Spirit Leadership

The Reverend Dr. Arthur A. Rouner Jr. is a graduate of Harvard College Union Theological Seminary and Luther Theological Seminary. A Congregational minister for over 50 years Dr. Rouner first led the 1st Congregational Church of Williamsburg Massachusetts; then Eliot Church of Newton Massachusetts; and finally The Colonial Church of Edina Minnesota. <p> In 1994 following the genocide in Rwanda Dr. Rouner founded The Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation a nonprofit organization that helps church leaders recover from the traumas of genocide and war. Dr. Rouner travels several times a year to Rwanda Burundi Congo South Sudan and Kenya to lead trauma healing retreats train retreat leaders and work with national team leaders.<p>In America Dr. Rouner preaches teaches and conducts retreats on forgiveness and reconciliation. He leads teams on Journeys Out to Midwestern American Indian reservations teaches seasonal Bible studies hosts a weekly cable TV program and prepares a daily message for all who call the Pilgrim Center Faith Line.<p>Dr. Rouner has written over 20 books and he and has received numerous recognition awards including:Clergyman of the Year Religious Heritage of America; Twin Cities International Citizen Award International Leadership Institute; Outstanding Meritorious Service Award National Association of Congregational Christian Churches; World Vision recognition for work in Africa and partnership with World Vision; Best Minister in the Twin Cities Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine;one of the Ten Most Influential Ministers in the Twin Cities Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine; one of the 100 Most Influential People in Minnesota Law and Politics Magazine; Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) Piedmont College; Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa) Elmhurst College