Education
- Ph.D., Religious Studies, University of Virginia
- M.A., Religious Studies, University of Virginia
- M.Div., Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
- Thesis: “The Uneasy Conscience of Neo-Evangelicalism: Tensions Between Separation and Infiltration in the Life and Work of Harold John Ockenga”
- B.A., English/Secondary Education, Grove City College
What are the main focuses of your research?
- American Religious History
- Evangelicalism in America
- Rural Ministry
What specific courses or specialties do you teach, and/or what has drawn you to those specialties?
I currently teach “Christ and Civilization” within the humanities core. I enjoy this class because it blends theology, philosophy, history, and ethics together in a way that helps students prepare for the complexities of life.
I have also taught courses on American religious history, evangelicalism & and Pentecostalism, and the history of global Christianity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary. I enjoy helping students engage with the history of religion in America because I am convinced that developing a basic understanding of religious history is important if we are to understand today’s religious landscape.
What is the most important piece of advice you give your students to help them succeed?
If I were to give students any advice for their college years it would be to stay curious and be humble. God can do great things with humble folks who are eager to learn.
Selected Publications
Books:
- "Strip Mine Jesus: Invitational Ministry in Rural Areas and Overlooked Places" (Baker, forthcoming)
- "To Think Christianly: A History of L’Abri, Regent College, and the Christian Study Center Movement" (IVP Academic, 2020)
- "Sent to Flourish: A Guide to Planting and Multiplying Churches," co-edited with Len Tang (IVP Academic, 2019)
Chapters and Articles:
- “Loving God Where Your Feet Are: A Theological Rationale for the Local Church,” in The God of Small Places: A Theological Rationale for Rural Ministry, ed. Glenn Daman and Jeff Clark (Wheaton, forthcoming)
- “Pentecost and AI: Being Human in a World of Disabling Algorithms,” Front Porch Republic, (June 5, 2024)
- “Why So Many Rural Churches?” Plough, (October 27, 2023)
- “Rethinking How We Think about the Evangelical Mind and the Local Church,” Modern Reformation, vol 31, no 1 (January/February 2022), 40-51.
- “National Association of Evangelicals.” in American Religious History: Belief and Society through Time, ed. Gary Smith (ABC-CLIO, 2020).
- “Go Big or Go Home: Reimagining Rural Church Planting,” The Exchange, christianitytoday.com, May 17, 2017, (republished, January 4, 2024).
Is there any additional personal experience you would like to share?
I grew up in a small community in this area and have over 10 years of pastoral experience in small-town churches. I love the local church and those who serve it.