Alumni News
BUSTH Professor Emeritus Christopher Evans (’86) receives 2026 Fulbright US Scholar Award
Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) Professor Emeritus of History of Christianity & Methodist Studies Christopher Evans ('86) has received a prestigious Fulbright US Scholar Award to teach in Norway. Prof. Evans will serve as a visiting scholar at the University of Oslo during the Fall 2026 semester.
Prof. Evans will teach an undergraduate course in the Faculty of Humanities titled American Religion in the 20th Century. He will also participate in seminars and public lectures sponsored by the university.
“Receiving a Fulbright US Scholar award is a tremendous honor and I'm looking forward to my time in Norway and the University of Oslo this fall semester,” says Prof. Emeritus Evans. “In addition to teaching and lecturing, I am especially excited for the relationships that I’ll form with students, colleagues at the university, and religious leaders who I’ll meet. This will be a transformative experience for me.”
Evans retired in 2025 from BUSTH, where his teaching and scholarship focused on the history of Christianity, American religion, Methodist history, and religion and popular culture. An ordained elder in the United Methodist Church, he is the author or editor of numerous books, including The Kingdom is Always but Coming: A Life of Walter Rauschenbusch, Histories of American Christianity: An Introduction, The Social Gospel in American Religion, and his most recent work, Do Everything: The Biography of Frances Willard, published by Oxford University Press.
The Fulbright Program is the US government’s flagship international academic exchange initiative, advancing knowledge, fostering innovation, and promoting mutual understanding between the United States and countries around the world. Since its founding in 1946, the program has provided opportunities for accomplished faculty, researchers, and professionals to teach and conduct research abroad while building lasting international partnerships.
Rev. Andrew Kimble (’19) is Interim Pastor at Eliot Congregational Church in Roxbury
The following is an excerpt from Eliot Roxbury Congregational Church's homepage “Welcome our interim pastor Rev. Andrew Kimble” featuring alumnus Rev. Andrew E. Kimble ('19), published in May 2026.
The Eliot Congregational Church of Roxbury is pleased and honored to announce that we have been blessed by the appointment of Reverend Andrew Kimble to serve as the Interim Pastor of our beloved church. Rev. Kimble is straight-forward, engaging, humble, direct, and deeply rooted in his faith. Rev. Kimble has served as the Executive Minister at Grant AME Church in Roxbury and as Associate minister at Charles Street AME Church in Roxbury.
Rev. Kimble is a graduate of Boston University School of Theology. He received his Master of Divinity from Boston University and his Bachelor’s Degree from Morehouse College where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. Originally from Los Angeles, he currently resides in Boston.
Rev. Kimble’s call to ministry a decade ago arose from a deep yearning to be in relationship with God and God’s people. He has grown as a leader, preacher, and teacher in parishes on both coasts, in the UCC and AME traditions, and in interfaith settings. As a minister of the Gospel who believes Jesus Christ came so that we might have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10), he lives each day knowing that life’s greatest pursuit is to grow more and more in love with God, neighbor, and self. As God’s children, this is our calling, and as Black folk, it is our cultural heritage.
Rev. Kimble is conscientious, takes great care with scripture, is pastoral, is wise, delivers a sound spiritual message, both historically and within a modern context, containing suggestions about living in today’s world. His sermons are uplifting, relevant, and affirming, especially for a multigenerational congregation. He emphasizes listening, relationship building and understanding congregational hopes and vision. He advocates for shared leadership, humility and empowering both congregations and
leaders. He sees the church as a place for spiritual growth, healing, and communal flourishing.
Rev. Kimble and his wife, Taylor, are the proud new parents of their baby boy, Forrest Golden Kimble. Welcome Rev. Andrew Kimble to Eliot Church and to the community.
Half-time Church Administrator, Part Time, Newton Presbyterian Church: Newton, MA
Half-time Church Administrator: Newton Presbyterian Church, Newton, MA
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
75 Vernon Street, Newton, MA
Newton Presbyterian Church (NPC) is a progressive, justice-oriented, and Christ-centered congregation in Newton, MA. We are seeking a part-time Church Administrator who will be responsible for the administrative tasks for our congregation, and who will report to the pastor of the congregation. The Administrator will work collaboratively with all staff and lay leaders to ensure the church’s programming is carried out effectively and in alignment with the congregation’s priorities and missions.
NPC understands church administration as a ministry: an opportunity to support the church’s capacity to welcome, extend hospitality, build community, and engage in mission and outreach with our neighbors. This ministry is essential to sustaining the broader life of the church — including worship, preaching, education, faith formation, and hospitality — by providing the steady organizational foundation that allows those ministries to flourish with confidence and care.
Qualities needed include:
*strong communications and interpersonal skills
*collaborative work style and ability to work independently with a keen sense of prioritization
*attention to detail and creative problem solving
*commitment to the mission and values of Newton Presbyterian Church
*an understanding of what information needs to be kept confidential and ensuring that confidentiality is preserved.
*maturity and respect to be demonstrated at all times as a public facing representative
Qualifications include:
*high school degree/equivalent is required, college degree preferred
*previous experience as an administrative assistant
*strong computer skills with standard office software and cloud-based software (Google, Dropbox, etc.) and video conferencing tools (e.g. Meet/ Zoom)
*please note that our church has 3 floors with no elevator, so this person must be able to use stairs as needed
For full description and more information email:
admin@npc-ma.org or newtonpres@npc-ma.org
Additional Information
Associate Pastor, Full Time, River: Midtown Manhattan, NY
Details:
Reports to Lead Pastor with additional oversight from the River board
30 hours per week; hybrid (remote and in-person)
- Work schedule (days/times/locations) to be set in consultation with the Lead
Pastor.
- The River staff generally works Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and
Sunday.
- Hours for this position will include Sunday mornings, some weekday evenings, occasional Saturdays, and up to two overnight trips for retreats/conferences.
Compensation:
- $43,680-$46,800 annual (housing allowance available)
- The church adds a monthly $750 stipend to help offset insurance needs
- 403(b) plan available
- 20 paid vacation days plus staff holidays
1-Year Commitment with potential option to extend with board approval
- Start Date: Week of 8/2/26
Responsibilities:
Tuesday to Friday:
- Attend weekly 1:1 meeting with the Lead Pastor
- Attend monthly staff meeting
- Attend and support monthly Leadership Gatherings
- Prepare to deliver a sermon and write the accompanying Resource of the Week post every 3-4 weeks
- Lead the RiverYouth program (prepare curriculum and materials; recruit, train, support, and schedule volunteers; communicate with parents, etc.)
- Meet with new and existing River community members for pastoral care
- Lead a weekly LifeGroup, class, workshop, etc.
- Manage operations for Summer Retreat and other special events (such as guest speaker/artist events, themed services, etc.)
- Develop, launch, and oversee new River Cares program (develop guidelines and processes for offering benevolence care to River community members; cultivate community service and advocacy initiatives; etc.)
- Manage newcomer outreach and data entry
- Oversee and execute church communications (weekly email, program
information, announcements prep, website updates, social media, etc.)
- Misc. responsibilities (support Lead Pastor in long-term planning; support lay
leaders as needed; weddings, funerals, and hospital visits as needed; support
church operations as needed; etc.)
Sunday:
- Arrive early to assist with Sunday service preparation
- Support Sunday service as needed (preaching, Youth Group leading, operations, etc.)
- Support after-service programming as needed
Desired Qualities/Commitments:
- Demonstrates a commitment to the River’s mission to be a welcoming, inclusive church where members can strengthen their connections (to God, self, others, creation, and the world around us); can more deeply embody unconditional love; and can become more fully alive
- Aligns with the River’s theology, especially around approach to biblical interpretation, LGBTQIA+ affirmation, women in leadership positions, antiracism, and creation care
- Understands the post-evangelical church context and landscape; previous experience working in a post-evangelical church is a plus
- Interested in growing as a leader and in developing other leaders
- Desires and has the ability to foster a positive and professional working dynamic with a diverse group of church members, church leaders, and staff members
- Intentionally builds relationships with and seeks to understand the needs of the congregation as a whole
- Committed to creating a positive church experience for our diverse congregation (many of whom are from marginalized backgrounds)
- Familiar with concepts such as church hurt and religious trauma, and is willing to learn about and practice trauma-informed approaches to pastoral care, preaching, group facilitation, etc.
- Experienced preacher with strong public speaking skills, a solid working knowledge of Biblical content and exegesis, and familiarity with church history; MDiv a plus
- Utilizes a thoughtful approach to recruiting, leading, supporting, and supervising unpaid volunteers and lay leaders
- Adaptive, open to feedback
- Strong relationship-building and consensus-building skills
- Proactive and detail-oriented
- Strong communication and organizational skills; previous experience developing programs and leading events is a plus
- Familiarity with Weebly, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides, Zoom, and FellowshipOne is a plus
About the River:
The River began in October 2004 with a group of 10 people who moved to New York City with an exciting vision to build a vibrant church in Lower Manhattan. Today, we are a community of approximately 150 members and have moved to a beautiful location in Midtown Manhattan. In-person attendees of the River come from all five boroughs of New York City, New Jersey, and
Westchester County, though people from around the country (and the world!) regularly tune into our services on YouTube Live. When people come to the River, we hope that they will feel refreshed, affirmed, and excited to be part of a community that is pursuing abundant life together.
At the River, we believe that church should be a place where people of all ages and backgrounds are:
- Truly and deeply welcomed
- Invited to be their authentic selves
- Seen, known, accepted, and celebrated as beloved
- Free from shame, fear, pressure, and manipulation
- Unafraid to ask questions or to voice doubts/disagreements
- Encouraged to engage their hearts/minds and express their thoughts/feelings
- Inspired to spread kindness, pursue justice, and deepen connections (to God, self, others, creation, and the world around us)
Our vision for a life-giving faith community is shaped by our convictions that:
- God is unconditional love (1 John 4:8)
- The practice of unconditional love is central to following the way of Jesus (John 13:34-35)
- Embracing unconditional love means recognizing the unearned, inherent dignity and worth of every person (Genesis 1:26-31)
- "All flourishing is mutual" (Robin Wall Kimmerer).
P
ractically speaking, this means that (among other things) we place no limitations on women in leadership, that we fully affirm LGBTQIA+ individuals and relationships, and that we are committed to the work of antiracism and creation care.
We look forward to hiring an Associate Pastor who gets what the River is all about and is excited to join in the work of spreading God’s unconditional love!
How to Apply:
If interested, please email the following to board@rivernyc.org:
- Short video introducing yourself
- Updated resume
- List of at least four references with contact information and information about your relationship
- Preaching and curriculum samples if available
Additional Information
www.rivernyc.org
BUSTH announces Faculty Publications and Presentations for May 2026
The School of Theology is pleased to announce the following faculty publications, grants, and scholarly presentations for May 2026:
- Cristian de la Rosa
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Grant: Wabash Center for a project titled “Latina scholars: building generational bridges and crossing academic borderlands." This is an exploration by and about Latinas serving as faculty in seminaries.
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- Daryl Ireland ('15)
- “Give Us Friends: Moving Beyond the Americanism of Nazarene Missiology,” Didache, 25, no. 2 (2026): 69-84.
- Lecture: “Contextualizing Theology and Modern Visual Art,” Fuller Theological Seminary, May 9, 2026.
- Anastasia Kidd ('04,'18)
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Presentation: Featured Speaker for the Tufts University Women’s Center Symposium on April 11th, 2026, "Body Language and Liberation” Tufts University, Medford, MA.
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- James McCarty
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Moderator: “Living Our Values: From the Perspective of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Our Shared Values: The Legacies of King, Thurman, and Weisel. The Living Our Values Initiative, Boston University, April 29, 2026.
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- Shively T. J. Smith
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Panelist: “Living Our Values: From the Perspective of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Our Shared Values: The Legacies of King, Thurman, and Weisel. The Living Our Values Initiative, Boston University, April 29, 2026.
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- emilie townes
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Panelist: “Living Our Values: From the Perspective of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” Our Shared Values: The Legacies of King, Thurman, and Weisel. The Living Our Values Initiative, Boston University, April 29, 2026.
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Rev. Tom Sears (’59) honored for Lifetime of Generosity to BUSTH
Last week, the Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH) welcomed alumnus Rev. Tom Sears (’59) into Boston University’s William Fairfield Warren Society with a surprise reception, in recognition of more than 60 years of extraordinary generosity and philanthropic leadership. Through cumulative giving exceeding $1 million, Sears has helped shape the life and future of the School of Theology and the wider Boston University community.
A retired United Methodist minister, educator, and longtime advocate for theological education and dedicated chaplaincy work, Sears has remained deeply engaged with BUSTH throughout his life. He is currently serving his second nine-year term on the BUSTH Dean’s Advisory Board and previously served on the Boston University Alumni Council from 2008 to 2018. He also served on the steering committee for Boston University’s Choose to Be Great campaign.
In recent years, Sears provided two helpful matching challenges for annual BU Giving Days, which encouraged broad alumni participation in support of BUSTH. This year, the School reached a record-breaking 367 donors during Giving Day 2026.
Sears has supported more than 30 different funds and initiatives across Boston University and the School of Theology over the years. Among the funds bearing his name are the Thomas A. and Margaret A. Sears Endowed Fund and the Rev. Tom Sears Chaplaincy Operating Fund. He also played a major role in endowing the Truman Collins Chair of World Christianity and History of Mission and helped successfully endow the Harrell F. Beck Chair of Hebrew Scripture. In addition, Sears was the first donor to what later became the Dahod Family Alumni Center at the Castle. He is also a member of the Claflin Society.
“Tom Sears is an exemplary alumnus and friend of BUSTH,” says Dean G. Sujin Pak. “He has such a beautiful heart and generous spirit. Those who know him know that he has a contagious sense of humor. Tom is one always with a twinkle in his eye and a ready, joy-giving chuckle. Tom has been generous in investing in [our School] in so many ways: his time, presence, financial gifts, wisdom, and service on my Dean’s Advisory Board—just to name a few!”
Beyond his philanthropy, Sears devoted his career to ministry and education. After earning a BA from Cornell College in 1956 and an MDiv from Boston University School of Theology in 1959, he served United Methodist churches across Iowa for more than a decade. He later earned an MA in history from the University of Iowa and joined the faculty of Kirkwood Community College, where he taught social and intellectual history until his retirement in 2000. During his tenure, he also served as president of the Faculty Association, chaired the Curriculum Committee, and acted as chief negotiator for the faculty.
In 2007, Sears received the School of Theology Distinguished Alumnus Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to ministry, education, and service. He and his late wife, Margaret, shared a deep commitment to philanthropy and family.
Prof. Jimmy McCarty featured in BU Today “Words of Wisdom for the Class of 2026” Video
Click here to read the article originally published on May 8, 2026 by BU Today. Clinical Assistant Professor of Religion & Conflict Transformation Jimmy McCarty appears in the video below at time stamp 0:10.
Families & Outreach Pastor, Full-Time, Christ’s Church: Albany, NY
We are looking for someone with a strong passion for youth, discipleship, and community outreach.
This role would:
- Oversee our kids, youth, and young adult ministries within our church family.
- Lead and help expand outreach initiatives focused on children, youth, and families in the broader community
- View internal discipleship and external mission as two sides of the same calling
The salary range for this position is $40,000–$50,000.
Contact Person
Jonathan Hentrich
Lead Pastor // Christ’s Church Albany
518.331.9330
www.christschurchalbany.org
Irvin Mark Conner, D.Min., ’78, ’82
The following obituary was originally published by Beard Mortuary and can be found here.
The Reverend Doctor I. Mark Conner, 72, of Huntington, passed away on April 15, 2026, at St. Mary's Medical Center, following a short illness. "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:7
Mark was an ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church and faithfully served congregations throughout West Virginia. His ministry included appointments at First United at Fairmont, Hope and Aldersgate charge Wheeling, First United Methodist Barboursville, Trinity in Bluefield, and First United Methodist Church in Huntington. He also served as Western District Superintendent and continued his calling in retirement as an interim pastor and guest speaker, touching countless lives through his leadership, compassion, and dedication to faith.
He was a graduate of Parkersburg South High School, earned his undergraduate degree from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1975, and later attended Boston University School of Theology.
Mark was born on July 31, 1953, to the late J. Irvin and Alphon Godwin Conner.
He is survived by his sisters, Amy Beth Conner and Chyrl Conner Budd. He is also survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, including Hulse (the late Melissa) Budd and his companion, Andrea Carrico; and David (Kirsten) Budd; great-nephews, Austin (Jenna) and Karson (Ashleigh) Budd; great-nieces, Leslie Cogan and Stephanie Cogan (David LeGrow) along with six great-great nieces and nephews who brought him much joy. He leaves behind a host of extended family, cherished friends, colleagues and dearly loved congregation members.
Throughout his life, Mark remained active in the United Methodist community, serving on various committees and supporting ministries such as Ebenezer Community Outreach Center, where he assisted in numerous capacities and Faith In Action as a Board Member. He actively volunteered at many local mission and outreach programs.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 4:00 p.m. at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, located at 5th Avenue and 10th Street. Friends may call from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to any United Methodist Church, Church- based scholarship, charity or to Faith in Action, Inc. Please leave an online condolence for Mark’s family at www.beardmortuary.com.
For Such a Time As This: BUSTH Faculty Members respond to Ongoing Democratic Crises
By Nathan Davis Hunt (‘29)
What does theology need to learn and what does it have to teach “for such a time as this?” In a time when democracy is in crisis, what is the relevance of theological education to the pursuit of a more democratic and just present?
So asks a group of faculty members at Boston University School of Theology (BUSTH). For Such a Time As This is a new independent project launched by a BUSTH faculty collective. The title recalls the words of Mordecai to his adopted daughter Esther.
“For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father’s family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14, NRSV)
The text conveys confidence that liberation will come for Israel in a time of exile and oppression. Yet, with something like a sly wink, Mordecai encourages Esther—and the author encourages their readers—to reflect on whether she has been placed in her role precisely for the purpose of cooperating in that task of deliverance.
Theology reminds faith practitioners that humanity is tied to liberation, and that liberation is entangled with the divine. In the delicate balance between comfort and protest, the leaders of this project believe that those who teach in theological education, like Esther for her people, are called to break through the noise to speak about what it means to live together as creation in this fragile space called “democracy.”
Such is the wager of these faculty who risked breaking silence in a time of fear and repression. Each week, they are posting original essays in response to two questions:
- What is the theological/religious significance of this era?
- What does theological and religious education have to offer, considering such a diagnosis?
In the first diverse set of essays posted since the project's launch on April 3, the contributors are in agreement on several matters. We are indeed in a time of crisis requiring urgent and courageous responses. Democracy is in retreat and worth fighting for—a genuine political community of cooperative decision-making oriented toward inclusive justice. The stakes are ultimate. International students hide from ICE while fearing visa renewals will be denied. Genocide has raged in Gaza. Christianity has been co-opted by right wing demagogues. Meanwhile, even as these crises demand careful attention and deep relations, we are collectively numbed and isolated by generations of neoliberal consumerism and digital algorithms.
Each essay has contributed a unique insight and ethical charge.
Dr. Luther Young shows education does not liberate on its own. Higher education has been and continues to be a producer of harm. Therefore, we must unapologetically re-craft pedagogies and institutions for justice.
Dr. Debbie Brubaker dares us, in an age terrified of institutional failure, to embrace the spirit of artists and advocates who practice generative failure. Theological education can foster a space for radical experiments in life formed otherwise.
Dr. Luis Menéndez-Antuña models vulnerability, expressing his grief at the lack of resistance by state and church to growing repression. Theological educators have a responsibility to leverage the prophetic strengths of their disciplines.
Dr. James McCarty declares the most central task is to “imagine and practice new ways of being human together.” He looks to South African leader Steve Biko, for whom education was a praxis of humanization in resistance to apartheid, as a model.
Dr. Timothy Adkins-Jones reminds us that when conditions are urgent, sometimes the best thing to do is slow down. We need a theological education that helps “us find the time and ability to notice things with friends.”
Dr. Nicolette Manglos-Weber teaches us not to confuse the edifice for the form of democracy, nor to allow what we once had to keep us from becoming what we could be. Theology can offer “the creative force to do that very hard but necessary work.” 
Dr. Filipe Maia, in the spirit of liberation, returns us to prayer as a “practice for confronting the absurdity of the world and its evil forces…of attending to the world, to its joys and pain.”
And most recently, Dr. Shively Smith points us back to Howard Thurman to help us remember that beneath what we are calling a “crisis of democracy” is a deeper “spiritual arrhythmia.” As educators and ministers, in classrooms and fellowship halls, we are called to help people remember their essential connectedness by creating what Thurman calls “experiences of unity between peoples.”
Collectively, these contributor voices renew democratic hope in the capacity of theological studies to form all who are touched by these disciplines for the work of attention, care, and creative resistance for justice.
New contributions will continue to be released every week from renowned and respected scholars at BUSTH and a wide diversity of other institutions. Sign up and join the work required for such times.