We are excited to introduce you to Dr. Conrad Gempf, new to Camp Arcadia who will be serving alongside Rev. Michael Newman for Family Week 9. Dr. Gempf will bring his decades of experience teaching the New Testament at the London School of Theology to Arcadia.
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I grew up in New Jersey, just outside New York City. I have earned degrees at Gordon College (BA), Boston University (MTS), and the University of Aberdeen in Scotland (PhD) with a post-doc year spent at Cambridge University.
I taught for over 30 years at the London School of Theology, retiring in 2023. I enjoy spending time with my wife, Shanese, daughter Kat, and son Alistair.
Share a fun memory you have from living in England.
When my wife and I were married, we couldn’t afford a honeymoon in England, but we put a map of London on our wall and promised ourselves that someday we’d have a vacation there and spend at least 2 whole weeks there. And instead, God gave us 40 years in the UK, most of that in London!
What did you enjoy most about teaching the New Testament? What did you learn from your students?
I was always and still am learning from those who were my students, and I so enjoyed doing something that I knew served God and my brothers and sisters.
What is the best place that you have traveled to and why did you love it?
I have loved exploring the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, especially Glencoe and Skye. It’s magically spacious, green and gorgeous.
What is a book, podcast, or show that you would recommend to everyone?
I think C.S. Lewis’s The Silver Chair is an amazing book about the Christian life.
What are you looking forward to about coming to Camp Arcadia this summer?
I’ve never lived anywhere where there were a lot of Lutherans—that’ll be wonderful, I’m sure. I’m also really looking forward to seeing old friends Justin and Miriam Rossow.
Interested in attending Family Week 9? Register here.
