Lea F. Schweitz, Ph.D.

Theological Educator. Writer. Faithful Troublemaker.

Teacher – I was that kid that went to school, came home, and played school. Always, always as the teacher. From an early age, I was enchanted with the curiosity, creativity, and discovery of learning. And, I probably liked getting to tell my little sister what to do. Now, I see better how teaching can make change happen, too.

Writer – I ❤ words, especially when they gather into questions. Trouble is, I think in pictures. Wild Sparrows holds space for both.

Currently, I am also the Director of Odyssey Fellows and Civic Engagement at Odyssey Impact. Before that, I spent the pandemic years serving as the Director of Children’s Ministry/Faith Formation at two beloved area churches, Yorkfield Presbyterian Church and Urban Village Church. Before that, I was a tenured Associate Professor of Systematic Theology/Religion and Science at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and Director of the Zygon Center for Religion and Science.

Headshot Image: Kate Kaplan Photography

Homepage Cover Image: Jackson Park, Dr. Thomas Oord