Quentin P. Kinnison, Ph.D.

• Ph.D., Practical Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary
• M.Div., Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, Arizona Regional Campus
• B.A., Bible, English Literature, Grand Canyon University
• Certificate in Non-Profit Management, University of San Diego (2023)
   

As an Anabaptist, evangelical, and ecumenical institution, Fresno Pacific University draws faculty from across the Christian faith spectrum. As a result we engage one another in conversations that deepen our appreciation for how God works in our various traditions as we all faithfully seek to follow Jesus and participate in the Kingdom's work. As a teaching institution, faculty interaction with students focuses on learning and faculty participation in that transformative process through relationship. We pursue a holistic approach, engaging students and empowering them to find their fit in God's work.

Additional Information

I was born in Wyoming, but consider Phoenix, Arizona, home. I made my faith commitment to Jesus at Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Las Vegas, Nevada, as a child and was baptized at First Southern Baptist Church in Glendale, Arizona. My wife, Cindy, and I met in college and married shortly after. She has her B.S. in sociology, an MSW, and a DMin with emphasis in church social work. We had the joy of being on staff together at First Southern Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona, where she was a church social worker. We have one child, Carissa, who is our delight. I enjoy most strategy games, reading fiction, basketball, golf and Pixar movies (especially the shorts).

Selected Ministry Experience

Camp Pastor

• Joni & Friends Central California Family Camp, Wonder Valley, CA. March 19-25, 2016.
• Mennonite Senior High Youth Camp. Camp Keola, Huntington Lake, CA. July 26-August 1, 2009, July 18-24, 2010.

Minister of Discipleship/Administration

1998 – 2003 First Southern Baptist Church, Phoenix, AZ

Interim Pastor

1996 – 1997 Arrowhead Baptist Church, Phoenix, AZ
1995 – 1996 First Baptist Church, Ajo, AZ

Youth Minister

1993 – 1995 South Jefferson Baptist Church, Louisville, KY
1989 – 1992 First Southern Baptist Church, Glendale, AZ

Grants

• 2021. Kern Family Foundation Grant. Primary Investigator, development of Bridge to Ministry 3/2, APDP. $551,000.
• 2016. Louisville Institute Research Grant with Dr. Julie M. Lane (Primary Investigator). “Best Practices in Christian Schools: Serving Students with Disabilities." $23,440.

Awards & Honors

• 2019 Dr. Dave Pariser Faculty Mentor Award Finalist, NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
• 2018 Alpha Chi Inspirational Faculty Award, Fresno Pacific University
• 2017 Faculty Merit Recipient, Fresno Pacific University
• 2016 Alpha Chi Inspirational Faculty Award, Fresno Pacific University
• 2014 President’s Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Fresno Pacific University
• 2014 Faculty Merit Recipient, Fresno Pacific University
• 2013 Nickel Excellence in Teaching Award (NETA) Recipient, Fresno Pacific University
• 2005-06 Full Fellowship, Center for Advanced Theological Studies, Fuller Seminary

Selected Credentials & Certifications

• 2023–Ordained for Ministry, First Chinese Baptist Church/Growing Healthy Churches (ABC-USA), Fresno, CA
• 2022–Social & Behavioral Research-Basic/Refresher, CITI Program
• 2020–Course Development Academy, Fresno Pacific University
• 2020–Introduction to Online/Blended Teaching, Fresno Pacific University
• 2018–Facilitating Conversations about Difficult Topics in the College Classroom (Diversity), Magna Workshops/FPU
• 2018–Grant Writing for Professionals (1.6 C.E.U.), Grant Writing USA/FPU

Books

• A Road Too Short for the Long Journey: Reflections and Resources to Support Grieving People, an original edited work, Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2019.
• Transforming Pastoral Leadership: Reimagining Congregational Relationships for Changing Contexts, Eugene, OR: Pickwick, 2016.
• Lane, Julie M. and Quentin P. Kinnison. Welcoming Children with Special Need: Empowering Christian Special Education with Purpose, Policies, and Procedures. Bloomington, IN: WestBow, 2014. 

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• “Learning to Grieve Again.” An invited article in Direction: A Mennonite Brethren Journal 25:1 (spring 2023): 28-40.
• “Fresno Pacific University: An E/evangelical University?” An invited article in the Pacific Journal 14 (fall 2019): 159-73.
• “Creating Inclusive and Hospitable Christian Schools: Three Case Studies.” Journal for Disability and Religion, (January 21, 2019) https://doi.org/10.1080/23312521. 2019.1570832.
• “Making Room for Students in Our World,” Didaktikos: Journal of Theological Education 2:1 (July 2018): 8-9. 
• “The Pastor as Expert and the Challenge of Being a Saltwater Fish in a Freshwater Tank,” Journal of Religious Leadership 13:1 (spring 2014): 1-30.
• “Entering Each Other’s Story en la Frontera: The Nature of Narrative as Identity Formation in the Context of Conflicting Narratives and Some Implications for Intercultural Congregational Life,” Pacific Journal 6 (fall 2011): 3-27.
• “Shepherd or One of the Sheep?: Revisiting the Biblical Metaphor of the Pastorate,” Journal of Religious Leadership 9:1 (spring 2010): 59-91. 

Academic Seminars/Presentations

• Conversations on Thriving Congregations: The Opportunity of Crisis for Thriving Congregations, “Transforming Pastoral Leadership,” presenter, USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture (virtual), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. January 30, 2023
• “Conversation 1: What opportunities does crisis present to thriving congregations?” Conversations on Thriving Congregations: The Opportunity of Crisis for Thriving Congregations, presenter, USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture, (virtual) University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA. August 5, 2020
• “Toward a Theology of Inclusion for Children & Families Affected by Disability,” presenter, Children’s Spirituality Conference: Christian Perspectives, Nashville, TN. June12-14, 2016.
• "The Social Trinity and the Southwest: toward a local theology in the borderlands" National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion (2008)

Ministry Articles

• “Normalcy, Body Capital and the Good News.” Faith+Lead blog at Luther Seminary, (July 6, 2022) https://faithlead.luthersem.edu/blog/. 
• “Loving Those Who Grieve.” Christian Leader, (May 1. 2020) https://christian leadermag.com/loving-through-grief/.
• “God is at Work in Us.” Christian Leader, (March 16, 2020) https://christian leadermag.com/god-is-at-work-in-us/.
• “Hearing God in the Discord.” Christian Leader, (September 4, 2018) https:// christianleadermag.com/hearing-from-god-in-the-discord/.
• “Celebrating our Parents, Mourning our Losses,” Christian Leader, (April 1, 2014).
• “Misinterpreted Scripture Protects Domestic Abusers.” EthicsDaily.com, Baptist Center for Ethics (October 4, 2010).
• “Abusers Distort the Bible to Justify Violence!” EthicsDaily.com, Baptist Center for Ethics (October 1, 2009).
• “Recapture Values that Reflect God” EthicsDaily.com, Baptist Center for Ethics (October 22, 2008).

Ministry Presentations

• “FPU’s Bridge to Ministry & Equipping Young Leaders,” LEAD Pods of the USMB hosted by Matthew Ehresman, US Mennonite Brethren Churches, Fresno, CA, (January 4, 2024) 094.
• “Disability Theology and Ministry with People Affected by Disability,” LEAD Pods of the USMB hosted by Matthew Ehresman, US Mennonite Brethren Churches, Fresno, CA, (August 12, 2022) 060.
• “Women & Men in Ministry Partnership,” co-interviewee with Dr. Cynthia Kinnison on Mutuality Matters podcast hosted by Layla Van Gerpen & Rob Dixon, CBE International, Fresno, CA, (July 29, 2022).
• “Helping People Who Grieve,” presenter/facilitator, Farmersville Free Will Baptist Church, Farmersville, CA, July 28, 2019.
• “Luke 18:35-43: Thoughts on Asking Our Neighbors Questions,” speaker, Christian Leaders Network, Hanford, CA. January 24, 2019.
• “Seeing Disability Ministry through God’s Eyes,” presenter, Stronger Together: Central Valley Disability Summit, a summit provided in partnership with Central Valley Joni & Friends, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, CA. October 25, 2014.
• “Ministering to the needs of exceptional children and people of all ages,” interviewed on Perspectives on Faith and Culture, episode 20, KNXT, aired September 4, 2014.
• “When Disability Comes to Church: Preparing for when, not if,” presenter, Bakersfield Ministry Conference, Bakersfield, CA. October 19, 2013.
• “Hope for the Way Forward: The Leadership of Change,” presenter, Engage 2013 with David Kinnaman, engage2013.org, Visalia, CA. May16-18, 2013.
• “Migration and Resettlement,” co-facilitator, Global Anabaptist Peace-builders Institute, West Coast Mennonite Central Committee in partnership with Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, CA. June 17-25, 2011, June 15-22, 2012.