Rev. Walt Shelton joined Highland Park’s pastoral staff as Assistant Pastor in April 2025. Walt and his family joined the church in 1991. Walt has led Sunday morning adult discussion groups since he joined, as well as retreats, other programs, and periodic preaching at Highland Park and other churches along his path. Walt is an award winning author. He is a guest columnist for the Austin American Statesman’s Faith/Life Quality page (for over 15 years), and more recently, for Progressive Christianity, among other writing and speaking ventures in religious and legal ethical contexts, including personal wellness.
Walt’s books include The Daily Practice of Life (CrossLink Publishing 2020, Nautilus Award in Religion/Spirituality of Western Thought) and Authentic Living in All Seasons: Focused, Fearless, and Balanced (CrossLink Publishing 2022). Walt is currently working on a third book, tentatively titled The Power of “With:” Transformative 4-Letter Words and Other Reflections.
Walt’s educational background is diverse, with a B.A. in History (practically Religion) from the University of Texas (1977, summa cum laude), M.A. (1979, magna cum laude) and part of a Ph.D. (before starting a family) in Religion from Baylor, and J.D. from Baylor Law School (1989, top graduate). In addition to Rev. Shelton, Walt is Professor Shelton at Baylor Law School, where he has taught for 35 Years.
Walt is married to Roxanne Shelton. They have two children (Rusty Shelton and Courtney Morton) and five grandchildren (Luke, Brady, and Sadie Shelton; and Bell and Chuck Morton).
As Assistant Pastor, Walt teaches an adult Sunday School and preaches regularly during worship. We are so grateful as for him during this period of transition.