Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary is excited to announce three faculty appointments for the upcoming 2024-2025 academic year. Dr. Glenn Butner, Jr. joins the seminary as associate professor of theology; alumnus Dr. Trey (William) F. Nation III (MDiv ’14, MAOT ’15) assumes the role of assistant professor of Old Testament and Ancient Near Eastern Studies; and Dr. Jenny John transitions into the role of director of the Hamilton counseling program.

“We are blessed to have Dr. Butner, Dr. Nation, and Dr. John among the faculty at Gordon-Conwell,” says Provost Dr. Seong Park. “They are scholar-practitioners who embody our mission and will help us to further equip students to think theologically, engage biblically, and live globally.”

Dr. Glenn Butner comes to Gordon-Conwell after nearly a decade of teaching theology and ministry and directing the honors program at Sterling College. Having earned a Master of Divinity from Duke Divinity School and a Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies from Marquette University, his research and writings focus on dogmatic theology and social ethics. In 2023, his book Trinitarian Dogmatics: Exploring the Grammar of the Christian Doctrine of God received an Award of Merit in the Christianity Today Book Awards. His volunteer work with prison chaplaincy and refugee ministry further inform his perspective, as evidenced in the recent publication of his book Jesus the Refugee: Ancient Injustice and Modern Solidarity. Dr. Butner will begin his Gordon-Conwell career this fall by teaching a theology course titled Sin and Evil.

Dr. Trey Nation returns to his alma mater as a faculty member after earning a Doctor of Philosophy in Assyriology from Harvard University. While working on his Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Old Testament at Gordon-Conwell, he served as a teaching fellow for Hebrew I and II and Introduction to the Old Testament. In years since, he also taught Akkadian at the seminary as an adjunct instructor. His academic and research expertise are in Old Testament studies and ancient Near Eastern languages, civilizations, and religions. Dr. Nation’s latest research is anticipated to provide fresh insights into the field of Ancient Near Eastern Studies. Furthermore, he possesses extensive ministry experience, having served as a pastoral intern, campus minister, and theologian in residence. He feels called to “equip future ministers, church leaders, and teachers to read and preach the Old Testament with confidence and clarity.” Dr. Nation will teach two sections of Exploring the Old Testament this fall.

Dr. Jenny John, who currently serves as instructor of counseling, has been promoted to the role of assistant professor of counseling and director of the Hamilton Counseling Department. Dr. Karen Mason, who has led the department since 2017, is stepping down to spend more time in the classroom and doing research and writing. Dr. John is a Licensed Professional Counselor who earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education & Supervision from Regent University. Her clinical expertise includes counseling youth and people who are court-involved, experiencing addictions, and receiving treatment for domestic violence. Her research interests include, in part, mental health competencies and the mental health needs of clergy families. In addition to her counseling experience, she has served beside her husband in ministry as a church elder for over twenty years. Dr. John will teach Lifespan Development and Clinical Counseling Skills this fall. She is based in Virginia but will travel regularly to the Hamilton campus.

Please join the seminary in welcoming these faculty members!