Dr. David R. Bauer

Dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation Ralph Waldo Beeson Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies

Dr. David R. Bauer is the Ralph W. Beeson Professor of Inductive Biblical Studies and Dean of the School of Biblical Interpretation. He has served on Asbury Theological Seminary’s faculty since 1984.

He received a B.A. from Spring Arbor College (University), an M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia. He also has done postdoctoral studies at Princeton Theological Seminary.

Dr. Bauer is the recipient of the American Bible Society Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies, Asbury Seminary’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Asbury Seminary’s Excellence in Mentoring, and the Spring Arbor University Alumni Association Award of Professional Excellence.

He was director of the Institutional Self-Study for Asbury Seminary from 1992 to 1994 and has served as a member of the executive committee of the Institute for Biblical Research. He has served as chair of the Matthew Group of the Society of Biblical Literature and chair of the Hebrews Consultation of the Society of Biblical Literature.

Dr. Bauer is an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Church of North America and a member of the Study Commission on Doctrine for the Free Methodist Church of North America. He serves in the Wilmore Free Methodist Church as director of seminary ministries and is the facilitator of the Free Methodist Fellowship on Asbury Seminary’s campus. He is also a frequent speaker, preacher and teacher at camps and local churches and is involved in organizations offering education and support to families who adopt international children, especially international special-needs children.

In addition, Dr. Bauer has written several articles and published numerous books, including Inductive Bible Study: A Comprehensive Guide to the Practice of Hermeneutics (2011); The Gospel of the Son of God: An Introduction to Matthew (2019); and The Essential Guide to Biblical Resources for Ministry (2023).