New lecture series begins with Robert Gorrell

Robert Gorrell will present the inaugural Martha Jean Lemon Lectures on March 31 at Oklahoma City University.

The first presentation will be at 1 p.m. in the weekly chapel service; the second lecture will be at 7 p.m. Both events are free, open to the public, and will be in the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel on campus.

This endowed lecture series is a gift from Lynette Lemon Wert and Larry H. Lemon, on behalf of the Lemon family of Oklahoma City. The gift honors Martha Jean Lemon, who graduated from OCU in 1968 with a degree in history and worked as an independent comparative religion scholar. The annual lecture series will feature speakers, workshops, or seminars on topics that promote religious leadership and service.

Rev. Dr. Gorrell serves as senior pastor of United Methodist Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City. In 1988, Gorrell was ordained an elder in the Oklahoma Conference. He has served as senior pastor at Ardmore-First, Putnam City, and Noble churches; associate at OKC-St. Luke’s and Cochran Chapel, Dallas, Texas; and director of Children’s and Youth Ministries at OKC-St. John’s. He was a family counselor at Goodland Presbyterian Family Services and a counselor at United Methodist Family Counseling in Oklahoma City. He served as a chaplain in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Gorrell is the recipient of two prestigious honors: The Denman Award in Evangelism and the Eagle Scout Award. He is a regular contributor to The Abingdon Preaching Annual and author of "Mothers Matter."

Gorrell received a bachelor’s in science from OCU and a graduate degree in theology from Southern Methodist University, where he also did post-graduate work on the Christology of John Wesley. Following a two-year residency, he earned his doctorate in psychotherapy.

He has served the greater church on the Board of Ordained Ministry, Committee on Investigation, and Joint Review Committee, all of the Oklahoma Conference. He is an SMU field supervisor and teaches at Saint Paul School of Theology at OCU, preparing graduate theology students for a life of church service.

Gorrell grew up in Oklahoma City. He is married to Prudy; they have two adult daughters.