Faculty

Emmanuel Christian Seminary has 10 full-time faculty members, all of whom have Ph.D.’s and years of practical ministries and/or classroom teaching experience. Their doctoral degrees are from Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, Notre Dame University, University of Toronto, Texas Woman’s University, Marquette University, Catholic University of America, Boston University, University of Maryland, and Union Presbyterian Seminary.

  • Adam Bean: Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies
    Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University, M.A. Johns Hopkins University
  • Jason A. Bembry: Professor of Old Testament
    Ph.D. Harvard University, M.Div. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
    Ministry Experience: Campus Ministry
  • Paul M. Blowers: The Dean E. Walker Chair of Church History, Professor of Church History
    Ph.D. and M.A. Notre Dame University, M.Div. Emmanuel Christian Seminary
    Ministry Experience: 3 years of Associate and cross cultural ministry. Volunteer chaplain at Johnson City Medical Center
  • Samuel K. Elolia: Professor of Theology and World Christianity
    Ph.D. Trinity College, University of Toronto, M.A. Acadia University, B.A. Tyndale University College
    Ministry Experience: 6 years in Kenya and Canada
  • Jack B. Holland: The Russell F. and Marian J. Blowers Chair of Christian Ministries, Professor of Christian Ministries
    Ph.D. and M.S. Texas Woman’s College
    Ministry Experience: 15 years in youth, associate, college, and adult ministries
  • Ronald E. Kastens: Academic Dean of the Seminary, Associate Professor of Christian Ministry
    M.Div. and D.Min. Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
    Ministry Experience: 30+ years in youth ministry, worship programming, small groups, spiritual formation, pastoral care, global outreach, and senior ministry
  • David W. Kiger: Director of Libraries and Theological Librarian
    Ph.D. Marquette University, M.Div. Emmanuel Christian Seminary
    Ministry Experience: 4 years in preaching ministry, 2 years in campus ministry
  • Miriam Y. Perkins: Professor of Theology and Society
    Ph.D. Catholic University of America, M.Div. Emmanuel Christian Seminary
    Ministry Experience: 3 years in campus ministry, 6 years at the Center for Educational Design and Communication
  • Rollin A. Ramsaran: Professor of New Testament
    Ph.D. Boston University, M.A. Fuller Theological Seminary
    Ministry Experience: Church planting and staff with churches in Southern California and Massachusetts
  • Gary S. Selby: Professor of Ministerial Formation
    Ph.D. University of Maryland, M.Th. Harding University
    Ministry Experience: 27 years in local congregational ministry (preaching, youth and worship ministry); 15 years working with Christian camp programs in spiritual formation; 28 years in higher education
  • Michael L. Sweeney: Professor of World Mission and New Testament
    Ph.D. Union Presbyterian Seminary, M.Div. Emmanuel Christian Seminary
    Ministry Experience: 5 years in youth and associate ministries. 15 years in Bible Translation with Pioneer Bible Translators and the United Bible Societies

Adjunct and Part-Time Faculty

Curtis Booher
Adjunct Professor of Christian Ministries
B.A. Milligan College, M.Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary, D.Min., Emmanuel Christian Seminary

Craig S. Farmer
Adjunct Associate Professor of Church History
B.A., Haverford College; M.A., University of Chicago; Ph.D., Duke University.

Thomas F. Jones, Jr.
Adjunct Professor of Christian Ministries
B.A., Milligan College; M.Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary; D.Min., United Theological Seminary.

Philip D. Kenneson
Adjunct Professor of Theology and Philosophy
B.A., Butler University; M.Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary; Ph.D., Duke University.

J. Lee Magness
Adjunct Professor of Bible
B.A., Milligan College; M.Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary; Ph.D., Emory University.

Jeff Miller
Adjunct Professor of New Testament
B.A, B. Th. Nebraska Christian College, M.Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary, Ph.D. Illiff School of Theology at the University of Denver

Tim Ross
Adjunct Professor in Missions
B.A., Milligan College; M.Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary; D.Min., Emmanuel Christian Seminary.

Bonnie B. Thurston
Special Adjunct Professor of Christian Spirituality
B.A., Bethany College; M.A., Ph.D., University of Virginia. Post-doctoral: Harvard Divinity School, Eberhard Karls Universitat, Ecoic Biblique, Jerusalem.

D. Anthony Twist
Adjunct Associate Professor of Ministerial Formation
B.A., Milligan College; M.Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary; D.Min., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Ph.D., Indiana University.

John Wasem
Adjunct Instructor of Christian Ministries
B.A. Milligan College, M.Div. Emmanuel Christian Seminary, Ph.D. (ABD) University of Phoenix, D. Min. (candidate) George Fox University.

Teresa D. Welch
Adjunct Professor of Christian Education
B.C.E., Ozark Christian College; M.A., The Graduate School of Malone College; M.Div., Lincoln Christian College; D.Min., Emmanuel Christian Seminary.

C. Robert Wetzel: Chancellor
Professor of Ethics and Philosophical Theology
Ph.D., University of Nebraska; M.S.,Ft. Hays (KS) State University; B.A., Midwest Christian College

Aaron Wymer
Adjunct Professor of Preaching
B.S., University of Florida; M. Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary; D.Min., Asbury Theological Seminary.

Emeriti Faculty

Robert F. Hull, Jr.
Professor of New Testament, Emeritus
B.A. Milligan College; M.Div. Emmanuel School of Religion (now Emmanuel Christian Seminary); Ph.D. Princeton Theological Seminary

E. LeRoy Lawson: Distinguished Professor of Christian Ministries
Ph.D. Vanderbilt University, M.A. Reed College

David P. Marwede
Lecturer in Languages
B.A., University of Maryland; Ph.D., The Johns Hopkins University; Lutherische Theologische Hochschule of Oberursel, Germany; Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis.

Mark A. Matson
Adjunct Associate Professor of New Testament
B.S., California State University; M.Div., Emmanuel Christian Seminary; Ph.D., Duke University.

Bruce E. Shields
Russell F. and Marian J. Blowers Professor of Christian Ministries, Emeritus
B.A. Milligan College; B.D., Princeton Theological Seminary; Dr. Theol., University of Tübingen