Andrew Purves

Professor of Reformed Theology
Year Started at PTS: 1983

Contact Info

apurves@pts.edu
412-924-1429

Education

• Ph.D., University of Edinburgh / Theology, 1978
• Th.M., Duke Divinity School / Theology, 1975
• B.D., University of Edinburgh / Philosophical Theology, 1974
• M.A., University of Edinburgh / Philosophy, 1971

Bio

A native of Edinburgh, Scotland, the Rev. Dr. Andrew Purves received degrees in philosophy and divinity from the University of Edinburgh, and a Th.M. from Duke Divinity School. His Ph.D. is from the University of Edinburgh. Purves came to the US in 1978 and was ordained by Philadelphia Presbytery. He served as minister of the Hebron Presbyterian Church, Clinton, Pa. until 1983, when he was called to join the faculty of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Purves has a long list of publications, both books and articles, academic and popular. Recent books include The Search for Compassion: Spirituality and Ministry, Union in Christ (with Mark Achtemeier), A Passion for the Gospel (with Achtemeier), Encountering God: Christian Faith in Turbulent Times (with Charles Partee), Pastoral Theology in the Classical Tradition, Reconstructing Pastoral Theology: A Christological Foundation, The Crucifixion of Ministry, and The Resurrection of Ministry. Purves is married to the Rev. Catherine J. Purves, minister of the Bellevue United Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh Presbytery. They have three grown children, Brendan, Gordon, and Laura.

Church Associations

Ordination: PC(USA), 1979 as Minister of Word and Sacrament

Professional Competencies

Areas of Expertise

•  Doctrinal theology from a Reformed perspective

Professional Service

Board Service

• Editorial Board, Edification (Society for Christian Psychology)
• Editorial Board, Participatio (T F Torrance Theological Fellowship)

Awards/Fellowships/Distinctions

• The Catherine and Andrew Purves Merit Scholarship, endowed in 2006 at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary by private donors in honor of the Purveses

Additional Resources

Publications
High res image
Chapel Audio 1
Chapel Audio 2
Chapel Audio 3
Chapel Audio 4
Chapel Audio 5
Chapel Audio 6
Chapel Audio 7
Chapel Audio 8

Dr. Purves was invited to speak at TEDx LeadershipPittsburgh. This event was designed to put ideas in the forefront, challenge traditional thinking, and encourage attendees to explore new possibilities and collaborations.