A pastor, author, conference speaker and leader with a heart to help those in the pulpit to Pastor Well
Dr. Hershael W. York is the Dean of the School of Theology of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary as well as the Victor and Louise Lester Professor of Christian Preaching. After serving for 20 years as Senior Pastor of the Buck Run Baptist Church in Frankfort, Dr. York now devotes much time to helping churches and pastors stay focused on effective gospel communication and leadership, as well as hosting marriage seminars with his wife, Tanya. The author of two book on preaching and 40 Days in 1 Corinthians, Dr. York’s most recent work is The Salvation of Children, a book about the necessity of leading children to faith in Christ. Preaching Today has included him among North America’s most effective preachers. He writes a regular column in Preaching magazine and hosts the popular PastorWell podcast. His articles and sermons have appeared in many journals, websites, and magazines, and he is a frequent conference speaker in the US, Europe, Asia, and South America.
He holds a B.A. in English and Classical Civilizations from the University of Kentucky, where he also earned a Master of Arts in Classical Languages. He received the Master of Divinity and the Doctor of Philosophy in Greek and New Testament from the Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee.
Contact
➤ LOCATION
2825 Lexington Road
Louisville, KY 40280
☎ CONTACT
hyork@sbts.edu
(502) 897-4112
Areas of Influence
Preaching
With over 40 years of preaching experience, Hershael York brings excellence into the pulpit with great care and precision. Noted for his clarity, depth, heartfelt delivery, Hershael has been exalting Jesus and engaging congregations with a compelling blend of biblical insight and practical application.
MArriage
One of the greatest gifts in the life of Hershael York’s ministry is his own marriage to Tanya. Together, their ministry to marriages is marked by empathy, wisdom, and a commitment to biblical principles. Through their personal experience they offer practical and accessible teaching, and resources. Bringing couples practical tools and spiritual guidance to strengthen their relationships and navigate challenges with grace and love is one of the great passions of their ministry.
Leadership
Dr. York's leadership is characterized by wisdom, humility, and a genuine concern for the well-being and sanctification of those under his care. He exemplifies integrity and vision, guiding others with compassion and grace. Throughout his extensive ministry he has invested into countless pastors, ministry leaders, and church members.
conference speaking
An engaging and dynamic conference speaker, Hershael has been captivating audiences with his deep biblical knowledge, relatable storytelling, and genuine passion for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. His ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire them towards spiritual growth and transformation makes him a highly sought-after speaker in conference settings.
Writing
Hershael York's writing is known for its scholarly rigor, accessibility, and relevance to contemporary Christian life. He skillfully combines biblical wisdom with practical insights, making his work valuable and enriching for readers seeking spiritual growth and understanding.
Consulting
Whether it is ongoing one-on-one development for preachers or specific leadership issues that require particular insights, Dr. York is available for pastors and preachers as well as search committees and leadership teams. With his extensive experience, profound understanding of biblical principles, and compassionate approach to leadership development, his insights can help organizations navigate complex challenges, foster unity, and cultivate a culture of servant leadership grounded in faith and integrity. Additionally, his ability to offer practical strategies tailored to each context can empower leaders and churches to thrive and fulfill their missions effectively.
“My teaching often boils down to love: love Jesus, love your wife & kids, love your people, and love holiness. It’s stunning how many other problems that precludes or solves.”
