Bethel Seminary

Dr. Sara Sosa has co-authored an article that advocates for the inclusion of children/child theology in biblical higher education. It has been published by the Journal of Global Christianity in their May 2026 issue! You can access it here:

Start Small, Think Big: The Place of “the Next Generation” in Biblical Higher Education The book of Judges warns, “After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what he had done for Israel” (Judg 2:10). Is this to be our current legacy as well? What needs to take place in the spiritual development of child...

⚡️ Faculty Spotlight! ⚡️

Check out the latest publication from our very own professor, Dr. John Anthony Dunne, in the new Spring/Summer 2026 issue of Mythlore! 📚✨

In his article, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Gethsemane: Christian Art and Tradition in the Passion of Albus Dumbledore," Professor Dunne explores the fascinating intersection of pop culture and classical Christian art traditions.

It’s wonderful to see our faculty contributing to the broader academic conversation. Congratulations, Dr. Dunne!

👉 Read it in: Mythlore, Vol. 44, No. 2 (148) https://www.jstor.org/stable/48876949?seq=1

www.jstor.org

A beautiful day of celebration, reflection, and sending out! 🎓✨

This past Saturday, we gathered together to celebrate the incredible Class of 2026 at our Seminary Commencement Service. Years of rigorous study, deep theological reflection, and spiritual formation have led to this pivotal moment.

We are immensely proud of each and every graduate. As you step out to pastor, lead, counsel, and impact communities around the world, know that your seminary family is always cheering you on.

👉 Drop a comment below to leave your congratulations for the Class of 2026! 👇

So proud of our very own Dr. Josh Carroll! 🦅✨ A few weeks ago, he stepped outside the traditional theological lecture to share some of his beautiful original poetry at the Bethel Library’s Primetime event.

We love seeing how our Seminary faculty’s creativity, deep reflection, and talents extend beyond the classroom and enrich the wider campus community. A big thank you to the Bethel Library for sponsoring and hosting such a wonderful event!

Did you get a chance to catch Dr. Carroll's reading? Drop a 🙌 in the comments to show him some love!

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We are excited to welcome Dr. Sara Heacox Sosa as the new Associate Director of Global Initiatives for Bethel University's Cory Center for Children’s Ministry! Funded by a Scripture Press Ministries endowment, the Center equips global leaders through accessible, non-accredited certificates like the International Network of Children's Ministry Engage and Entre' Niños.

Under Dr. Denise Muir-Kjesbo's leadership, Dr. Sosa will manage key initiatives and connect with vital partners, including the Global Children’s Forum, Ethiopia's Evangelical Theological College, Assam's Eastern Theological College, and the Malaysia Baptist Theological Seminary.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Sosa as she advances Bethel’s Christ-centered mission to students globally who may never be able to visit campus!

Meet one of our seminary professors, Dr. Jeannine Brown: part theologian, part literary enthusiast, and fully powered by Diet Coke. 📚🥤

If given the chance, she’d gladly sit down with Jane Austen over high tea for a lively conversation on pride, humility, and the human condition — with a side discussion on why Austen still speaks so profoundly to matters of faith and character today.

She’d also happily teach an entire course on Austen’s novels, where theology and literature meet in the most delightful ways.

Her favorite spot on the Bethel campus? Scandia Chapel!

Come for the theology, stay for the literary conversations and Diet Coke breaks. 😉

We are still reflecting on what a truly wonderful evening we had at Monday's Seminary Preaching Showcase! 🙌

We were privileged to hear an inspiring word from Rev. Andy Kumpel - the president of Converge North Central. We also had the joy of honoring a dedicated regional pastor with our Excellence in Preaching Award - Rev. Adam Utecht from Community Church of Fond du Lac, and we were incredibly blessed by a powerful message from the winner of this year's Omark Student Preaching Competition - Josh King. Several other masters-level winners were not able to attend, but we were able to honor Emily Eagen with the Ministry Scholar undergrad award as part of the Omark Competition.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the faithful proclamation of the Word with us! 📖✨

Join us in congratulating our award winners in the comments below! 👇

Big congratulations to our very own MACYFM student, Anthony Hunt! 🎉 Not only is Anthony gearing up to graduate this May, but he has also just published his new book, The AI-Powered Church.
We are incredibly proud of Anthony's hard work, innovative thinking, and dedication as he prepares to step into this next chapter.
Support Anthony and check out his new book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/AI-Powered-Church-Anthony-Hunt/dp/1968198040 📚✨

The AI-Powered Church The AI-Powered Church

Ready to examine the intersection of faith, literature, and culture? 📖✨ Join our next "Seminary for Everyone" class featuring Karen Swallow Prior as we discuss "The Evangelical Imagination."
🗓 June 1-26 📍 Everyone is welcome!
Register here: https://www.bethel.edu/seminary/academics/seminary-for-everyone/

Seminary for Everyone | Bethel University Discover a top Christian university in Minnesota, offering undergraduate and graduate programs with affordable tuition and strong career preparation.

🎉 Join us in celebrating the student winners of the 59th annual Edwin J. Omark Preaching Competition!

This year, our students tackled a profound and foundational theme: "What is the Gospel?" We are incredibly proud of the faithfulness, passion, and clarity each of these gifted preachers brought to the pulpit as they explored this vital question. 📖✨

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 winners:
🥇 1st Place: Josh King
🥈 2nd Place: Logan Esposito
🥉 3rd Place: Levi Case
🏅 Honorable Mention: Marcus Knight
🎓 Ministry Scholar Winner: Emily Eagen

A huge congratulations to these students and to all who participated this year! Your dedication to communicating God's word is inspiring.

Learn more about the Omark Preaching Competition here: https://www.bethel.edu/seminary/omark/