Prior to joining the TEDS faculty, Donald worked in campus ministry with the Coalition for Christian Outreach in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and served on the faculty and administration of Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri.

Donald grew up near Pittsburgh, in a family that is grateful for a multi-generation legacy of God’s grace. He has enjoyed serving as an elder in several local churches for thirty years. In these churches, Donald has regularly taught classes, trained teachers, led small groups, and participated in community service.

Donald is a frequent teacher at conferences and retreats, often addressing teaching and learning; systems theory in leadership, team, and ministry contexts; cross-cultural teaching and learning; power and interests in teaching and learning; intergenerational and generational lifelong learning; faith, vocation, and culture; lay member empowerment in the local church; art, beauty, and creativity in learning; and resilience and wellbeing.

Donald says, “Mary and I enjoy art, beauty, and creativity in all things made by God and humans. We make regular trips to Door County where we visit galleries, interact with artists, and craft our own pieces at a wonderful Art Farm Studio. We especially love making fused glass but also have dabbled in welding, mosaics, and woodworking. Mary is a very skilled crafter who regularly knits and quilts gifts for family and friends. We also enjoy walking in the beautiful nature preserve that surrounds our historic home in Fort Sheridan. Our walks are often preceded by sharing fellowship and food around our dining room table with colleagues and students from all over God’s world. The best part? The guests often bring their favorite dishes from their homelands!”

Publications

“Integral Engagement: Christian Constructivism and the Social Sciences.” Christian Education Journal, vol. 16(1), 2019.

The Politics of Ministry: Navigating Power Dynamics and Negotiating Interests, co-author (IVP, 2019)

Faith and Teaching. In Christian Higher Education: Faith, Teaching, and Learning in the Evangelical Tradition. (Crossway, 2018)

“Facilitated Agency: A Promising Pedagogy.” Christian Education Journal, vol. 12(1), 2015, pp. 162-177. Special Focus: Research on Effective Pedagogy, guest editor

Resilient Ministry: What Pastors Told Us About Surviving and Thriving, co-author (IVP, 2012)