President Pete C. Menjares, Ph.D., praised Brensinger, who joined the seminary in 2011 as professor of pastoral ministry. "Terry brings many gifts to this position, such as a vision for the future of the seminary, and a history of leadership on campus and in the church. He has demonstrated a dedication to the mission of the seminary and servant's heart," he said.
Brensinger has a Ph.D. in Old Testament, an M.Phil. in biblical studies and an M.A. in ancient near Eastern archaeology, all from Drew University. His M.Div. is from Asbury Theological Seminary and his B.A. in history and religion is from Messiah College. Before coming to the biblical seminary, he was a faculty member at Messiah College, pastored churches and taught overseas.
The seminary dean/VP is a presidential appointment serving on the President's Cabinet. The position is unique in that FPBS is both a school within the university and the national seminary for the U.S. Mennonite Brethren Conference. FPU is affiliated with the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, part of USMB.
FPBS offers seven academic degree programs that emphasize biblical and theological reflection, personal and community formation, skill development and experiential learning. The seminary enrolled 143 students in 2012 and is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
As part of a national search, a committee co-chaired by Menjares and Tim Geddert, Ph.D., professor of biblical studies, and composed of faculty, staff, alumni, students, administrators and pastors spent months processing numerous applications from highly qualified candidates. Menjares thanked all involved for their hard work. "The process to identify the next leader of our growing seminary has been prayerful and thorough. It speaks to the quality of Terry and his academic preparation, experience, scholarship, leadership and reputation to emerge as the top candidate," he said.
Brensinger and wife Debra have three children and one daughter-in-law: Tim (30); Jordan (27) and his wife, Farrah; and Julie (21). Debra is a nurse and served in 2012-2013 as a spiritual director for seminary students.
Brensinger succeeds Lynn Jost, Ph.D., who came to the seminary in 2006 and was instrumental in the merger of the seminary's Fresno operations with FPU in 2010. After a term as interim pastor at Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, KS, Jost will rejoin the seminary faculty in Old Testament and preaching in 2014.
More about Brensinger at seminary.fresno.edu/faculty/terry-brensinger
More about the seminary at seminary.fresno.edu/