February 9, 2007
A well-known and respected history professor and church historian will serve at Hesston College February 26-28 as church leader-in-residence. John D. Roth teaches history at Goshen (Ind.) College where he also serves as director of the Mennonite Historical Library and editor of The Mennonite Quarterly Review. As such, he's seen as a strong voice in scholarly and church life circles.
Roth begins his time at Hesston College Monday morning, Feb. 26, speaking to the preaching class. He's also scheduled for other classes during his three-day tenure.
Roth will speak in chapel at 11 a.m. Monday and Wednesday in the sanctuary of Hesston Mennonite Church. His topic Monday is "Mennonite Identity in a Post-Christian Culture," while he will speak about simplicity--"Consider the Lilies"--Wednesday morning.
In addition, he will debate Denice Bruce, a faculty member of the Communications Department, forensics coach, and a member of Hope Mennonite Church, Wichita, at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening at Hesston Mennonite Church. The topic is "Sabbatical or Engagement: Mennonites and Politics." Following the extreme polarization of the country after the last presidential election in 2003, Roth advocated that Mennonites should consider taking a sabbatical from involvement in the country's political system.
"In this, he probably represents a minority opinion," said John Sharp, history professor and the college's centennial history writer. "But he's thoughtful, insightful, and helps us think about the question."
The chapel and evening sessions are open to the public.
Roth will also meet with area pastors and Pastoral Ministries students following Monday's chapel (Feb. 26) for a noon luncheon in Sauder Rooms, Bontrager Student Center. A workshop for pastors will follow at 1 p.m. on the topic "Boundaries and Bridges: Can We be Mennonite and Missional?" Optional activities include a campus tour, and sharing the 5:30 evening meal with current Hesston students from their congregations.
Prior to his engagements at Hesston College, Roth will speak at First Mennonite Church in Hutchinson, Kan., on Saturday and Sunday, and at Hesston Mennonite Church Sunday morning.
In addition to Choosing Against War: A Christian View (Good Books, 2002), Roth is the author of Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice (Herald Press, 2005) and Stories: How Mennonites Came to Be (Herald Press, 2006), along with other books and articles on Anabaptist and Mennonite history. He and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of four daughters and are active members of Berkey Avenue Mennonite Fellowship in Goshen.
For more information, contact Dallas Stutzman, vice president of alumni and church relations, toll-free at 866-437-7866 (866-HESSTON); locally at 620-327-8110.