Alumni News
Prof. Steven Sandage featured in ATS article on Trauma and Spiritual Conference and Research
The following is an excerpt from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) article “Trauma and spirituality conference breaks ground on ongoing work” by Elsie M. Miranda, featuring Albert and Jessie Danielsen Professor of Psychology of Religion and Theology Steven Sandage, published December 2024.
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In a post-COVID context, many ATS accreditation directors were listening to concern expressed by deans, rectors, formation directors, and students who witnessed an increase of PTSD and burn out rates among ministers six years after serving in the field. ATS, however, does not provide a concerted plan of action to schools beyond encouraging that they tend to these issues in a matter consistent with their missional identities.
The ATS diversities staff worked to corroborate these concerns with the research of David Wang, of Fuller Theological Seminary; Steven Sandage, of Boston University; Micah McCreary, of New Brunswick Theological Seminary; Jessica Young Brown, of Virginia Union University; and Bo Karen Lee, of Princeton Theological Seminary. Together, along with McMahan, the group formed the planning committee that developed the Trauma and Spirituality series (the two webinars had a registration rate of more than 300 individuals each).
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Campus Ministry Team, Full-Time, Catholic: Dayton, Ohio
Join a Dynamic Campus Ministry Team
Respond to God’s call to serve college students in ministry. Model and inspire a commitment to discipleship in faith by accompanying undergraduate students to foster spiritual growth, vocation discernment, faith formation, catechesis, faith-based justice education and more. Apply your passion for building and supporting the faith community in an inclusive Catholic and Marianist environment. The University of Dayton Campus Ministry seeks to welcome new members to our dynamic ministry team.
Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Spiritual Accompaniment (West) and Retreats (Job #502523) Cultivates discipleship and belonging in the faith community with attention to outreach and evangelization among upper class students fostering transformative encounters with God through campus ministry. This position includes a focus on the development of Campus Ministry retreats grounded in the Catholic tradition. Apply at https://employment.udayton.edu/en-us/job/502523/campus-minister-west. Deadline February 13, 2025
Campus Minister for Faith Formation and Spiritual Accompaniment (East) and Callings (Job #502522) Cultivates discipleship and belonging in the faith community with attention to outreach and evangelization among first year students and fostering transformative encounters with God through campus ministry. This position includes a focus on planning and implementing the Callings program for incoming first year students and student leadership development for upper-class students who lead the program. Apply at https://employment.udayton.edu/en-us/job/502522/campus-minister-east. Deadline February 13, 2025
Coordinator for Community Engagement (Job# 502502) works to unite faith and action for justice among college students inspiring life-long commitment to the common good and active citizenship through reflective service and justice advocacy. Drawing from faith-based perspectives on social action, candidates will also promote interfaith cooperation and learning through community engagement opportunities, advise social action organizations, and cultivate partnerships with local organizations to meet real community needs. Apply at https://employment.udayton.edu/en-us/job/502502/coordinator-of-community-engagement. Deadline February 10, 2025
Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity, achieve equitable outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. As an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, we will not discriminate against minorities, women, protected veterans, individuals with disabilities, or on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. It is the policy of the University of Dayton, while reserving its lawful rights where appropriate to take actions designed to promote the Catholic, Marianist principles that sustain its mission and identity, to not discriminate or permit discrimination in its educational programs or employment opportunities.
Veterans Affairs Chaplain, Part-Time, Catholic: Rocky Hill, CT
For over 160 years, DVA has been caring for its veterans and their dependents. As a Department, we believe in "serving those who have served." This is accomplished through our: Office of Advocacy and Assistance, Residential Facility, Healthcare Center, and Cemetery and Burial Services.
Are you ordained to administer the religious rites as a Chaplain of the Catholic faith and looking to join an organization where your role will positively impact members of our state's population? If so, we want you join us!
The Position:
The State of Connecticut, Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is currently recruiting for a Catholic ordained Chaplain to join us within our Residential Services Department.
Highlights:
- Address: 287 West Street, Rocky Hill, CT
- Schedule: Part -Time, First Shift, 25 hours per week, will include weekends.
- Position Number: 102807
- Please note: If you are invited for an interview the schedule will be discussed in detail.
What We Can Offer You:
- Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and development opportunities
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees
- Work at a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on both America's Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024. With our dynamic job market and commitment to fostering a thriving workforce, Connecticut stands out as a top destination for both seasoned professionals and fresh graduates seeking to launch their careers.
*Benefit offerings will vary with part-time positions.
Discover the Opportunity to:
- Engage in a rewarding career;
- Provide support to a division that is passionate about improving the lives of those we serve;
- Work together in a collaborative team environment.
Job Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Preaches and conducts religious services in a state facility;
- Administers rites and sacraments;
- Prepares and preaches sermons;
- Confers with visiting clergy;
- Consults with facility staff on religious problems;
- Interprets Chaplain function to other departments in facility;
- Under appropriate clinical supervision, counsels individuals and their families;
- Keep records and write reports;
- Participates in various in-house educational programs.
View the application process here: https://www.jobapscloud.com/CT/SUP/BulPreview.asp?R1=250211&R2=1510HC&R3=001
Rev. Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, Sr. (’06) committed to engaging Black History at Baylor University
The following is an excerpt from The Wacoan article by Susan Bean Aycock, “Baylor University’s Dr. Ronald Angelo Johnson expands historical narratives to recognize critical contributions of Black Americans,” published in their February 2025 issue. Click here to read the full article.
“'Dr. King was a Baptist preacher and the 
first Black man that I knew of who had a Ph.D.. I chose Boston University School of Theology because that’s where he went. When I was writing my dissertation, married with two children, I remembered from his book that he wrote his dissertation at the kitchen table in the early morning while he was pastoring. I wrote my dissertation while I was pastoring. He really showed me a pathway to education, to a life as an educated Black man, in ways that I had not seen before.'
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As his passion for historical inclusion fuels his writing, Dr. Johnson wants to teach not just under-acknowledged Black contributions but their relevance in understanding modern government, politics and race relations. And he doesn’t soft-pedal what he believes to be a mandate for all responsible citizens.
'It’s not the role of the historian — or diplomat, pastor or chaplain — to tell people what they want to hear,' he said. 'Questioning our leaders at municipal, state and national levels remains the responsibility of every American citizen, regardless of party affiliation,' he continued. 'Great moments in our nation’s history — the American Revolution, the Progressive and Civil Rights eras, the Black Lives Matter movement — have been about people demanding answers from their leaders.'"
Nori J. Henk, PhD (’02) featured in Azuza Pacific Faculty Interview
The following is an excerpt from the Azusa Pacific University article by Jacqueline Guerrero, “Faculty Friday: Nori Henk ’00, PhD, Pursues Academic Excellence and Spiritual Growth,” published on February 7, 2025. Click here to read the full article.
“After graduation, Henk knew she wanted to 
continue learning about all of her academic interests. 'Part of me wanted to be a teacher, but I didn’t know if I could do it,' she said. Henk applied for an MA in Theological Studies at Boston University, School of Theology in order to gain a scholarly understanding of the church. One of her professors was renowned sociologist of religion, Peter L. Berger, who wrote Henk a letter of recommendation that opened many doors for her. She went on to get her PhD in Sociology at Loyola University Chicago and taught there as an adjunct professor for two years before moving back to California.
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'I’ve always enjoyed learning, and that’s why I have pursued additional education,' she said. 'Each degree represents different parts of my intellect and who I am. Ethnic studies allows me to tap into history, philosophy, and the arts which is such a rewarding pathway.'"
Dr. Wesley J. Vesey (STH ’54, GRS ’61)
The following obituary was originally published by Snyder Funeral Homes and can be found here.
Wesley James Vesey died peacefully in his 
sleep on February 16, 2025. He was born on October 30, 1927, in Jamestown, Ohio, and grew up the youngest of three children. His father served as a United Methodist minister and during his childhood the family moved to different parishes in small Ohio towns -after Jamestown came West Carrollton, Lebanon, Celina, and Bowling Green. He seemed to live the ideal childhood with his sisters Margaret and Evelyn, and his adventures provided the subject for many stories told over the years to children and grandchildren. He served in the army from 1946-1947 before beginning his freshman year at Bowling Green State University, and finishing his bachelor’s degree at Ohio Wesleyan in 1951. He obtained his divinity degree at Boston University School of Theology in 1954. Memorable overseas educational experiences included studies at New College, Edinburgh, and the University of Göttingen in 1954-55. He married Phyllis Thompson, after meeting her while pursuing his degree at BU. Together they shared love and life for nearly 70 years and raised four children. He seemed destined to follow the same path as his father after finishing his divinity degree and taking the pulpit in two Massachusetts parishes, in Sagamore from 1956-1960, and Medford from 1960-1963. In 1961 he managed to complete a PhD from BU, quite an accomplishment with family and parish responsibilities consuming his time. Perhaps Ohio beckoned once more and he found that his talent for preaching could translate to teaching in the college classroom, and in 1963 he moved the family to Alliance, Ohio, where he was professor of religion at Mount Union College for 27 years until his retirement in 1990. He rode his bicycle to campus on most days since his family of six had only one car. In addition to his professorship, at various times during his tenure he served as department chair, chaplain, and interim dean. He received the Great Teacher Award at Mount Union in 1974 in addition to other distinguished teaching awards throughout his career. Travels over the years took him to four continents, and academic sabbaticals and educational trips expanded his knowledge of his subject which he applied creatively in the classroom.
He enjoyed camping, gardening, simple carpentry, tinkering around the house, and creating things with his hands like electronic gadgets and mantel clocks from kits. He was fastidious, and had the most organized tool bench ever, which doubled as an at-home office. When he wasn't marking student papers, he would most often have a book or scholarly journal in hand, but rarely, if ever, fiction. He kept a detailed diary, and was a prolific letter writer, and one could often hear his manual typewriter tip-tapping away from the basement. He had a legendary sweet tooth for ice cream and baked goods. He loved the study of languages, both ancient and modern. He was also known for his sense of humor and silliness, which his children and grandchildren took great delight in. Using a cliche he himself often employed, he was a gentleman and a scholar.
He had many years of active retirement in Prescott, AZ, before returning once again to Ohio, where he spent his remaining years in his former college town of Delaware.
He is survived by his wife, four children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Now his story has ended, but the stories and the histories that he told in the pulpit, the classroom, and at family gatherings will be remembered for many years to come and assure that his legacy will remain with us.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Snyder Rodman Funeral Center, 101 Valleyside Dr., Delaware, Ohio. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. at the funeral home on Saturday following visitation. Memorial contributions can be made in Wesley's memory to Heartland Hospice, 6500 Busch Blvd #210, Columbus, OH 43229 or to Powell United Methodist Church, 825 Olentangy St #1, Powell, OH 43065.
BUSTH announces Faculty Publications and Presentations for February 2025
The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications and scholarly presentations for February 2025:
- Alejandro Botta
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“Joshua, Introduction, Study Notes, and Excursuses,” The Westminster Study Bible. New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition. (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2024), 297-333.
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- Filipe Maia
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“John Wesley and the Political Economy of Enclosure,” Methodist Review 17 (2025): 29–56.
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- James McCarty
- Presentation: Interfaith Harmony Week Speaker: “How We Heal: Lessons in Organizing for Justice Across Difference,” Keynote Lecture, Center for Interfaith Dialogue, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, February 3, 2025.
- Presentation: Respondent, “Living in Accord with Human Dignity: Weaving Restorative Justice and Active Nonviolence During Large-scale Violent Conflict,” Chicago, IL, Society of Christian Ethics, January 2025.
- Steven Sandage, et al
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Sandage, S.J., Stein, L.B., & Vanderbeck, J. (2025). Burnout among spiritual leaders and mental health professionals: A relational spirituality model of care. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health. DOI: 10.1080/19349637.2025.2461452
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- emilie m. townes
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Presentation: The Second Annual James H. Cone and Emilie M. Townes Annual Lecture at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary delivered by Reverend Dr. Walter Earl Fluker, “Congregating, Conjuring and Conspiring at Crossings: James H. Cone, Emilie M. Townes, and the call to Wake Up Running”, February 13, 2025.
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Presentation: "Shadowboxing the Ridiculous," University of Pennsylvania, The American Academy of Religion American Lectures in the History of Religion, Philadelphia, PA, February 19, 2025.
- Presentation: "Colored Orneriness as Critical Companion to US Democracy," Temple University, The American Academy of Religion American Lectures in the History of Religion, February 20, 2025.
- Presentation: "Premeditated Indifference: Facing (In)Justice with the Power of Hope," Palmer Theological Seminary, The American Academy of Religion American Lectures in the History of Religion, February 21, 2025.
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- Claire Wolfteich
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“Sabbath, Contemplative Time, and Liturgical Listening,” Journal of Moral Theology, vol. 13, Special Issue 2 (2024): 206-216.
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Minister of Children & Families, Full/Part-Time, UCC: Falmouth, ME
A vibrant, progressive, and Christ centered Church seeks an enthusiastic person to direct and coordinate our Faith Formation program for children and families. The Minister of Children and Families position is an approximate 30-40 hour a week position with flexible hours and working location during the week (in person Sunday mornings!) and an option for reduced summer hours. The compensation for this position is $50,000 total package.
About Us:
The Falmouth Congregational Church, UCC, is a dedicated, open minded, welcoming, and growing Christian community that embraces both the traditional and the new. We are located in the seaside town of Falmouth, Maine, a growing suburb fifteen minutes from the city of Portland. In the last five years our church has welcomed a new minister and several new staff members, learned how to worship and gather in a variety of innovative ways and seen substantial growth in our children and family ministries. We seek someone to continue to expand our programing for young families while integrating the program into the wider life of the church.
Our congregation has an open heart for children and youth; we host one of the largest Easter egg hunts in the state each year, sponsor a large and active Boy Scout troop, and have a variety of events and programming for all ages. Once a month we host an intergenerational worship service integrating our church school children into worship and worship leadership such that our entire congregation learns, worships, and takes Holy Communion as one.
The majority of our staff are parents of young children. Our Pastor is a former preschool teacher and the mom of two under five. Therefore, we deeply understand the importance and challenge of this children and youth centered ministry.
This year the church has undertaken a substantial renovation of the Kids Church’ classrooms with new flooring, large windows, additional bathrooms and a stair lift.
Job Description:
As the Minister of Children & Families you would be responsible for the overall direction and coordination of our Faith Formation program for children and families in consultation with the Pastor. You would select and shape the curriculum for our church school, support our youth confirmands, lead youth centered events, and oversee church school volunteers and nursery staff. On most Sundays you will be the lead teacher in the Sunday School classroom(s). Depending on your interests and gifts you can determine whether you will occasionally empower others to teach Sunday school so that you can provide worship leadership. Pastor Amelia is also willing and interested in doing “ministry swaps” in order to give more opportunities for you to fill the pulpit. If of interest to you, your work in this position could potentially lead to a future associate pastor position.
You would work to keep our parents/caretakers aware of the program’s teachings so that they can support them at home. While this role would be focused on youth and families, we are committed to integrating our community across the generations. To this end you would participate in multigenerational Sunday worship services and could expect to be involved in worship leadership, including preaching up to once/ month if you so choose. You would also initiate creative ways for children and youth to participate and lead worship. This position includes the joy of creating and leading programs that support families with young children.
You would represent our congregation at community events and invite new families to come to our church through community presence, planning and implementing outreach events, and providing related publicity. You would continue to implement and oversee best practices and policies for the mutual safety and care of all participants, including Safe-Church (Abuse Prevention) policy. You would identify and coordinate volunteers to lead and support programs where needed and support them with training and preparation. You would work with the Pastor and Office staff to publicize Faith Formation/ Church School events and resources to the congregation by such means as emails, newsletters, and social media. As a fully engaged and highly valued member of the staff, you would attend weekly staff meetings and have regular in person meetings with the Pastor and other staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Experience with children in classroom settings, such as traditional academic settings, church programs, summer camp, or similar settings
● Familiarity with basic tenets and traditions of Christian faith and a curiosity and love for expansive theology
● Commitment to teaching the Gospel in a way that transmits God’s love for all and joy at the world (eg this should be meaningful and fun!)
● Comfortable leading open and developmentally appropriate conversations with compassion across differences and diversity
● First AID & CPR certified by the beginning of the church school year
● Position is a mandated reporter under Maine state law and must pass state and federal background check
Time Commitment: Approx. 25-30 hours, flexible schedule, opportunities to work remotely during the week.
To apply, please contact the Search Committee electronically, C/O officemanager@falmouthcongregationalchurch.org attaching a resume, cover letter, and two references. Must pass a background check.
Falmouth Congregational Church is an Open & Affirming United Church of Christ. We welcome both congregants and staff of all backgrounds, races, genders, national origins, and sexual orientation. To learn more about the church, its mission and our work in the community, please visit our website at www.falmouthcongregationalchurch.org.
Associate Pastor of Community Life, Full-Time, TFAM: Ann Arbor, MI
We are a thriving, LGBTQ-affirming, non-denominational church that was planted over a decade ago in Ann Arbor, MI. Weekly attendance is about 150, including approximately 40 kids between preschool and fifth grade. We share a building with an Episcopal Church and a Reform Jewish Synagogue and have an additional 30-55 computers that join us live on Sunday mornings via Zoom; we’ve integrated the online and in-person congregations and host an annual “Zoomie weekend” where online congregants meet in Ann Arbor to worship with the local church. We are excited to find an associate pastor who can help tend the life of this growing community.
Associate Pastor of Community Life Job Description:
- preach every 4-6 weeks
- input on big picture sermon series and spirituality shaping
- oversee newcomer welcome system—including tracking, meeting with, and tending new attendees
- help with planning and administration of church wide events
- oversee youth group (recruit, train, tend teachers; event planning; curriculum, pastoral care)
- teach or oversee two 3-6 week classes per year
- pastoral care
- weddings and funerals, when needed
- hospital visits, when needed
- attend staff meetings
- attend and help administrate Sunday services (including managing the setup team)
- assist with baptisms (planning, certificates, etc.)
- some volunteer coordination work
- liaison with online-only congregants
- some administrative work
- serve as backup when lead pastor is out
Pay: $52,000-$54,600 annual (housing allowance available)
Benefits Stipends: The church adds 12% of your base salary to your paycheck to help offset insurance needs.
Paid Time Off: The position includes 22 days of paid time off.
Church: Blue Ocean Church Ann Arbor
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Website: a2blue.org
Denomination: TFAM (The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries)
Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries, Full-Time, UMC: Steamboat Springs, CO
Position Description:
The Heart of Steamboat United Methodist Church of Steamboat Springs, CO (“Heart of Steamboat”) is seeking a full-time (40 hours/week) Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries. This person will lead a team of volunteers, as well as paid nursery workers, to promote and nurture the faith formation in our children and youth (birth - 12th Grade) and their families.
Duties:
The Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries will lead the way in creating and sustaining a place where…
• Children and youth experience the love of God
• The learning environment is safe, inviting, and effective
• Parents are provided with guidance on how they can be involved in and reinforce the lessons and activities their children experience
• Volunteers are recruited, trained, and celebrated
• The congregation is informed and engaged in our common ministry with children and youth
• People collaborate and work as partners in the ministry of the whole church
Responsibilities:
In the administration of the above duties, the Director of Children Youth & Family Ministries can expect to…
• Administer and supervise core programs and events (Sunday School, VBS, etc.)
• Evaluate, determine and augment curriculum and resources as necessary
• Recruit, train, and lead team of nursery care workers and volunteers in our ministries with children, youth and families
• Create and administer necessary budgets, supplies, and resources
• Serve as the liaison connecting families with church resources, programs, and support
• Communicate the work of the children, youth and family ministries throughout the congregation and community
• Participate in staff meetings, seasonal planning meetings, and Sunday worship; and work collegially for the spiritual health of the entire congregation
• Lead the Children & Youth Committee to vision, design, and support ministry
• Oversee and coordinate the seasonal planning for children, youth and family ministry events and programming; coordinate special events and intergenerational all-church events
• Conduct and implement Safe Sanctuaries training with all teachers, leaders, care providers, and volunteers
Qualifications:
The person we are looking to hire for this position will…
• Have a vibrant and growing commitment to Jesus Christ and an ability to communicate that faith effectively to others
• Exhibit a passion for ministry with children and families, and the role the congregation can play in the development of both
• Have a Bachelor’s degree
• Have two or more years (preferred) of experience in leadership role in Children and Youth and/or Family Ministries
• Be knowledgeable and supportive of the United Methodist Church and its theological tradition and polity
• Have an inclusive theology, and be welcoming of all family types
• Exhibit strong organizational, management, and leadership skills
• Communicate effectively with individuals as well as with large groups of all ages
• Work well with and in teams
• Demonstrate familiarity with social media platforms to enhance ministry
• Thrive in the ever-changing needs and environment of a vibrant congregation
This position reports to the Lead Pastor
Full-time, exempt
Salary: $65,000 - $75,000 (depending on experience)
Start Date: August 1, 2025
Contact: HR@heartofsteamboat.com