Eastern Mennonite Seminary

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Eastern Mennonite Seminary nurtures agents of justice and peace by opening spaces for theological learning and practice rooted in Jesus’ radical ministry of beloved community.

What does the good news of Jesus look like in a place where people may not feel like they need anything?In this article ...
08/17/2026

What does the good news of Jesus look like in a place where people may not feel like they need anything?

In this article from Anabaptist World, Eastern Mennonite Seminary student Jan Heindel reflects on her experience serving in the Czech Republic and asks what the gospel means in a culture shaped by self-sufficiency, secularism and the legacy of communism.

Through stories from her ministry in Dobříš, Jan explores how the good news can be experienced through community, belonging, reconciliation, restoration and the peace of Christ.

Jan is studying in EMS’s Master of Arts in Christian Leadership program from the Czech Republic, offering a glimpse into the global reach of our online programs.

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4wx7DQM

At Eastern Mennonite Seminary, no two students arrive with the same calling. Some are preparing for pastoral ministry or...
08/13/2026

At Eastern Mennonite Seminary, no two students arrive with the same calling. Some are preparing for pastoral ministry or chaplaincy. Others are nonprofit leaders, organizers, educators, and advocates looking to connect their faith more deeply with the work they do every day.

Whatever brings you here, you don't have to choose between your calling and your life.

Rooted in the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition and welcoming (encouraging!) people of all faith backgrounds to study with us, EMS is a place to ask good questions, grow in your faith, and prepare for the work you're called to do. With small classes and faculty who know their students, you'll be part of a learning community where relationships matter.

Whether you participate in the learning community online or study on campus in Harrisonburg, Virginia, you'll find people ready to learn and grow alongside you.
Your vocation is unique. Your theological education can be, too.

Please join us in welcoming the Rev. Brittany “Smash” Caine-Conley MDiv ’14 to the faculty. The recipient of EMU’s 2025 ...
08/12/2026

Please join us in welcoming the Rev. Brittany “Smash” Caine-Conley MDiv ’14 to the faculty. The recipient of EMU’s 2025 Outstanding Young Alum Award, she will teach trauma and resilience studies at Eastern Mennonite Seminary this fall.

Her work has focused on helping individuals and communities navigate crisis, build resilience, and pursue justice with courage and care—values that are central to an EMU education.

We look forward to the pastoral wisdom, experience in faith community organizing, and compassionate leadership she brings to our students and campus!

In a recent podcast, our dean, the Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, joined The Competent Pastor to explore “What is the most i...
08/11/2026

In a recent podcast, our dean, the Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler, joined The Competent Pastor to explore “What is the most important skill of a competent pastor?” to reflect on how we show up for our communities and ourselves. Her answer centered on a critical, yet challenging, spiritual practice:

"Openness, as we know from our own experiences of spirituality and life in the world, is about being present, noticing what's happening right now. And hopefully trying to notice that without judgments that so often jump into our minds, right? We hold particular norms and expectations for ourselves and for life and community. Certain things we read in scripture about character and how we're supposed to function in the body of Christ. Openness is simply noticing what's happening right now and holding it without judgment or suspending our judgment as we are open to it and notice it." (Timestamp: 04:52 - 05:35)

About the Episode: The Competent Pastor (S1, E3) is a podcast from MC USA’s Church Vitality department. Hosted by Michael Danner, associate executive director for Church Vitality, and Rachel Ringenberg Miller, denominational minister for Ministerial Leadership and EMS alum, the show features in-depth conversations with experienced MC USA credentialed leaders, offering practical and theological wisdom for those called to ministry.

Listen to the full conversation
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rev-dr-sarah-ann-bixler-s1-e3/id1773285863?i=1000680263709

Theology is not an escape from the world. At its best, theology helps us engage the world more deeply.If you're passiona...
08/07/2026

Theology is not an escape from the world. At its best, theology helps us engage the world more deeply.

If you're passionate about the intersection of faith, justice, and culture, the Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) at Eastern Mennonite Seminary can help you turn that passion into meaningful action. This 36-credit program lets you focus your electives in Peacebuilding, Theology and Culture, connecting theological study with the work you're already doing in your community, nonprofit, or advocacy efforts.

You don't have to feel called to the pulpit to study theology. The desire to make a difference is already enough.

Learn more about the MATS program at the link in our bio.

Come to the play, stay for the discussionStephanie Day Powell, Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at EMS, will join a t...
08/06/2026

Come to the play, stay for the discussion

Stephanie Day Powell, Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at EMS, will join a talk back session this Friday for the play Children of Eden sponsored by the Wayne Theatre.

Based on the stories of Genesis, the age-old conflict between parents and children takes center stage in this epic, heartfelt musical from Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Pippin) and John Caird.

Children of Eden tells the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, and the generations that follow. More than a retelling of familiar biblical stories, it is a powerful exploration of family, faith, forgiveness, and the choices that shape our lives. Through soaring music and deeply human storytelling, the show examines themes of growing up, letting go, rebuilding after failure, and finding hope for the future.
This visually inventive production brings the world of the play to life before the audience's eyes. Using ladders, fabric, rope, greenery, and movement, Eden is created, transformed, destroyed, and rebuilt in real time, making storytelling itself an act of creation. You can purchase tickets at https://www.etix.com/ticket/e/1059285/children-of-eden-waynesboro-wayne-theatre

Recently, EMS Professor of Christian Ethics Dr. Jacob Cook led a local discussion on the complexities of Christian natio...
07/28/2026

Recently, EMS Professor of Christian Ethics Dr. Jacob Cook led a local discussion on the complexities of Christian nationalism. The event was hosted by Trinity Episcopal , who teamed up with ChurchChrist Lutheran and Christ UMC in Staunton, Virginia.

During his talk, Dr. Cook explored some radical Christian traditions that resist cozy alliances between church and state, the history of religion in America, and how authoritarian forms of Christianity impact both our churches and our democracy. To get the audience thinking about how we handle differences in the public square, he asked a challenging question: "What rules that are grounded in your religious tradition would you compel other people to follow even when they do not share your faith convictions?"

Following a time of Q&A, attendees were invited to share their thoughts and keep the conversation going around tables in the fellowship hall.

Follow the link below to watch Dr. Cook's full presentation:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD4y7hlIkpY

Are you called to lead in a divided world? At Eastern Mennonite Seminary (EMS), we believe theological education means l...
07/23/2026

Are you called to lead in a divided world?

At Eastern Mennonite Seminary (EMS), we believe theological education means learning how to bridge our deepest differences. We don’t just talk about peacebuilding, we actively practice it.
Through our university's recent participation in the CICV Advancing Campus Pluralism Cohort and Interfaith America, we are actively equipping our campus community to foster belonging and engage across the lines that sometimes divide. When you study at EMS, you step into a community that is at the forefront of preparing leaders.

What does this mean for your seminary journey?

Real-World Peacemaking: You will engage in hands-on initiatives designed to heal divides in communities, congregations, and organizations

Rooted & Welcoming: Grounded in Anabaptist traditions of justice, we actively welcome and learn alongside students from dozens of denominational backgrounds and faith experiences.

Transformational Mentorship: Small classes mean you will learn closely from faculty who are dedicated to your spiritual formation and your ability to lead with empathy.

The world needs faith leaders who know how to build community across differences.

Recently, twenty-three clergy from the Staunton-Augusta area have signed a joint statement speaking out against Christia...
06/04/2026

Recently, twenty-three clergy from the Staunton-Augusta area have signed a joint statement speaking out against Christian nationalism, and this Friday, June 5, the conversation is coming to Trinity Episcopal Church.

Dr. Jacob Alan Cook, professor of Christian Ethics at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, will give a talk and take questions on the question at the center of it all: What is Christian nationalism, and why does it matter?

The event is free, open to all, and co-hosted by Trinity Episcopal, Christ Lutheran, and Christ United Methodist.

>> What is Christian Nationalism? Community in Conversation
>> Friday, June 5 at 6:00 p.m.
>> Trinity Episcopal Church, downtown Staunton
>> Light refreshments to follow.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-in-conversation-what-is-christian-nationalism-tickets-1989912156828

Jonny Rashid is pursuing his Doctor of Ministry in Peacemaking and Social Change at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and this...
06/02/2026

Jonny Rashid is pursuing his Doctor of Ministry in Peacemaking and Social Change at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, and this week Mennonite Church USA named him a recipient of their 2026-27 Scholarship for BIPOC Students.

The scholarship supports students who are members or active participants of an MC USA congregation and are attending an MC USA-affiliated school. Jonny, who serves as pastor at West Philadelphia Mennonite Fellowship, was recognized for his commitment to deepening his understanding of peacemaking and social change.

We are grateful for Jonny and proud to walk alongside him in this work. Congratulations!

Read the full announcement:
https://www.mennoniteusa.org/news/five-receive-bipoc-scholarships/

Address

1200 Park Road
Harrisonburg, VA
22802

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15404324027

Website

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