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Warren S. Benson Biography

Dr. Warren S. Benson (August 23, 1929-February 15, 2002) was recognized as a
professor, pastor, scholar, and author. He was a devoted member of the Evangelical
Free Church in America, but his influence extended far beyond the parameters of his
own tradition. His greatest legacy continues not in his publications, but in the lives of his
many students.

His teaching career led him throughout the United States. He began his teaching career
at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1970-1974) in Deerfield, Illinois. While at Trinity,
Benson completed the requirements at Loyola for his Ph.D., studying under the
distinguished professor of education history Dr. Gerald Gutek, which developed his
interest in the history and philosophy of education. It was at Trinity that he developed a
collegial relationship with Dr. Kenneth Gangel, with whom he authored perhaps his most
recognized contribution to Christian education literature, Christian Education: Its
Philosophy and History.

He then served four years as Associate Professor at Dallas Theological Seminary
(1974-1978) prior to returning to Trinity in 1978, from which he "retired" in 1999. While
at Trinity he held a variety of titles: Vice President of Professional Doctoral Programs,
Director of Doctor of Ministry Program, and Professor of Christian Education.
Undeniably, for many Trinity students, particularly those in the Doctor of Ministry or
Christian education programs, Dr. Benson was TEDS.

Following his "retirement" Dr. Benson continued to actively serve as a professor and
scholar. He taught from 1999-2002 at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
(Louisville, Kentucky), commuting by air from his home Libertyville, Illinois to Louisville
once a week. He also served as Research Professor at Talbot School of Theology (La
Mirada, California), where he worked on his last work with Dr. Michael Anthony,
Exploring the historical and philosophical foundations of Christian Education (Grand
Rapids: Kregel Publishers, 2003). Dr. Benson passed away prior to the books
completion, but it was completed by Dr. Anthony and dedicated to Dr. Benson.

Source: https://www.biola.edu/talbot/ce20/database/warren-s-benson

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