My eldest son, a professor at Indiana University, and I discussed imitating David Janzen’s “Life Lunch” after its publication in Missional Moments in February 2020. But we set it aside with the advent of the next month’s minor interruption known as Covid19. Fast forward to the summer of 2024… Prof Niewoehner (the Younger) sent Prof Niewoehner (the Elder) […]
Recently, I was asked by one of my pastors if I knew what the Greek word ekklesia meant, and quickly I thought: yes, the gathering of believers. He then told me to do a quick word study. I found that ekklesia is more than just a gathering or assembly; it’s a calling out for a purpose. This makes the command to “go make […]
I became a follower of Jesus in 2020 at the age of 40, seven years into my faculty career. The COVID-19 pandemic was my blessing in disguise. As the rest of the world went into lockdown, my family sought fellowship in a new way—by attending church for the first time. Thankfully, I found true and […]
I was a bit nervous that first day of class. Not just the normal concerns about having all my stuff together to launch the semester. Or getting set up in an unfamiliar classroom in a building across campus in which I’d never taught. But this was going to be the first time I was going […]
I am constantly amazed at how God uses my test subject, the honey bee, to teach me about Him and His ways. Honey bees form colonies which can be described as “superorganisms” – a collection of individuals that, as a group, possesses qualities of a single organism. The honeybee colony functions as a living, breathing […]
Early in my time as a professor, I quickly learned that some colleagues dedicated a lot of time to service, and others dedicated, well, not so much. One of my colleagues simplified it this way: “If you want something done, find someone who is busy.” I became one of those busy people, serving on various […]
Since the pandemic, I have been more involved in teaching online classes, which has allowed me to teach students from around the nation. Recently, while teaching an online class, I had a great learning assistant who was a recent graduate. Although I never met my assistant in person, we began to form a collegial bond […]
As the current Faculty Advisor for Cru’s student ministry at the University of Florida, I have found my true calling—serving God by serving others. I am continually inspired by an amazing group of students who courageously share their faith, pray for and help others, and create a markably warm and welcoming community. But first, let […]
The influence of higher education on my faith cannot be understated. Christian faculty and campus ministries heavily influenced my faith while I was in college. God used my experience at a secular university to draw me to salvation and help me grow as a believer. I grew up in a Christian home in rural eastern […]
As an art professor at a university, my research is practice-based; I make art and investigate theories and theologies of it. Important in my dissertation had been Heidegger’s essay, “The Origin of the Work of Art,” where he describes art as a happening of truth, aletheia – an unconcealing. This concept continues to find significance for me. […]
