The new J.B. Toews Fellow in Theology and Biblical Studies brings gifts in urban ministry, cultural outreach, biblical scholarship and developing first-generation scholars to Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, part of Fresno Pacific University.
Leon Harris, Ph.D., will join the seminary faculty July 1, 2025, for a two-year term appointment. “He is going to be a significant addition to our seminary faculty, a blessing to our students,” said Cynthia McGrady, Ph.D., seminary department chair.
Formerly an associate professor of Theology at Biola University, Harris served as the faculty mentor to the First-Generation program, developing curricula designed for first-generation scholars and nurturing inclusive academic environments. He continues to support the Los Angeles Bible Training School by teaching biblical and systematic theology to give back to his community.
Harris has made significant contributions to the field of theology as the author of The Holy Spirit as Communion: Colin Gunton's Pneumatology of Communion and Frank Macchia's Pneumatology of Koinonia and through the publication of a monograph, several book chapters and peer-reviewed articles in leading journals.
A Southern California native, Harris was raised in South Central Los Angeles. He earned his Ph.D. in Divinity with an emphasis in Systematic Theology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He holds master’s degrees in both theology and divinity (Th.M. and M.Div.) from Talbot Theological Seminary.
Informed by his experience as a Black American scholar living and working predominantly in communities of color, Harris is committed to fostering learning environments that reflect and honor diverse voices and cultural perspectives. He is a member of theological organizations including The American Academy of Religion, The Evangelical Theological Society and The Society for Pentecostal Studies, where he regularly contributes academic papers. His research focuses on the study of the Holy Spirit, African American theology and liberationist approaches to God's concern for justice to the least of these.
Outside the classroom, Harris has served the local church in capacities such as shepherding elder and small group leader at Mariners Church, one of the largest and most influential evangelical churches in the U.S. He is currently an Awana leader at Fairview Heights Baptist Church, and is a former deacon and teacher at The Church of Jesus Christ of Apostolic Faith. Before moving into higher education, he had a successful career in information technology. Harris enjoys literature, film, theater, sports and traveling with wife Joyce.
J.B. Toews Chair
The J.B. Toews Endowed Chair in Mission and Theology was established in 1998 after the death of Toews, a well-known Mennonite Brethren Leader and past president of what is now Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary. Previous occupants of the chair have been Henry Schmidt, Ph.D., former seminary president; Valerie Rempel, Ph.D., dean of the seminary and vice president of Fresno Pacific University; and Mark Baker, Ph.D., professor emeritus of mission and theology. More about Toews at Toews, John B. "J. B." (1906-1998) - GAMEO