This year, Messiah College is losing two retiring New Testament professors: Reta Halteman Finger and John Stanley. I discovered a couple little interviews in Messiah’s student newspaper and thought I would share them here. I never actually took a course with John while at Messiah, but he certainly has been an iconic presence on Messiah College’s campus. Here are a few bits from his interview:

1. How many years have your worked for Messiah College and in what position(s)?:

I have been Professor of New Testament at Messiah College for 12 years and also Director of the Created and Called for Community course for four years.

4. What is one of your best memories of your time at Messiah College?:

One of my best memories is the first Created and Called for Community Convocation with Dr. Josiah Young and a jazz combo on creativity.

5. What do you think you will miss most when you are not here?:

I will miss Faith Journey Narratives in CCC, exegesis papers and study sessions in Encountering the Bible classes. Also, lunches with students.

I took my New Testament survey course with Reta Finger. Later I found that I share quite a bit in common with her. When we bumped into each other at SBL in DC and San Diego, she realized that I had embraced Anabaptism. And we both realized the other was interested in the social history of the New Testament. Even more dear than that, we share a connection with the late David Scholer, with whom I worked closely at Fuller Seminary and who was instrumental in Reta’s own career. She went into more detail in her interview than John did . . .

1. How many years have your worked for Messiah College and in what position(s)?:

I began teaching in the Biblical and Religious Studies Department at Messiah in the fall of 1995, which makes 14 years I have been here. I’ve taught many Encountering the Bible courses plus other courses in New Testament.

2. Why are you retiring?

I am retiring now for several reasons:

1. I was told I could (that was before the economic downturn!).
2. I live in Harrisonburg, VA, and I was getting tired of the 6-hour round-trip commute each week.
3. Since the Core course was developed, Messiah no longer requires a second Bible course, which has been a great disappointment and loss to me. Those courses were the most interesting to me, and seemed to be more appreciated by students than the introductory course.
4. My grandchildren live in Wisconsin and are now 6, 8, and 10. I want to spend more time with them before they grow up.

3. What are your plans once you leave Messiah College (for the upcoming year(s))?:

As far as future plans (other than spending more time with grandchildren and other relatives and friends), I want to read some of the many books on my bookshelves that I have not had time to read while teaching.

My first writing project has been on hold for years. It is creating a simulation of the house churches in Corinth, using the Apostle Paul’s letters of 1 & 2 Corinthians. In form it will be similar to my book “Roman House Churches for Today: A Guide for Small Groups” (Eerdmans 2007).

I will also write other articles and columns on areas related to the New Testament, as well as, hopefully, doing workshops, presentations, sermons, etc. in churches or church-related venues. (I do not expect to receive $150,000 per lecture, as I just heard that ex-president Bush is expecting.)

5. What do you think you will miss most when you are not here?

I will miss Messiah a great deal, especially because I do not live close by. First, the students. They have been my greatest commitment while teaching here, and some have become have become very special to me. I have had many wonderful colleagues and losing regular contact with them will be a great loss. Next will be the library with its many resources and support staff, as well as other support from Faculty Services and IT. And the pool! I swam hundreds of times in Messiah’s pool, twice a week, one mile (72 lengths) each time. I will also miss the beauty of the campus.
And much more!

6. Are there any last words of advice/wisdom/encouragement you want to leave with the Messiah College community?:

When I first began teaching here, my younger son had just graduated from college and was in his first job. He was feeling a bit lonely (he had to work with – God forbid – people the age of his mother!) and he told me to tell all those students with senioritis that they should treasure their time at Messiah because they live with their friends. They are experiencing close community, and after they leave it will never be the same. “Tell them to appreciate what they have!”

I can say “Amen!” to that last point from Reta. I had a transformative experience at Messiah and it holds a special place in my life journey. Reading these interviews, and simply acknowledging the retirement of Professors Finger and Stanley, I feel profoundly nostalgic. It’s a reminder that life goes on.