson, we are blessed to have someone capable of doing both."” -David Helm
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"Dr. Kathleen Nielson brings her great love for the Word of God to bear upon the dramatic story and themes of restoration found in the book of Nehemiah. This study brings us face to face with God’'s covenant people and God’'s faithfulness to his promises. Kathleen, a gifted teacher, guides the student to consider the text and contexts with a historical, redemptive perspective, pointing us to the fulfillment of God’'s promises in Christ."” -Jane Patete
© 2010 Kathleen Nielson
TALKS 
Selected Articles and Talks
Here you will find links to selected articles and talks from recent years. Click on the title or file to read or listen.
"Esther Edwards Burr: A Word-Shaped Woman" - This chapel talk on the daughter of Jonathan Edwards was given at Covenant College on April 8, 2011.
"Old Testament Narrative: Letting the Literature Speak" - Seminar presented at The Gospel Coalition 2011 National Conference
"Literary Beauty and Gospel Truth" - Seminar presented at The Gospel Coalition 2011 National Conference
"The Need for Biblical Exposition" - Presented at the 2011 Simeon Trust Workshop for Women in Ministry
"Titus 3:1-11" - Presented at the 2011 Simeon Trust Workshop for Women in Ministry
- re-routingtheriverabortion
bagpipe articles for website.pdf
ReadingGreatWorksbyfaith.pdf
PowerofGodswordbyfaith.pdf
" You Need the Story " - To hear this chapel address given April 3, 2009, at Covenant College, simply click the play button or click the link to download to iTunes. If you enjoy Flannery O'Connor's writings, you will appreciate hearing in this talk about O'Connor's short story, "The Displaced Person."
" Hurtling toward Heaven " - Click the play button to the left, or the link to download. When you arrive on the page of Wheaton College's archived talks, click on Kathleen's chapel talk from February 9, 2007.
" Graduates of Distinction " - Kathleen addressed the May 2007 graduates of the Wheaton College Graduate School. Click the play button to listen here, or the link to download.
" Re-routing the River: Reflections on Abortion " - Click the play button to listen. To download, you may click on the title to arrive at Taylor University's page, and then click on 2008-04-09 to hear Kathleen's address to Taylor's students on the subject of abortion.
" The Down-to-Earth God " - Beeson Divinity School asked Kathleen to participate in a series on the Nicene Creed. You'll find this talk dated October 20, 2009. Click the play button to listen, or the link to download.
Selected columns from the Bagpipe - Covenant College's student newspaper invited Kathleen to contribute a series of columns in 2004. This link includes 3 selections.
"The Joy of Reading Great Works" - Published in the Sep/Oct 05 issue of the byFaith journal, this article grew out of a seminar given at the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America.
"The Light of the Gospel Brings Joy to Kibera" - After enjoying the challenging privilege of helping lead a group of Covenant College students in a short-term missions trip to Nairobi, Kenya, Kathleen wrote about her impressions (byFaith, Dec/Jan 07-08).
"The English Standard Version" - Although Kathleen's studies certainly can be used with a variety of translations, the ESV is one she trusts and recommends; this article (originally in Books and Culture, Sep/Oct 02) explains. Click on title to read.
© 2010 Kathleen Nielson
POETRY Selected Poems
Prayer for Nighttime Rest
May he know the rest of one who labors well.
May he embrace the rhythm
of the dark and light,
of sleep renewing and of morning zest.
May evening prayers seep into dreams
that would not haunt or frighten --
comfort, rather, gladden, or pass harmless by.
And if he wakes, Lord,
may he know you with him,
there to lighten the dark watches of the night
with echoing sustenance of the Word
and songs that sweeten all the shadows
'til the morning sends the dark away.
Prayer for Nighttime Rest #2
While I am praying, Lord,
may I put forth the simplest prayer
that you would keep him far
from folly.
Keep him, I pray,
from folly that so often fills
the nighttime hours;
from folly that would disregard
the need for sleep;
from folly of a foolish friend
who calls some evil good;
from folly of a thoughtless act
that brings a moment's pleasure
and a long regret.
Let him lie down in peace and sleep
with conscience clean, I pray.
Now, Lord, I do admit,
I'm praying for my rest as well --
so let me rest
in offering this prayer to you.
(prayers selected from A Parent's Prayers for a College Student , available through the Covenant College bookstore )
Please click on the following poems to read them:
This Ordinary Day w border.pdf
Sweeping w border.pdf
FOR SANNA w border.pdf
newborn blessing w border.pdf
To my Pastors w border.pdf
© 2010 Kathleen Nielson
ENDORSEMENTS About the Bible Studies...
Click on the following file to read comments from Dr. Philip Ryken, President of Wheaton College (comments taken from the Forewords to the studies).
Click on the following file to read selected comments about the studies.
Endorsements for website.pdf
Philip Ryken.pdf
Endorsers include:
Kent Hughes
Senior Pastor Emeritus, College Church
Wheaton, IL
Joel Belz
Founder, World Magazine
Kari Stainback
Director of Women's Ministries, Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Dallas, TX
Ligon Duncan
Senior Minister, First Presbyterian Church
Jackson, MS
Bryan Chapell
President, Covenant Theological Seminary
Carol J. Ruvolo
Author and Speaker
Harry L. Reeder III
Senior Pastor, Briarwood Presbyterian Church Birmingham, AL
Teren Secrist
Women's Bible Study Teacher
Berean Baptist Church, Livonia, MI
Jane Patete
Women's Ministries Coordinator
Presbyterian Church in America
© 2010 Kathleen Nielson
SCHEDULE Schedule
Kathleen combines regular commitments at Covenant College and at her home church (Lookout Mountain Presbyterian) with writing projects and speaking engagements. Recent years have taken her from Pennsylvania to New Mexico. . . from Chicago to Florida. . . from Vienna to Dubai. Some examples of speaking engagements past and currently scheduled include:
Women's conferences and/or talks for churches:
-Village Seven Presbyterian Church (Colorado Springs)
-College Church in Wheaton (IL)
-Tenth Presbyterian Church (Philadelphia)
-Christ the King Presbyterian Church (El Paso, TX)
-Park Cities Presbyterian Church (Dallas)
-Proclamation Presbyterian Church (Bryn Mawr, PA)
-Heartland Community Church (Wichita, KS)
-Highlands Presbyterian Church (Ridgeland, Mississippi)
-Christ Covenant Church (Charlotte, NC)
-New City Fellowship (Chattanooga, TN)
-United Christian Church of Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
-International Chapel of Vienna (Austria)
Seminars/talks for other organizations:
-The Gospel Coalition
-The Charles Simeon Trust
-Presbytery women of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church
-The General Assembly of the PCA
-Leadership conferences for the Christian Education and Publications agency of the PCA
-Niagara Christian Women's Conference (Ontario, Canada)
-Entrust International (women's conference in Vienna, Austria)
-Bible Institute of South Africa (Capetown, South Africa)
Addresses (chapel, graduation) for:
-Covenant College
-Wheaton College and Graduate School
-Taylor University
-Beeson Divinity School
-Wheaton Academy
-Universitas Pelita Harapan Teachers College (Indonesia)
© 2010 Kathleen Nielson
CONTACT To contact Kathleen, please complete the form below.
© 2010 Kathleen Nielson
