Pennsylvania pastor Kathy Keener Shantz was a guest at Bluffton University as part of the minister-in-residence program, Oct. 13-15. Shantz, pastor at James Street Mennonite Church in Lancaster, Pa., and attended classes, met with President James M. Harder, several faculty and administration members, and attended a luncheon with the Pathways Scholars. In addition she gave the chapel message on Thursday, Oct. 15.
Shantz also visited The Lion and Lamb Peace Arts Center during her stay. "It was my favorite place on campus and I enjoyed the scenery and artwork that Bluffton displays," she said. "Meeting with the faculty and administrative staff allowed me to see the academic structure that Bluffton has and meeting different students around campus every day made me feel very welcome," said Shantz. "Bluffton does a good job of reaching out to students through ministry and I would love to come back with my family."
Shantz was raised in a very traditional Mennonite church and now pastors at a church with a more urban atmosphere.
"One of the more prominent differences is that there is a blended style of music at James Street. The congregation sings contemporary music mixed with traditional hymns," said Shantz. The transition from churches was made easier through experiences at college and seminary.
She received her bachelor's degree in music performance from Goshen College and her master's in theology from Fuller Theological Seminary in Fresno, Calif. While at seminary she took classes part time. "Taking classes part time allowed me to really immerse myself in each class. At the same time I could also gain experience through my work at the church."
The goal of the minister-in-residence program is to increase dialogue and understanding between Bluffton University and Mennonite pastors. Pastors speak at the weekly chapel service and meet with students, religion professors, religious life staff and the President's Cabinet. For more information on how to become a minister-in-residence, contact Jeff Boehr, assistant campus pastor for church relations at [email protected].
