Skip to main content
OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University
Dr. Mario Melendez
Dr. Mario Melendez

Dr. Mario Melendez

Auguie Henry Chair of Old Testament
Assistant Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Studies

Biography

Dr. Mario Melendez holds a PhD in biblical interpretation from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (NOBTS).

Dr. Mario is a multi-ethnic pastor and scholar whose journey has been shaped by the search for identity and belonging. As a Filipino, Cajun-French, and Spanish believer, Mario struggled to find where he fit; in the church, in culture, and even in ministry—until he discovered deep purpose through the Biblical Theology of Scripture. Mario found his place by learning how God not only speaks into complex identities, like his, but uses them in unique ways and in unique situations. Mario has ministered as a multi-ethnic ministry specialist in Hispanic, Asian, and English-speaking communities, helping to bridge the divide between congregations and build a space for multi-ethnic believers like himself. He speaks nationally at churches and conferences, offering a message shaped by grace, Scripture, and a life of bridging worlds.

Prior to joining OBU, Dr. Mario served at NOBTS as an adjunct [Español]; Memphis Center for Urban Theological Studies as academic affairs specialist; Victory University (Memphis TN) as Old Testament Adjunct and academic counselor; Union University as Contemporary Christianity adjunct and founder/coach of the Union Judo Club.

Dr. Mario’s research interests include Biblical Interpretation, Ancient Near Eastern backgrounds and themes, language acquisition and multi-ethnic psychology and ministry. As a multi-ethnic believer (Filipino, Cajun French, Spanish)

In his spare time Dr. Mario is an avid maker of furniture and leather goods, especially Bible Re-binding.

Education

  • PhD, Biblical Interpretation, Minor - Old Testament, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (2019)
  • Dissertation: “Evocations of Covenant in Habakkuk.”
  • ThM, Biblical Studies, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (2017)
  • M.C.S., Union University (2012)
  • B.A., Christian Ministry, Leavell College (2010)
  • Additional Graduate Studies, Mid-America Theological Seminary

Subjects Taught

  • Old Testament
  • Hebrew
  • Hermeneutics / Biblical Interpretation
  • Biblical Backgrounds

Professional Memberships

  • Evangelical Theological Society (2012–Present)
  • Society of Biblical Literature (2012–Present)
  • Institute of Biblical Research (2024-Present)

Selected Publications

  • Navigating the Old Testament as the Law, Prophets, and Writings: Five Traditional Ways Christians Can Read the Hebrew Tanakh: Baker Academic, Forthcoming 2026
  • Contextualizing Preaching: Conversations with Diverse Church Leaders. Atlanta: College and Clayton, Forthcoming 2021. (Managing Editor of Series)
  • Regarding Habakkuk. Atlanta: College & Clayton, Forthcoming 2021.
  • Covenant Evocations in Habakkuk: An Exploration of Intertextuality. Wilmore, KY: Glossa House, 2021.
  • Third Culture Faithful: Empowered Ministry for Multi-Ethnic Believers and Congregations. Rowman & Littlefield with Duke Divinity, 2020.

Selected Presentations

  • 2025 E.T.S. Southwestern Regional, “How the Masoretes Meant it: Understanding the Canonical order of the Tanakh”
  • 2024 E.T.S. National, Nahum: A prophet of God’s Just comfort
  • 2024 E.T.S. Southwestern Regional, “Navigating the Old Testament as the Law, Prophets, and Writings: Five Traditional Ways Christians Can Read the Hebrew Tanakh.”
  • 2023 E.T.S. Southwestern Regional,“Pedagogical Revival for Effective Hebrew Education”
  • 2020 E.T.S. Nationals, “Go And Do Likewise” A Minority-Biblical Criticism of Luke 10:25–37
  • 2019 E.T.S. Southwestern Regional, “Holy Spirit in Evangelism: Lukan Pneumatology”
  • 2018 E.T.S. Southwestern Regional, “The Davidic Covenant As An Interpretational Key”
  • 2017 E.T.S. Southwestern Regional, “Biblical Theology of Habakkuk 2:4b, which interpretation is correct?”

Selected Lectures

  • 2019 Demonology​, Union Baptist Theological Seminary New Orleans LA
  • 2016 Multi-Ethnic Discipleship, Evangelical Covenant Church Mid Winter Conference
  • 2016 Multi-Ethnic Preaching​, Evangelical Covenant Church Mid Winter Conference
  • 2014 Multi-Ethnic Ministry Methodology​, Mid-America Baptist Seminary