April 7, 2025
An Interview with Dr. Becky Towne
Professor of Christian Spirituality and Counseling
What inspired you to pursue your field of study?
I grew up in the Friends Church, often called the Quakers, where Christian spirituality and contemplative practices were naturally integrated into my faith experience. From an early age, I was drawn to the intersection of spiritual disciplines and doctrinal beliefs. My journey toward studying Christian Spirituality in an academic setting was shaped by this foundation, and over time, I found myself increasingly passionate about helping others cultivate an authentic spiritual life. This passion led me to earn my Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree from Houston Graduate School of Theology (HGST) in 2005, which became the launching point for my academic career.
How did your academic journey lead you to Kairos University?
After earning my DMin, I joined the faculty at HGST, first as an adjunct and later as a full-time professor in 2008. Over the years, I took on various administrative roles, including serving as President of HGST. In 2023, HGST became part of Kairos University, which opened up an exciting opportunity to continue my work in a broader, more collaborative academic environment. Today, I serve as Legacy President from HGST, a faculty member, a mentor for DMin students, and an advisor and administrator for students in the Master of Arts in Counseling (MACO) and Doctor of Professional Counseling (DPC) programs. My background in academic leadership and spiritual formation continues to inform my role, particularly as we rethink how theological and counseling education can be delivered in a global, online format.
What excites you most about your discipline?
Christian Spirituality is about more than just understanding theological concepts—it’s about living a life deeply attuned to the presence of God. What excites me most is witnessing the transformation that happens when students move from a sense of duty in their spiritual lives to a place of depth, authenticity, and engagement with God. Spiritual formation is not just about acquiring knowledge but about participating in what God is doing in and through us. Seeing students embrace this reality and integrate it into their ministry, personal lives, and professional work is incredibly rewarding.
What books, theologians, or resources have influenced your work the most?
Several books have been particularly formative for me. The Mystery of God: Theology for Knowing the Unknowable by Steven Boyer and Christopher Hall has helped me appreciate how deep theological themes—like Incarnation, Salvation, and the Trinity—intersect with the mystery of God’s presence. Spirituality and the Awakening Self: The Sacred Journey of Transformation by David G. Benner has given me a new perspective on personal transformation and spiritual formation. Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman has also been profoundly impactful, especially in its exploration of faith in the face of fear, deception, and oppression. Thurman’s work, which significantly influenced Martin Luther King, Jr., continues to challenge me to consider what it means to live out an authentic, non-violent Christian witness.
What do you hope students take away from your teaching?
More than anything, I hope my students leave with a deeper understanding of Christian Spirituality as a lived experience rather than just an academic discipline. Whether they are studying spiritual practices, counseling, or theology, I want them to develop an awareness of how the Holy Spirit works in their lives and in the lives of those they serve. I also hope they cultivate a passion for lifelong learning, recognizing that spiritual growth is an ongoing journey. Ultimately, my goal is that they walk away not just with knowledge, but with a transformed perspective on faith—one that moves them from obligation to genuine connection with God and others.
Looking Ahead
Dr. Becky Towne’s journey in Christian Spirituality and theological education is a testament to the power of integrating faith, academic study, and spiritual practice. Her passion for mentorship and formation continues to shape students at Kairos University and beyond.
As we continue our Faculty Interview Series, stay tuned for our next conversation with another esteemed member of the Kairos faculty. Each story offers a unique perspective on faith, education, and the calling to serve. Who will we meet next? Keep reading to find out!
Stay tuned for our next faculty interview as we continue to explore the passions, wisdom, and journeys of Kairos University’s remarkable educators.