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Next MC pastor brings
diverse
theological background
to campus
 Philosophical
theologian Dr. Steven Crain will be the next campus pastor of Manchester
College.
Dr. Crain, who is seeking ordination in the
Northern Indiana District of the Church of the Brethren, will join the
College on July 1. He is assistant professor of philosophy and theology
at University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne and has considerable
faculty experience at other faith-based universities.
“With our steady commitment to graduating
students who have both ability and conviction, we are pleased that Steve
Crain will bring us tremendous abilities to provide support and service
to students from a range of faith traditions,” said College President Jo
Young Switzer.
Manchester is a Church of the Brethren
college. Students of at least 30 religious affiliations attend the
independent residential College.
Dr. Crain also has taught theology and
philosophy at University of Notre Dame, St. Mary's College, Valparaiso
University, IPFW and Washington University in St. Louis. He also has
taught math, science and humanities at Canterbury High School in Fort
Wayne. He has a bachelor’s degree in physics from Stanford University
and a master’s from Fuller Theological Seminary. He holds a master’s and
Ph.D. in theology, and a master's in history and philosophy of science,
from Notre Dame, where he specialized in religion and science issues.
Dr. Crain also trained for the ministry in
the Episcopal Church. “My faith was formed in Protestant
Evangelicalism, Anglo-Catholicism, and in the physics lab,” he said. “I
have found a home in the Church of the Brethren.”
Associate Chaplain Sonia Smith will serve as
interim pastor beginning Jan. 1. Pastor Jim Chinworth begins in January
as associate pastor for youth ministry and congregational life of the
Manchester Church of the Brethren. |
