Eastern Mennonite Seminary

09/04/2026

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 Peter’s 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.

By Lillian Naftel

09/01/2026

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.

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

08/28/2026

A new program launching at Eastern Mennonite Seminary this October will build collaborative, co-learning relationships with five local congregations each year.

Through “A Seminary for Every Congregation,” participating congregations will receive theological education and resources at no cost. The program will run through December 2030 with support from the Lilly Endowment’s Seminary Extended grant.

Pastors interested in getting involved—or anyone who would like to learn more—can contact Ethan King at [email protected].

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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