John’s writing and teaching in church history focus on the ways that every generation of Christianity contextually interpreted apostolic testimony to Jesus. The aim is to discover richer ways to embody that testimony today.

“I try to help students learn about church history and the development of theology so that they can help their churches better understand their own history and current setting.”

Students learn this historically interpretive task by asking two questions: How have various people and communities claimed that Christianity was decisive for human existence? And, what fundamental assertions about God and humankind were made that must still somehow apply today?

John is an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, and has served rural parishes in Indiana and Missouri. His essays and books have concentrated on early church and Reformation issues, as well as issues in postmodern theology.

John enjoys free time with his wife, Cindy, who is also a UCC minister, and their two young children.