BCOM Faculty consists of missionaries, evangelists, and pastors who have been serving the Lord with distinction and devotion for a number of years. Most of the BCOM Faculty members have been on the mission field for several years and thus are able to bring their personal experience as well as the experience of the other missionaries to our training program. Every course is taught with distinct missionary focus, international perspectives, and cross-cultural communication of the gospel. Practical implementation of ideas presented and discussed in the classroom dominates our orientation.
BCOM Faculty may be categorized under the following types (click any of them in order to be directly taken to that list):
1. Visiting Faculty who teach a number of hours but are not directly involved in grading and/or setting their own syllabus.
2. Faculty in Residence who teach a number of courses and who are actively involved and responsible for setting their own syllabus as per the approved curriculum of BCOM, grading, academic mentoring and evaluation of the class work of their students. These are on full time employment with Bethany International/Bethany College of Missions.
3. Adjunct Faculty who teach a number of courses on invitation and specific payment for the courses they teach. They are responsible for setting their own syllabus as per the BCOM curriculum and implementation of the same. They are also involved in academic mentoring to the extent of their own courses.
4. Global Internship Faculty who teach a number of courses on invitation at various international internship sites. They are responsible for setting their own syllabus as per the BCOM curriculum and implementation of the same. They are also involved in academic mentoring to the extent of their own courses.
1. Dr. Randy Dirks: Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies from Trinity International University; M.Div. from Bethel Seminary; B.A. in Theology from Canadian Bible College; former Pastor with the Christian Missionary Alliance; 6 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions; currently the Vice President of Advancement at Bethany International.
2. Dr. John Kayser: Ph.D. in Missiological Education from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland); M.A. in Missiology from Grace Theological Seminary; B.A. in Theology from the Prairie Bible Institute; 2 years of pastoral experience with the Evangelical Free Church (Canada); 17 years on faculty at Prairie Bible College and Seminary; 3 years at Bethany School of Missions (Singapore); 11 years of experience as an educational consultant with Bethany International and GO100; specializes in missions’ curriculum development and program design. Teaches courses on Exegetical Skills, Homiletics, Discipleship, Missiology, Cultural Anthropology, Cross-Cultural Communications, Church Planting, Theology, Evangelism, Interpersonal Communication, Christianity and Culture, Church Function, Educational Philosophy and Theory, Formal Educational Design, Educational Planning and Evaluation, Educational Analysis.
1. Dr. M. S. Thirumalai: Ph.D. in Linguistics; former Dean of Academic Affairs at Bethany College of Missions; Missionary to India; currently the Project Coordinator for GO100, a worldwide network of missionary training centers. Teaches courses on Linguistics, Language Teaching Methods, TESOL, Religions of the World, Islam, Folk Religion, Church History and Ministry to the Handicapped.
2. Paul Hartford: Ph.D. Candidate in Postsecondary and Adult Education from Capella University; M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton Graduate School; B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; served 9 years as Director of Bethany College of Missions; founding Director of Bethany School of Church Planting (Philippines); 11 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions, church planting and leadership training; currently the Director of Global Internship for Bethany College of Missions. Teaches courses on Cross-Cultural Communications, Leadership Development, Team Development, Spiritual Warfare, Cross-Cultural Church Planting, Preparation for Ministry and Interpersonal Communications.
3. Paul Strand: Doctorate of Missiology Candidate at Fuller Theological Seminary; M.A. in Missiology from Fuller School of World Mission; B.S. from the University of Minnesota; Certificate in Bible and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; 15 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions; served 7 years as President of Bethany International; 20 years of experience teaching in the U.S.A. and abroad; faculty member at Bethany International University; currently serves on the board at the U.S. Center for World Missions. Teaches courses on Cultural Anthropology, Church Growth, Cross-Cultural Communications, and Area Studies.
4. Ed Dudek: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; B.S. in Chemistry; presently enrolled in M.A. in Intercultural Studies program at Bethany International University; 18 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions; former Director of Bethany Seminary and Bible Institute (Brazil); 30 years of experience teaching abroad and in the USA; faculty member at Bethany International University; international speaker on the victorious Christian life; author of Oh God, if I could just be Holy; currently serves as the Administrator for GO100, a worldwide network of missionary training centers. Teaches courses on Romans, Synoptic Gospels and Theology.
5. Tim Freeman: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; graduate studies at Azusa Pacific; presently enrolled in M.A. in Intercultural Studies program at Bethany International University; 15 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions and church planting; served on the Board of Mission Exchange (formerly EFMA) for 6 years; currently the Executive Vice President of Bethany International. Teaches courses on Church Planting, Leadership Development, World Christian Movement, Introduction to Missions, and Group Dynamics/Team Building.
6. Carol Freeman: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; presently enrolled in M.A. in Intercultural Studies program at Bethany International University; 15 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions, church planting and translation; currently the Dean of Women and Mentoring Program Coordinator at Bethany College of Missions; serves as a trustee on the Board of Seminary by Extension for All Nations (SEAN). Teaches courses on Spiritual Formation, Spiritual Warfare, Women in Missions, Bible Storytelling and Theological Education by Extension (TEE).
7. Steve Eliason: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; B.S. in Missions Education from North Central University; presently enrolled in M.A. in Intercultural Studies program at Bethany International University; 11 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions and church planting; Dean of Men at Bethany College of Missions; Assistant to the Director of Bethany International Ministries. Teaches courses on Cross-Cultural Communications, Cross-Cultural Evangelism, Church History and Discipleship.
8. Theresa Hartford: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; presently enrolled in M.A. in Intercultural Studies program at Bethany International University; 11 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions and church planting; Director of Bethany International Ministries. Teaches courses on Discipleship, Introduction to Missions and Field Training.
9. Ken Krause: B.A. in Cross-Cultural Studies from Bethany College of Missions; presently enrolled in M.A. in Christian Leadership program at Liberty University, former Youth Pastor at Bethany Missionary Church; former trainee leader in Teen Mania; currently the Director of Bethany College of Missions. Teaches courses on New Testament, Theology, Leadership Development, and Preaching Methods.
9. Nita Steiner: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; 22 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions; currently the Director of the Bethany House of Prayer (BHOP). Teaches courses on Spiritual Formation, Prayer & Christian Ministry, Old Testament Poetry & Wisdom Literature, Gospel of John, Bible Study Methods, Cross-Cultural Missions, The Life and Work of a Missionary, Communicating God’s Story, Theology, Sanctification and Eschatology.
10. Rich Parks: Graduate of Teen Mania’s Honor Academy; former college pastor at The River Church; 8 years of experience as Convention Services Manager for Acquire the Fire Youth Convention; Founded and Director of a prayer internship called The Remnant; currently the Director of Communications and Mobilization at Bethany College of Missions. Teaches courses on Interpersonal Communication, Digital Communication, Fundraising and Spiritual Formation.
1. Tom Shetler: M.A. in Christian Education from Winnipeg Theological Seminary; B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; B.A. in Physics from the University of Colorado; currently the Accounts Receivable Coordinator at Bethany Press International. Teaches courses on Old Testament, Hermeneutics, Apologetics, Hebrews, Church History and Religions of the World.
2. Tony Hedrick: B.F.A. in Painting from Kansas University; graduate Theological studies at Regent College, Tyndale Seminary, Canadian Theological Seminary and Bethel Seminary; planted several churches in Canada; former Executive Director of Adventive Cross Cultural Initiatives, a Canadian mission to the world; currently serves as a missionary/evangelist to Italy, Europe, Canada and the United States. Teaches courses on Apologetics, Evangelism, Leadership Development, Acts and Corinthians.
3. John DePree: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; Vice President of Business Development for Bethany International as well as President of Bethany Press International; 20 years of experience in book printing. Teaches Business as Missions.
4. Matt Hedrick: M.A. in Christian Thought from Bethel Seminary; B.A. in Cross-Cultural Studies from Bethany College of Missions; currently the Senior Pastor at Bethany Church. Teaches courses in Biblical Studies, Worldview and Apologetics.
5. Ned Berube: M.A. program at Marquette University; BA in English Literature from Fairfield University; 35 years of pastoral and church planting experience; President of the Alliance of Renewal Churches and founder of Whitewater Ministries. Teaches courses on Preaching, Marriage & Family, Biblical Counseling and Nature of Salvation.
6. Herbert Beerens: Ph.D. Candidate in Islamic Studies; M.A. in Theological Studies; M.A. in Islamic Studies; Lic. Sc. in Chemical Engineering; former Professor of New Testament and Greek (Johannesburg, South Africa); former Director of Missions of the Baptist Union of South Africa; former Professor of Missions (Calgary, Canada); former missionary in Malawi; Faculty member of the Islamic Studies Department of the University of Johannesburg; Missionary Training Consultant with GlobeServe and Bethany International. Teaches courses on Missiology, World Religions and Islam.
7. David Sliker: Graduate of Elim Bible Institute; former Youth Pastor; currently the Director of Student Ministries at the International House of Prayer and Instructor at the Forerunner School Of Ministry in Kansas City. Teaches courses in Eschatology, New Testament, Old Testament, Minor Prophets and Revelation.
8. Fred Markert: Graduate of Christ for the Nations Institute; former pastor of an underground church in communist Europe; currently the Leader of YWAM’s Network for Strategic Initiatives as well as the mission agency TerraNova. Teaches Missions Today.
9. Rich Stevenson: M.Div. from Asbury Theological Seminary; B.A. in Biblical Studies from Asbury College; church planter, pastor, and author of Secrets of the Spiritual Life–10 Lessons from the "One Thing” Passages, and other books; Founder and Director of The Expansion Network, a ministry that encourages emerging leaders in missions and church planting; currently the Director of the Apostolic Missions School and instructor at the Forerunner School of Ministry, both are programs associated with the International House of Prayer (Kansas City). Teaches courses on Exegetical Skills and the Johannine Epistles.
10. Alec Brooks: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; graduate studies at Asbury Theological Seminary; former President of Bethany International; former Pastor of Bethany Missionary Church; former interim Executive Director of Shelter for Life, an international relief and development agency; currently the President of Charis International, a Christian humanitarian support organization. Teaches courses on Theology, Christian Worldview, Marriage & Family, 1st & 2nd Corinthians and Hebrews.
1. Rev. Joel Timothy Copple: M.A. in International Administration from Ohio University; B.A. in Pastoral Theology from North Central University; M.B.A. in International Development from Hope International University; graduate studies from Bethel Theological Seminary; 28 years of experience in ministry (missionary to Belgium, Associate Pastor at Anoka Assembly of God and Country Director of World Relief Cambodia). Teaches courses on Business as Missions, Oral Bible Storytelling, Preaching & Teaching, Missions and Evangelism.
2. Mark Dennert: B.A. in Civil Engineering; 8 years of experience in management for major civil infrastructure projects and contractors in Australia; 6 years of experience in Youth Leadership; Mission Coordinator of Bendigo Assembly of God. Teaches courses on Discipleship, Mentoring, Christian Living and Kingdom Business Development.
3. Thomas Warren Seckler: M.A. in Missions from Columbia International University; 16 years of experience in ministry in SE Asia with RBMU International/World Team. Teaches Minority Religions.
4. Joel M. Stewart: M.A. in Anthropology; 23 years of experience in ministry in SE Asia. Teaches courses on Societal and Cultural Studies.
5. Rich Tolosi: M.A. in Intercultural Studies; B.A. in Cross-Cultural Studies from Bethany College of Missions; 5 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions; 11 years training missionaries at Bethany College of Missions. Teaches courses on Societal and Cultural Studies.
6. Rudolf Hugo Lepelaar: M.Div.; B.A. in Science; Post Graduate Diploma of Divinity and Missions; Diploma of Education; 8 years of experience teaching at a Bible College; 19 years of experience in church ministry. Teaches Theology.
7. Roland Heck: B.S. in Business Administration; Certificate from Bethany College of Missions; 12 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions; 5 years of experience in O.C. Ministries Business Office. Teaches coursers on Bible Storytelling and Theological Education by Extension (TEE).
8. Dan McMillin: B.A. in Intercultural Studies from Prairie Bible Institute; 8 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions. Teaches Cross-Cultural Communications.
9. Dale Evan Jones: B.A. in Cross-Cultural Ministries from North Central University; 20 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions and church planting. Teaches Contextualization.
10. Brad Jonswold: M.A. in Intercultural Communication; B.A. in Biblical Studies; 6 years of field experience in cross-cultural missions; 5 years of experience in leadership development at Wheaton College; 5 years of experience in Business as Missions. Teaches courses on Intercultural Communication, History of Missions, Theology of Missions, Introduction to Muslim Evangelism and Contextualization.
11. Idaman Laoli: 3 Year Certificate in Tourism; 15 years of experience in Muslim evangelism. Teaches courses on Muslim Evangelism, Introduction to Islam and Introduction to Contextualization.
12. Johan Siringo-ringo: M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Bethany International University; 10 years of experience in ministry in SE Asia. Teaches courses on Acts, Introduction to the Bible, Biblical Studies, Hermeneutics, Homiletics, Biblical Foundations of Missions and Local Christian Traditions in SE Asia.
13. David Stone: M.A. in Intercultural Studies from Bethany International University; B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; 28 years of experience in ministry in SE Asia. Teaches courses on Contextualization, Asian Religions, Islam, Biblical Basis of Missions, Strategy of Missions, History of Missions and Messenger, Message & Community.
14. Jul Stone: B.A. in Theology and Missions from Bethany College of Missions; Certificate in Intercultural Studies from Bethany International University; 28 years of experience in ministry in SE Asia. Teaches courses on Cross-Cultural Communications, Cultural Anthropology, English and Language Acquisition.
15. Dirk Reichardt: B.A. in Cross-Cultural Studies from Bethany College of Missions; A.A from Golden Valley Lutheran College; 17 years of experience in ministry in SE Asia. Teaches courses on Ethnographic Research, Evangelism, Apologetics, Community Development, Introduction to Missions, Pentateuch, Bible Storytelling, English and Church Planting.
16. Cheryl Kline: B.A. in Cross-Cultural Studies from Bethany College of Missions; TESOL Certificate; 4 years of experience in ministry in SE Asia. Teaches courses on Colossians, Galatians and Ethnographic Research.
17. Gilbert Matthew Appleby: B.A. in Theology from Sydney Missionary and Bible College; Diploma in Divinity and Missions from Sydney Missionary and Bible College; presently enrolled in M.A. in Ancient History program at Macquarie University; 7 years of field experience in cross-cultural ministry. Teaches courses on Synoptic Gospels, I Corinthians, Romans, Jeremiah and Cambodian Church History.
18. Nabeel T. Jabbour: Th.D. in Islamic Studies from the University of South Africa (Pretoria); completed seminary at the Near East School of Theology (Beirut); attended the American University of Beirut; author of The Rumbling Volcano, The Unseen Reality and Unshackled and Growing; also authored 3 other books in Arabic. Teaches courses on Psychology and History of Civilization.
19. Donovan Houston: M.B.A in Administration; Industrial Engineer Degree; 20 years of experience in business management. Teaches course on Business as Missions, Leadership and Management.
