Bible - Alumni Profile - John Murray

John Murray preaches his first sermon in Hesston Mennonite Church's new sanctuary, March 18, 2007

John Murray, class of 1981
Pastor, Hesston Mennonite Church
Hesston, Kansas

How did you choose Hesston College?
My initial attraction to Hesston College was the aviation program—I wanted to learn to fly. I came out for a campus visit during my senior year and became convinced that I wanted to attend Hesston College. Even when I decided that the aviation program wasn't in my budget, I still wanted to go to Hesston. Not knowing exactly what I wanted to major in or my career goals, Hesston seemed like a good place to explore my options. At this two-year Mennonite liberal arts school, I could take care of my general education college requirements, test my interest in various fields, and take some Bible and theology classes in the context of a Mennonite college. Then I could move on to another setting, possibly a state school, to complete my bachelor's degree.

Describe your Hesston Experience
I had a great community experience in mod life, in relationship with professors, and in opportunities for involvement in a variety of activities. Liberal arts education exposed me to a new world of ideas and expression beyond my math and science focus in high school. Hesston is a great place to explore a variety of interests and a safe place to explore the question, "Am I really called to pastoral ministry?"

What are your favorite memories from your time as a Hesston student?

• Spring break trips—with chorale during my freshman year and with a "Gospel team" during my sophomore year
• European Chorale tour between my freshman and sophomore years
• "Makin' Schpudt" (the campus talent show)
• Movies in "Mary's Bottom" (basement of the Mary Miller Library)
• Preaching my first sermon at Hesston United Methodist Church on a Sunday morning during my sophomore year as a part of a student internship.

What was your favorite course? Why was it your favorite?
It wasn't my favorite at the time, but looking back my favorite was Foundies IV, an interdisciplinary course that addressed the fields of religion, philosophy, and literature. The opportunity to encounter and dialogue about great narratives, both fiction and non-fiction, stirred a love for the exploration of thoughts and ideas and opened my mind to the process of critical thinking. My second favorite was the study of the Gospel of Mark with Dottie Janzen. She opened for me a new and deeper understanding and appreciation of the scriptures.

Who was your favorite prof? Why was she or he your favorite? What did you like about his or her classes?
It's hard to pick one favorite prof. Jim Mininger, John Lederach, Dottie Janzen, Marion Bontrager, Ervie Glick, and Randy Zuercher all made significant impact through the communication of their personal connection and caring as well as their teaching style that presented ideas with a fresh clarity and encouraged and respected my personal encounter with those ideas.

How did your Hesston education shape you as a person?
The most obvious is that while a student as Hesston College my call to pastoral ministry was shaped and developed. That has been my life's work. Beyond that, discovering the importance and joy of being in community through interaction with other students as well as faculty. Relationships developed at Hesston College have not only been important in themselves, but have cemented the importance of relationship with others as a part of who I am, including relationships with those who may see the world very differently that I do.

Where did you go/What have you done since graduating from Hesston?
I completed my B.A. at Goshen College and graduate studies at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary. Then I began my pastoral career, serving as associate pastor at Holdeman Mennonite Church in Wakarusa, Indiana, for five years; pastor of Emma Mennonite Church in Topeka, Indiana, for 11 years; and now pastor at Hesston Mennonite Church. I served as moderator of Indiana Michigan Mennonite Conference for three years and for four years as co-chair of the Integration Committee of the Mennonite Church and General Conference Mennonite Church at the initial stages of the formation of Mennonite Church USA. I have also been moderator of South Central Conference of the Mennonite Church.

What do you do now?

• Husband to Krista. Father to John Nathan, Joel, and Meghana.
• Pastor at Hesston Mennonite Church since 1999.
• Serve on the Board of Directors of Menno Clinic India. I have served on this board since its beginning in 1995 when a medical clinic mission in rural southeast India was only a dream through the opening of the clinic in January 2002 and its expansion into dental and eye care in January of 2007. This has included travel to India on six different occasions (so far). A part of my heart is always in the village of Chiluvuru.

What key points should anyone considering a Hesston education know?
I believe that everyone, no matter what career they ultimately pursue, would do well to take the opportunity to expand their understanding of Bible and religion in the context of a Mennonite education. Those who are following a calling toward a career in ministry would do well to pursue a broad liberal arts education to expand their understanding of many academic disciplines as well as the arts.