Kevin WilderShadow
Bible and Ministry faculty
Phone: 620-327-8331
Office Location: Kropf Center

Affiliated Departments

Educational Background

B.A., Taylor University, Upland, Ind., 1986
M.A., Friends University, Wichita, Kan., 1997

Personal Statement

I started at Hesston College on a committee working on a new youth ministry major for the college. I then taught the first Programming for Youth Ministry class, and then psychology, and then interviewed for the campus pastor position. I still teach the Youth Ministry course along with courses in Psychology, Conflict Resolution, and the May term Biblical Literature. I have a B.A. from Taylor University in religion and psychology, I studied Christian education at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and have an M.A. from Friends University in Christian ministry with an emphasis in family ministry. I enjoy the interaction with students the most about my job. I am a stay home Dad in the summer.
      I am married to Marilyn Wilder, and we have three children (two boys and a girl). We live across the street from the chapel at Hesston College. I love to ride bicycle, play video games with my children, fish, and kayak in little lakes in Kansas. I am a member of Whitestone Mennonite Church, and before attending there was a youth and Christian education pastor at Grace Community Evangelical Mennonite Church in Newton for 8 1/2 years. I think one of the most formative events in my life was working in a Christian Youth Center in the Inner City of Indianapolis for two years after college.      

Courses Taught

Kevin is an instructor for courses in Youth Ministry, Conflict Resolution, Psychology and Bible.

In Addition …

How did you choose to study youth ministry?
When I attended college someone said that you should study the subjects that you enjoy. I enjoy people and Scripture, so I have my undergraduate degree in Christian education and psychology and my master's in Christian ministry with a focus in family ministry.

What are your favorite courses to teach? What do you like about them?
I love teaching programming for Youth ministry. They are small classes and you really get to know the students and we talk about practical theology. The students teach me a lot about ministry and adolescents. I enjoy teaching conflict resolution with Dan Harrison. I get to know the MDS students and be part of that program.

How does your background and educational experience shape your teaching at Hesston?
I was a youth minister before coming to Hesston College, so it important for me to build a community in my class. It is important for me to get to know students personally. It also means that I enjoy interactive and student centered learning.

What do you most want to know about prospective students?
Why they are interested in Hesston College and what do they want from this two years.

How do you connect with students in the program?
I am a mod parent, play intramurals, eat lunch in the cafeteria, attend CAB events, and we try to have community building activities in my classes like movie nights, meals together, and field trips.

What do prospective students need to know about Hesston's learning environment?
Hesston is very interactive, informal, and personal. You can expect to know your instructors and interact with them in a variety of settings. Teachers are very accessible

Where do alumni go and what do they do after Hesston?
Alumni in youth ministry generally go on to a four-year degree. Some have chosen to do a year of service or an internship year.