Education
Dr. Oberholtzer has a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Graphics Design and a minor in Business from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas (1973). He then went on to earn a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree and Master of Theology (Th.M.) degree from Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon in 1981. He graduated magna cum laude with his Master of Theology (Th.M.), was selected as a member of Eta Beta Rho, a Hebrew Honor Society and was chosen as one of the top Senior Preachers. Master of Theology Thesis: “An Analysis and Exposition of Premarital Purity in the Song of Songs.”
After graduating from Western Seminary, Kem continued his education at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas, where he graduated with his doctorate (Ph.D.) in Bible Exposition with an emphasis in New Testament Greek in 1984. Doctor of Theology Dissertation: “An Analysis and Exposition on the Warning Passages in Hebrews.”
Teaching / Speaking / Mentoring / Pastor
Dr. Oberholtzer has taught for Grace School of Theology, Professor of Biblical Literature (2002-2009), Tyndale Seminary and Southwestern Bible College, Adjunct Faculty (2000-2002), Phoenix Seminary, Professor of Biblical Literature (1990-2000) Academic Dean (1998-2000), and Dallas Theological Seminary Lay Institute (1984).
While at Phoenix Seminary, Kem taught classes on the geography of Israel, with an emphasis on archaeology, concluding the class with a 17 day tour of the Holy Land.
In addition to teaching in the classroom, Dr. Oberholtzer has been a regular conference and retreat speaker in the U.S. and overseas, speaking on topics such as End Times/Prophecy, Marriage and Family, Spiritual Life, Habits of Holiness, Living as a Man of Integrity, Sexual Intimacy in Marriage, Warning Passages in the Book of Hebrews, and missions’ conference in The Czech Republic.
Before transitioning to teaching in the classroom, Kem was Pastor of Victoria Bible Church in Victoria, Texas (1984-1990). In addition to preaching, he trained men for leadership and taught discipleship classes for those desiring to grow in their faith.
Mentoring has always been a major emphasis of Kem’s life and ministry, both in the academic setting and in the local church.
Church Life
Kem is currently a member of Faith Bible Church in The Woodland, Texas. He believes strongly in the importance of being involved in the local church so therefore serves through mentoring, encouraging, weddings/funerals, counseling, shepherding, and teaching adult classes. In January 2012 he will begin a verse by verse study of The Book of James.
Family
Kem has been married to his college sweetheart, Jan, for over 40 years and has two grown children, Mollie (married to Bard, pastor of Renegade Church in Victoria, Texas, with two children), and Luke (attending college in Denver, Colorado). Kem and Jan reside in The Woodlands, Texas.
Publications and Writing
Dr. Oberholtzer has written articles for:
Bibliotheca Sacra (Dallas Seminary Theological Journal) five articles on the Warning Passages in the Book of Hebrews
Kindred Spirit (Dallas Theological Seminary publication) “Don’t Crush the Buttercups” (husband and wife relationship)
Psychology for Living, on Marriage
Thomas Nelson New King James Study Bible, Study notes on I & II Timothy
Dr. Oberholtzer is President and Founder of Grace Rock Ministries, a ministry committed to teaching, discipleship and writing on the grace gospel of Jesus Christ. His goal is to creatively and accurately teach God’s Word to all ages. Through a variety of teaching styles and methods such as visuals, power point, handouts, and object lessons, he has allowed the Holy Spirit to use the gifts he has been given to reach many people.
