Biblical & Theological Studies
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.
Department Chair

Erik Leafblad
Assistant Professor of Missional Ministries | ecl59862@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2015
Missional Ministries
Faculty

James K. Beilby
Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | james-beilby@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001
Systematic and philosophical theology, apologetics, and ethics

John Anthony Dunne
Associate Professor of Biblical & Theological Studies | 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.

Paul Eddy
Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | eddpau@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1997
Biblical and theological studies, with special interests in life of Jesus research, theology of religions, and theology of human sexuality

Kaz Hayashi
Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | kah54922@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2022
A Japanese Old Testament scholar, archaeologist, minister, and husband and father.

Juan Hernández Jr.
Professor of Biblical Studies | j-hernandez@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2006
New Testament and early Christianity, with a special interest in New Testament Textual Criticism, especially the text of the Apocalypse and its reception history

Catherine Wright
Associate Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | c-wright@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2001
New Testament studies, with special interests in the Gospel of Luke and spiritual formation
Adjunct Faculty

Peter Kapsner
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | kappet@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
New Testament and Practical Theology

John Potts
Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies | jwp47774@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2017
Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies

Jennifer Scott
Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies | jscott@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Studying the Bible is an adventure. Teaching about the Bible is a privilege. As I teach, I continue to see new things and learn more about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
Caitlyn Stenerson
Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies | caitlyn-stenerson@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2025
Adjunct Instructor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Gloria Wiese
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | wieglo@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1998
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Carissa Wyant
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies | caw66564@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2023
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
Emeritus/Emerita Faculty
Donald Alexander
Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus | aledon7@comcast.net | Started at Bethel: 1987
Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus
Pamela Erwin
Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita | perwin@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 2002
Ministry
John Herzog
Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus | jjherzog@gmail.com | Started at Bethel: 1981
Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus

Michael Holmes
University Professor of Biblical Studies and Early Christianity Emeritus | holmic@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1982
New Testament and early Christianity, with special interests in New Testament textual criticism and the apostolic fathers

Karen McKinney
Professor of Biblical Studies Emerita | mckkar@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1995
Youth ministries and biblical theology, with a special interest in experiential education, anti-racism, and diversity.
Carl Rasmussen
Professor of Old Testament Emeritus | rascar@bethel.edu | Started at Bethel: 1980
Professor of Old Testament Emeritus