David Greiser, director of Hesston College’s Pastoral Ministries program since 2006, has resigned to accept the pastorate at North Baltimore (Md.) Mennonite Church. He will continue at Hesston College through the 2009 fall semester.
Greiser came to Hesston after a 10-year stint on the pastoral team at Souderton (Pa.) Mennonite Church and having pastored congregations in Grand Rapids, Mich., and Philadelphia, Pa.
“The irony for me,” Greiser commented, “is that in extolling the joys of pastoring to my students, I came to realize how much I myself missed being a pastor. I will be leaving work that I love, at Hesston, to return to work that I love.
“It has been humbling and deeply rewarding to watch men and women grow in skills and self-awareness, and then accept the challenge of leading believers’ church congregations,” Greiser continued.
Greiser’s colleagues in the Bible and Ministry Center noted his abilities in college and church settings. Bible and Ministry division chair Michele Hershberger called Greiser “a wonderful leader for the Pastoral Ministries program. He understands and appreciates both the academic world and the world of congregational ministry. He loves the church. He thinks deeply and preaches with passion. It has been an honor to work with him.”
“He brought successful experience as a pastor and church planter to the students in the program,” long-time Bible faculty member Marion Bontrager said of Greiser’s contributions. “His broad range of thought and reading contributed to his leadership in faculty discussions about general education. He was a theological and intellectual resource for the whole college.”
In addition to his Pastoral Ministries program responsibilities, Greiser chaired the college’s General Education Committee and served on the Academic Dean’s Council. “Dave is an outstanding teacher,” commented Academic Dean Sandra Zerger. “His students consistently rank him high for his participatory methodology, challenging students to accomplish difficult assignments without threats or coercion, and his warm, caring manner.”
“I will miss him deeply,” Zerger added. “I depended upon his clear thinking, wisdom, and advice.”