Faculty

Our professors are distinguished scholars, active researchers, published writers, and faithful Christians who demonstrate what it means to be both Christ-followers and leaders in their academic fields. As mentors and role models, they play a huge role in the integration of faith and learning at Bethel.

Program directors and lead faculty

John Anthony Dunne

Associate Professor of New Testament | j-dunne@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017

Dr. Dunne's research interests lie primarily in the New Testament, the life and letters of Paul (esp. Galatians), Christian origins, and second temple Judaism. Within these frameworks he is fascinated by many things, including: theologies of suffering and mortality, ritual practices and participation with Christ, symbolism associated with ancient fermented beverages, critiques of imperial ideology, intertextuality with antecedent texts, and the reception of the Bible in contemporary popular. . . read more.

Faculty

Peter Vogt

Seminary Dean | p-vogt@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001-2014 as Professor, 2019 as Dean

As the Dean of Bethel Seminary today, Peter is passionate about striving to be a radically counter-cultural follower of Jesus and helping others grow in their capacity in this area as well. His responsibilities include casting a vision for robust online education, partnership with local churches and denominations, identifying ways of serving alumni and local pastors, maintaining all aspects of accreditation for degree programs, representing the seminary to internal and external partners, an. . . read more.

Adjunct faculty

Tucker Anderson

Adjunct Faculty | andtuc@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021

In addition to his teaching role at Bethel Seminary, Tucker serves as a full-time associate pastor. His current academic and pastoral interest is the relevance of biblical theology for preaching and discipleship formation. He resides in the Twin Cities with his wife, Alia, and their two daughters (Myra and Ella).

Joshua Carroll

Dmin Technical Reader and Adjunct Professor | joc23858@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2021

After over 20 years in a variety of church ministry and non-profit roles, Dr. Joshua O. Carroll is currently serving as the Lead Pastor of Ethnos Bible Church, a small but vibrant multi-ethnic church in Richardson, TX. His academic credentials include a double M.A., Theology and Spiritual Formation, from Talbot School of Theology (Biola University, 2012) and a PhD in New Testament from the University of Aberdeen (Scotland, UK, 2017). In addition to his church work, Dr. Carroll works with. . . read more.

Douglas Fombelle

Adjunct Faculty | d-fombelle@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2003

Doctor of Ministry After graduating from Bethel Seminary, Doug Fombelle served as a pastor in a Converge congregation for over 25 years. In 2003 he joined Bethel Seminary as the Dean and Executive Officer of Bethel Seminary's East Coast extension campuses. He was designated Emeritus status by Bethel. He then served Denver Seminary as Director of Extension Education establishing extension campuses in DC and Amarillo. He remains active as a pastoral mentor and currently is an instructor . . . read more.

Katie Friesen Smith

Adjunct Faculty, D.Min. Thesis Advisor | smikatj@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2008

Dr. Friesen Smith has 25+ years of experience in the local church, higher education and camping ministry. As a practical theologian, she seeks to create a bridge between Scripture and living out faith in a post-modern era. Her research interests are in spiritual formation, leadership and emotional intelligence. Along with teaching, she serves as the director of Bethel's Youth Theology Institute for high school students.

Esa Hytti

Adjunct Instructor of Ministry | e-hytti@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017

Greetings! My name is Esa and I live in a cozy apartment in Shoreview, MN. I'm fascinated by all manner of theology, philosophy, biblical studies, church history, and other odds and ends, so I attempt to spend much of my free time reading books on these topics. I also enjoy lifting weights at the gym, listening to metal music, and watching good/interesting horror, sci-fi, and/or thriller movies and shows every now and again. I've found that living a life centered on Christ imbues it with m. . . read more.

Justin Irving

Adjunct Faculty | j-irving@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2000

Leadership Studies; Servant Leadership; Team Effectiveness; Cross-Cultural Leadership; Organizational Change; Ministry Leadership; Purpose in Leadership; Leadership Assessment; Research Methodology and Design; Spiritual and Personal Formation for Leaders

Kris Song

Adjunct Professor | song@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023

Educator, Business Executive, Father.

Emeritus/emerita faculty

James D. Smith III

Professor Emeritus of Church History | jd-smith@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1988

Church History; Historical Theology; Christian biography; Spiritual life & ministry; History of Missions; Women in the Christian Tradition; Henri Nouwen; baseball history