A new program launching at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in October will form collaborative, co-learning relationships with five local congregations each year. The program, A Seminary for Every Congregation, will bring theological education and resources to the congregations at no cost.
Set on the 56-acre farm in Linville, Virginia owned by professor Peter Dula and Ilse Ackerman, a short documentary captures their dedicated conservation work and deep connection to the living landscape. Filming highlighted Peterβs profound understanding of the property, from its moving water and returning bird species to the subtle signs of ecosystem recovery. Central to his stewardship efforts is a forward-thinking 200-year plan for the land, ensuring that his conservation choices today will continue to protect and nurture the environment for generations to come.
The recipient of 91΄σΙρβs 2025 Outstanding Young Alum Award, the Rev. Brittany βSmashβ Caine-Conley MDiv β14, will teach trauma and resilience studies at Eastern Mennonite Seminary this fall. She will also teach at 91΄σΙρβs Center for Justice and Peacebuilding and work with the Seminary Extended grant in collaboration with Union Presbyterian Seminary and Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. An ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Caine-Conley grew up in Harrisonburg and described returning to teach at 91΄σΙρ as βa dream.β
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 DobΕΓΕ‘, Jan explores how the good news can be experienced through community, belonging, reconciliation, restoration and the peace of Christ.
As interim president over the past year, the Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus has demonstrated the leadership capacity, character, institutional understanding, and community trust necessary to lead 91΄σΙρ during a pivotal period in its history. Following broad and enthusiastic affirmation from stakeholders across the university community, the Board of Trustees unanimously voted to appoint Dycus as 91΄σΙρβs 10th president, effective July 1, 2026.
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 Christ 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.
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.
91΄σΙρ honored this yearβs retirees and employees who reached milestone years of service at its annual recognition luncheon on Tuesday, May 12, in Northlawn Dining Hall. Together, the combined years of service represented by the six retirees and 31 employees totaled more than five and a half centuries. This group included several EMS faculty and staff members, alums, and current students.
A range of faith leaders gathered at Eastern Mennonite Seminary from May 5-6 for a two-day conference focused on exploration and learning. The conference, βThriving in Ministry: Family Systems Theory as a Resource for Faith Communities,β was hosted by the seminary in partnership with The Bowen Center for the Study of the Family and supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. and the Joe Carolin Memorial Fund.
