Eastern Mennonite Seminary Hires New Professor

by Laura Lehman Amstutz

Joni Sancken

Joni S. Sancken has been named assistant professor of preaching and practical theology at Eastern Mennonite Seminary, Harrisonburg, Va.

Dr. Sancken will begin her new role August 15, 2010. She is currently completing a post-doctoral fellowship in practical theology and religious practices at Candler School of Theology, Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.

Sancken will teach a variety of practical theology courses, including preaching, worship, congregational education and formation.

“I am confident that Joni will bring inspired energy, a sharp intellect, a warm friendliness, and a delightful imagination into this seminary community,” said Sara Wenger Shenk, EMS interim dean.

“I am looking forward to engaging with students as a fellow-learner in exploring Spirit-led practices that bear witness to God and build up Christ's church,” said Sancken.

Sancken is a 1998 graduate of Goshen ( Ind.) College. She has a master of divinity degree from Princeton (NJ) Theological Seminary and received a doctor of philosophy in homiletics from Toronto School of Theology.

Her pastoral experiences include internships at Perkasie ( Pa.) Mennonite Church and St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, Mo. She was also an interim pastor at Germantown Mennonite Church in Philadelphia.

Sancken is married to Steve Schumm, a 1995 graduate of EMU. Schumm is a pastor, ordained by Mennonite Church Eastern Canada in 2009.

posted 3/22/10