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(CIM) "Church History," with Professor David Johnson
(CIM) "Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Polity," with Professor Paul Hooker
(CJCR) "Jerusalem: The Holy City in History, Theology, and Conflict" with Professor Whit Bodman & Rabbi Neal Blumofe
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Andrew Zirschky joins faculty in administrative role
With a focus on youth ministry and a background in the Church of the Nazarene, Zirschky earned his MDiv and PhD from Princeton Theological Seminary where he received the Arthur Paul Rech Prize in Theology and Pastoral Ministry. He is the author of Teaching Outside the Box: Five Approaches for Opening Scripture with Teenagers (Abingdon Press, 2017) and Beyond the Screen: Youth Ministry for the Connected But Alone Generation (Abingdon, 2015). He has broad experience in the creation and administration of innovative programs, particularly in youth ministry, including two programs at CYMT for which he received Lilly Endowment grants of more than $1 million each. He has served as a consultant to Lilly Endowment and Princeton Seminary, among others. Over the past decade he has taught courses at Austin Seminary, Memphis Seminary, Princeton Seminary, and Wesley Theological Seminary.
He will continue to live in Nashville and will teach in Austin and Nashville.
Meet Our Seniors!
Christina has served as youth director for Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, Helotes, Texas, since 2015. This position continued while studying for the MAYM degree. Christine says she is passionate about creating a safe space for our young people who are navigating through the waters of adolescence. She received her Bachelor of Science in health from the University of Texas at San Antonio and photography is a passion of hers.
Shaira spent the 2019-20 year as a global partner at Austin Seminary. Shai-Shai is a member of a UCC congregation in Oslob, Philippines. She earned a bachelor of arts in English from Southwestern University in the Philippines. Before coming to Austin, Shai had already taken most of her MDiv classes at Divinity School, Silliman University in the Philippines. She will return there to complete that degree. When time allowed during her studies here, Shai enjoyed traveling throughout Texas and even some time in New York City.
Katie was born and raised in Humble, Texas, and she grew up going to First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood. She attended The University of Texas at Austin and earned a degree in elementary education. Before coming to seminary, she taught Sunday School at Live Oak (Presbyterian) Church in Leander, Texas, and that encouraged her to follow a calling into youth ministry. She also served on the youth ministry team at St. Luke UMC in Houston. While pursuing the MAYM degree, Katie returned to Live Oak Church as director of youth ministry. Her passion is helping kids grow in authentic faith.
Jey was born and raised in West Carrollton, Ohio. He earned a degree in philosophy and a minor in religion from Eastern Kentucky University. Jey served as youth pastor at First United Methodist Church in Brady, Texas, while studying for his MAYM and continues to serve there. He is also the director of youth ministries for 4:twelve Student Ministries. He is an experienced worship leader, youth minister, and camp minister. Jey has written youth curriculum and authored the book, You are Enough... You Matter and Immeasurably More. Jey’s hobbies include hiking, caving, disc golf and writing music.
Curt grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and says he was, “trained up in the ways of being a cheesehead” (but asks that you not hold that against him). He earned his undergrad degree at North Central University in Minneapolis. He originally entered Austin Seminary in the MATS program but changed to the MDiv program. In seminary he has worked at Westlake Hills United Methodist Church as director community engagement and program development. He is passionate about church planting and community engagement. He and his wife, Dawn, have extensive experience working together in youth ministry, young adult ministry, church planting, and as associate pastors. They have two children.
CBrittany earned the Master of Arts in Youth Ministry (MAYM) degree while working as youth director at First United Methodist Church in Rowlett, Texas. Brittany is a proud Texas native from East Texas. She has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She has been working with youth since 2011. Brittany spends her free time reading, playing with her dogs, and trying out BBQ places with her husband, James.
Taylor is originally from Newport News, Virginia, and a member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church of Newport News. She has been in our dual degree program with the University of Texas at Austin Steve Hicks School of Social Work from which she earned the MSSW degree. Taylor received her BA in religious studies from Elon University. Before starting seminary she served as a YAV (Young Adult Volunteer) in Boston. She has a strong passion for mission and outreach, as well as Christian education. She currently serves as youth director at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, Austin. Taylor says, “The fastest way to my heart is with a cup of coffee, a bad joke, or a puppy.”
Garrett grew up in California and attended Central Peninsula Church in Foster City. He earned his undergraduate degree from Westmont College where he also studied abroad in Turkey, Jordan, and Israel. While studying for the MAYM, Garrett served as director of youth ministry for Lighthouse Fellowship in Fort Worth, Texas. He says he has enjoyed engaging youth in “in-depth discussions about the Bible and the real-life problems that we face every day to help deepen our relationships with God and others.” In addition to youth ministry, he loves soccer.
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What's new at AustinSeminary.edu?
With the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, we wanted to share resources with the broader church. Taking the title from a video from Pastoral Care Professor Phil Helsel, we added a page on our website in the Congregational Resources section called "Resources for Desert Times." You'll find professors' videos as well as some of the video messages President Ted Wardlaw has delivered during these uncertain times. It is continually being updated so take something, share something.
• You'll find it here!,
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