Joanna Shenk, an associate for Interchurch Relations and Communication with Mennonite Church USA in Elkhart, Ind., will serve Hesston College as church leader in residence Oct. 28 to 31.

Shenk serves on teams committed to undoing prejudiced behavior in the church, including leading the Women in Leadership audit project that researched the frequency with which women are used in leadership positions within Mennonite Church USA congregations and organizations. She is also the editor of “Widening the Circle: Experiments in Christian Discipleship” (Herald Press, 2011), a collection of stories exploring the creative tension of movements and institutions within the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from Huntington (Ind.) College and a master’s in theology and theological studies from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, Ind.)

As church leader in residence, Shenk will connect with Hesston College students and local pastors. She will share her life story and work during student-led campus worship at 9 p.m. Oct. 28 in the lower level of Northlawn. She will also speak at 11 a.m. chapel services on Monday, Oct. 29, and Wednesday, Oct. 31, at Hesston Mennonite Church. Campus worship and chapel are open to the public.

Shenk will also lead a seminar for pastors on “Welcoming Divine Mystery into Our Churches” beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. The seminar will address the meaning and practices of being a true discipleship community. Pastors interested in attending Wednesday’s chapel, complimentary lunch and the seminar can contact the Hesston College Church Relations office at 620-327-8109 or toll free at 866-437-7866.