Conference students earn degrees from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary

Five students from IN-MI Conference congregations were among 15 students who graduated May 23 from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind.

Joanna Shenk of Fellowship of Hope, Elkhart, earned a Master of Arts: Theological Studies degree with an emphasis in theology and ethics. She will work full time for Mennonite Church USA as InterChurch Relations Associate and Communications Writer/Research Associate. Joanna’s parents are Alice Hertzler Shenk and Phil Shenk of Goshen. She previously earned a B.A. in communication studies from Huntington (Ind.) University.

Michael Sherer of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship, Goshen, Ind., earned a Master of Arts: Theological Studies degree. He will continue in his role as theologically-inclined Information Technology Director and Executive Director of Mennonite.net. Michael and Patsy, his wife, have two daughters. Previously he earned a B.A. from Goshen College. His parents are Lon and Kathryn Sherer of Goshen.

Michael said, “Being on the ‘20-year plan’ has given me an opportunity to experience the evolution of theology and scholarship across AMBS and the broader church. I appreciated a renewed emphasis on reading the Bible confessionally and on the importance of the believing community's Spirit-led role in shaping the Biblical canon. While there will always be a balancing act between academic freedom and need to respect and nurture the traditions of the church, I find the seminary and its students in a more healthy and helpful place than when I started 20 years ago—a hopeful sign for the future.”

Tim Stair of College Mennonite, Goshen, earned a Master of Arts in Mission and Evangelism degree. He will continue working 50 to 60 percent time at Mennonite Health Services Alliance, where he works with faith-based members and clients on strategic planning and values. He also plans to earn a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing through Murray State University in Kentucky, after which he expects to pursue some form of pastoral ministry and church leadership again. Tim and Jan, his wife, have four children.

Tim said, “I have appreciated the opportunity to work at my degree gradually while in church ministry and leadership. AMBS has allowed me to explore and form a vision of God's reign and purposes that have deepened my walk of following Jesus and given me language to share my faith.”

Suella Gerber, originally of Eighth Street Mennonite, Goshen, earned a Master of Divinity degree. She recently began serving as pastor of Fellowship of Hope, Elkhart. She and John Gerber, her husband, have two children. Her mother is Elizabeth Lehman of Goshen. Previously she earned a B.A. in English education from Goshen College.

Lyle G. Miller earned a Certificate in Theological Studies. He will continue as minister to children at Waterford Mennonite, Goshen. He and Bonnie Miller, his wife, have two sons. His parents are Monroe and Emma Jean Miller of Kalona, Iowa. He previously earned a B.A. from Goshen College.

Lyle said, “The experience at AMBS has been significant in confirming a sense of openness to pastoral ministry, particularly as the result of interactions with professors, students and course content.”

The commencement service was held at College Mennonite in Goshen. Dorothy Nickel Friesen, conference minister for the Western District Conference of Mennonite Church USA, presented the commencement address, “Chosen by God.”

Seven graduates received the Master of Divinity degree, three the Master of Arts: Theological Studies, two the Master of Arts: Peace Studies, two the Master of Arts in Mission and Evangelism, and one the Certificate in Theological Studies.

Students in the graduating class included two from Canada, one from Kenya and 12 from the U.S.

AMBS is a seminary of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. The two seminaries that formed AMBS have been preparing workers for the church since 1945; they began their association on the Elkhart campus in 1958.

—Mary E. Klassen