For over 30 years, Prof. Achim Haertner taught evangelism courses at Reutlingen Theological Seminary, a United Methodist Seminary in Reutlingen, Germany. Prof. Haertner became the E. Stanley Jones Professor of Evangelism in 1995 after serving as pastor at Nuremberg Zion United Methodist Church and Esslingen United Methodist Church in Germany. This summer, Prof. Haertner retired from his position, but his ministry is far from over.
In addition to teaching, Prof. Haertner is a singer, songwriter, and guitar player. He has studied drama, mime, and modern media and has brought his creative energy to his teaching and mentorship. Beloved by his students, Prof. Haertner has helped advance the Methodist Church in Germany, and has modeled and supported innovation in ministry for his students.
Prof. Haertner has been part of initiatives such as President Barak Obama’s “The President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge” and served as C.E.O. of the German Central Conference’s Board of Continuing Education of Clergy. He has authored books and curriculum now translated into 5 languages – among which is a curriculum for youth confirmation and a modern preaching resource (now in its 3rd edition). He has participated in teaching exchanges in Korea, The United States, and Russia.
In July, members of the Foundation’s staff attended a retirement celebration for Prof. Haertner. Former students, colleagues, and well-wishers congratulated Prof. Haertner on his over 30 years of teaching and leading gospel leaders. In Prof. Haertner’s last academic report, he shared that,
Among the 44 years of ministry within the UMC in Germany, the past 30 years in ministry as the ESJ Professor of Evangelism by far had been the most challenging and fulfilling ones. In the summer of 2025 I will pass on the baton to my successor on the ESJ-chair.
Poised to carry the mantel after Prof. Haertner’s retirement is Prof. Dr. Maximilian Buhler, who will serve as the E. Stanley Jones Profess of Evangelism at Reutlingen Theological Seminary going forward.
The video below features Prof. Haertner sharing about the situation of the Church in Germany, and on his 3 decades teaching at Reutlingen Theological Seminary.
