MB Biblical Seminary has named Cory Seibel the new Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministries. The position, open since spring 2007 following Raymond Bystrom's retirement as Professor of Pastoral Ministries, will be based on the Fresno Campus. Seibel will join the faculty this fall.
"MB Biblical Seminary is pleased to welcome Cory Seibel to the faculty," says Academic Dean Lynn Jost. "Cory's strengths include an engaging presence that connects well to young leaders, a broad understanding of contemporary church culture, and experience with contextual learning."
Seibel comes to MB Biblical Seminary from Sioux Falls Seminary in South Dakota where he was Instructor of Christian Leadership and Director of Contextual Learning. He served in full-time pastoral ministry for nine years prior to entering the field of academia. At MB Biblical Seminary, Cory will direct pastoral ministry education including Supervised Ministry Experience. He is slated to begin with courses on Christian Worship and Church Conflict in the fall.
"I truly am excited about the opportunity this position affords me to be a part of what God is doing within the Mennonite Brethren family and within the churches of the Central Valley," says Cory. "I am honored to be joining an outstanding group of professors who share a common commitment to the centrality of God's mission in the world."
During his candidate visit in March, Cory showcased his love for music and worship, something that has been central to his work in the church, by performing a song he had written. His natural connection with students was seen in lunches and hallway conversations during his visit and his knowledge and gift of teaching were expressed during two class sessions.
"I was a member of the search committee and this is a joyful time," says Master of Divinity student Matthew Insley. "The students whom I've spoken to are especially glad that we were patient with our search and have located someone who will be a good fit at MBBS. The students that connected with him during his visit sensed that he ‘speaks our language,' that he has a good handle on what it is that a new generation of church leaders needs to minister faithfully. There is a profound sense of anticipation and excitement among the student body as we await Cory's arrival."
When asked what he is looking forward to in his new role, Cory replied, "The central question that drives me in my work as a theological educator is ‘What sort of pastoral leaders must we be if we are to help the church live in faithfulness to the purposes of Christ in the 21st Century?' My primary passion is the church, the community of God's people. However, I am privileged to be able to invest in the lives of the men and women who are being entrusted with key roles of leadership within the community of faith. I am grateful to have the opportunity to invite these emerging leaders to grapple with the same questions by which I am being stretched, to reflect deeply, and to discern God's purposes. I am humbled to be able to contribute in this modest, yet meaningful way to the foundation of spiritual, skill, and strategic formation that will help to guide the next generation of Christian leaders throughout many years of ministry to come."
Cory is married to his wife Teresa and they have a daughter, Savannah.
Posted: May 07, 2008