We are proud to celebrate the outstanding scholarship and ongoing contributions of our faculty, whose research and teaching continue to enrich both the academy and the church.
At the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature last year, Dr. Kamy Hanna presented a paper titled “Features of Literalism among the First-Century Jewish Exegetes.” His research explores how New Testament authors and other first-century Jewish interpreters engaged Scripture with rigorous attention to grammar, word choice, and literary structure. By examining details such as verb tenses and singular nouns, Kamy demonstrates how theological claims were grounded in close textual analysis. Situating Jesus, Paul, and the author of Hebrews within the broader interpretive culture of Second Temple Judaism, his work illuminates both their continuity with Jewish exegetical traditions and the distinctive theological vision that shaped early Christian hermeneutics.
Kamy, who recently completed his PhD in New Testament theology and is already making a significant impact in our graduate school, where he teaches at least four courses. In addition to his academic work, he serves professionally as a pharmacist and pastors a Foursquare church in Florida. His paper is currently under peer review at the Catholic Biblical Quarterly and is expected to be published soon.
We also celebrate Jacob Evers for his innovative research on the place of animals and non-human creation in Scripture and its reception history. His work draws attention to an often-overlooked dimension of the biblical text, inviting readers to expand their theological imagination and to consider how Scripture informs ethical reflection and practice in relation to the created world. Jake’s research appears in the 2024 volume Ask the Animals: Developing a Biblical Animal Hermeneutic, published by the Society of Biblical Literature.
In the classroom, Jake teaches Torah which is a course that has quickly become a student favorite. His ability to combine careful exegesis with thoughtful theological reflection models for students how deep engagement with the Pentateuch continues to shape faith and practice today.
We likewise recognize Dr. Eunice Hong, who, together with Dr. Ken Nehrbass of California Baptist University, presented at Mosaix’s 6th National Multiethnic Church Conference in November. There, they offered insights from their forthcoming book, Models for a Multicultural Church, which examines the motivations that shape and sustain meaningful cross-cultural engagement in congregational life. In addition to the book, they have developed an assessment tool designed to help churches evaluate and strengthen their multicultural ministry strategies. Models for a Multicultural Church is scheduled for publication by Baker Academic in fall 2026.
In our Seminary, Dr. Hong teaches our Biblical Culture and Interpretive Practices course, where students engage the inductive method with particular attention to the cultural contexts of the ancient Near East. The course also introduces students to intercultural perspectives in biblical interpretation, equipping them to read Scripture with both historical sensitivity and global awareness.
We give thanks for the intellectual rigor, pastoral heart, and servant leadership our faculty bring to our community. Through their scholarship, teaching, and faithful witness, they are forming students to pursue truth with excellence and to serve as Christ-centered, Spirit-filled leaders. We are deeply grateful for the dedication and grace with which they live out their vocations each day.
