Spirit Leadership

The Reverend Dr. Arthur A. Rouner, Jr. is a graduate of Harvard College, Union Theological Seminary, and Luther Theological Seminary. A Congregational minister for over 50 years, Dr. Rouner first led the 1st Congregational Church of Williamsburg, Massachusetts; then Eliot Church of Newton, Massachusetts; and finally, The Colonial Church of Edina, Minnesota.


In 1994, following the genocide in Rwanda, Dr. Rouner founded The Pilgrim Center for Reconciliation, a nonprofit organization that helps church leaders recover from the traumas of genocide and war. Dr. Rouner travels several times a year to Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, South Sudan, and Kenya to lead trauma healing retreats, train retreat leaders, and work with national team leaders.


In America, Dr. Rouner preaches, teaches, and conducts retreats on forgiveness and reconciliation. He leads teams on "Journeys Out" to Midwestern American Indian reservations, teaches seasonal Bible studies, hosts a weekly cable TV program, and prepares a daily message for all who call the Pilgrim Center Faith Line.


Dr. Rouner has written over 20 books, and he and has received numerous recognition awards, including:
"Clergyman of the Year," Religious Heritage of America; Twin Cities International Citizen Award, International Leadership Institute; Outstanding Meritorious Service Award, National Association of Congregational Christian Churches; World Vision recognition for work in Africa and partnership with World Vision; "Best Minister in the Twin Cities," Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine;
one of the "Ten Most Influential Ministers in the Twin Cities," Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine; one of the "100 Most Influential People in Minnesota," Law and Politics Magazine; Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa), Piedmont College; Doctor of Divinity (Honoris Causa), Elmhurst College