Jennifer Collins

Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies

I Serve in...

Biblical Studies, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies & Philosophy Department

Education

• PhD Candidate, Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN (ongoing)
• MAR, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
• BS, Computer Science/Systems, Taylor University
• AA, Computer Technology, Trine University

Career Accomplishments

Gen Z—I have researched Gen Z extensively and have studied how they perceive God’s global mission. I eagerly desire to support and encourage emerging adults in joining God’s redemptive mission in the world and in reflecting biblically, critically and productively on the church’s worldwide kingdom activity.

Best Practices in Short-Term Missions—I helped found and have served on the national board for the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission (now MissionWorks/MissionExcellence) since 2001 and assist through training workshops/podcasts, writing articles, networking, and helping member ministries bring excellence to their short-term mission outreach.

Mission Resources—I seek to stay current on missions publications, videos, web sites, organizations, conferences, and other materials in order to share them with others. I see networking with and equipping those looking for missions expertise as an important purpose God has given me.

Featured Work

“Partners in Mission: Service Learning Trips as Tools for Growth” with Kiplang’at Cheruiyot Bii in Formation for Mission: Discipleship and Identity for Emerging Adults, Lexham Press, August 2022.

“Building a Biblical Foundation for Evangelism among Justice-Oriented Gen Z” in The Journal of the Evangelical Missiological Society (JEMS), Vol. 1, No. 1, Feb. 2, 2021.

Introductions to Jonah, Malachi, and Colossians along with sidebar notes for Jonah for the Abide Bible, ed. Phil Collins, published by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Podcasts, Webinars, Messages

• Gospel Mobilization Podcast: How to Follow-Up Well after a Short-Term Missions Trip https://gospelmobilization.org/podcast/2023/9/1/5rybdlztc1fxexirdlpk3oxzd8133v
• Missio Nexus Webinar: STM Emergencies--Preparing Team Leaders to Respond in a Crisis https://missionexus.org/stm-emergencies
• “The Biblical Integration of Evangelism and Social Justice” chapel message at Taylor University. https://pillars.taylor.edu/chapel-2018-19/101
• “The Sabbath Giver’s Welcome to Sojourners” chapel message at Taylor University. https://pillars.taylor.edu/chapel-2016-17/51

Biography

I wholeheartedly agree with Taylor’s mission and I have greatly enjoyed serving here for 30+ years. I appreciate the connections I have with students, faculty, student development professionals and administrators. For a person who is passionate about cross-cultural missions, biblical scholarship, holistic outreach (the spoken and ministered gospel), and working with young adults, I have the ideal position!

I believe my relationship with Christ should permeate all that I do and so it is a great privilege to integrate faith and learning in the classroom and help prepare students for God-glorifying intercultural ministry and lifelong scripture engagement. I enjoy active learning that incorporates biblical reflection, group discussion, analysis of case studies, interviews, etc. The goal is to move information to knowledge, knowledge to wisdom, and wisdom to advocacy and action. I want students to internalize a biblical view of God’s global purposes and to pursue his invitation to make a difference in the world using their vocation.

Hobbies

Travel, reading, gardening, birding, and outdoor activities

Countries visited recently:
Israel, Ireland, Greece, Czech Republic, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Paraguay