New appointments at MBBS

Lynn Jost has been appointed academic dean and associate professor of Old Testament for MB Biblical Seminary, beginning July 1.

Jost is a graduate of MB Biblical Seminary and currently serves as professor of Biblical Studies at Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., where he has been on the faculty 13 years. Prior to that, he was pastor of Hesston (Kan.) MB Church for eight years.

He has been deeply involved in many levels of Mennonite Brethren conference work. He chaired the committee that revised the North American MB confession of faith, and was involved in the development of a confession of faith for the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren.

Jost replaces James Pankratz as academic dean. Pankratz has taken on the role of academic dean at Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo, Ont.

“Lynn brings strong intellectual gifts, good teaching skills, pastoral experience, and significant conference leadership. He will be a quick study in the role of academic dean,” says Jim Holm, MBBS president.

As academic dean, Jost will oversee academic programs for MB Biblical Seminary, which includes campuses in Fresno, Cal., Langley, B.C. and Winnipeg.

Jost and his wife Donna have two grown children.

Sean W. Cooney began serving as recruitment director for MBBS Oct. 24. He is responsible to develop and implement the strategic plan for recruitment for the seminary’s three campuses, in Fresno, Cal., Langley, B.C., and Winnipeg. A key aspect of his work will be to collaborate with church leaders in calling out leaders, and in encouraging current leaders whose ministry will be enriched by seminary education.

For the past 18 years, Cooney has been in the marketing and customer support segment of high-technology manufacturing. He earned a BA in Christian Ministries from Fresno Pacific University in 2001.

Cooney and his wife Nona have three children, Lillian, 16, Elizabeth, 13, and Joseph, 5.

—Brad Thiessen, MBBS