May 19, 2008
G. Lamar Roth, Hesston College vice president of Student Life, has announced that Todd Lehman, Hesston, has been appointed as the new campus pastor. He will assume his position in August 2008. He replaces Kevin Wilder, whose resignation is effective May 11. [see sidebar article about Kevin Wilder]
Lehman, who works at Faith and Life Bookstore in Newton, graduated from Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, Va., in 2001 with a bachelor’s degree in culture, religion, and mission. He has also taken classes toward a master of divinity degree at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind.
From October 2001 to July 2007, Lehman served jointly as youth pastor at First Mennonite Church, and at Trinity Mennonite Church, both in Hillsboro, Kan. Earlier experience as youth pastor included a one-year term at Zion Mennonite Church, Broadway, Va., from September 2000 to July 2001.
Lehman spent the summer of 2000 in the Ministry Inquiry Program of the Mennonite Church USA, serving as an intern at Westside Mennonite Church in Buffalo, N.Y. He also volunteered for four years in the M-2 prison visitation program at Hutchinson (Kan.) Correctional Facility.
Lehman says he’s looking forward to the new challenge. “Through the interview process, it became apparent that most faculty and staff at Hesston College see it as their
mission to be involved in the spiritual growth of students,” he said. “I look forward to working as part of that team, helping students to grow in their faith and learn more about who they are in Christ.”
Lehman explained why he applied for the position. “I enjoyed my years in youth ministry and sensed a call to move back into ministry,” he said. “I am excited about relational ministry and having observed Campus Pastor Kevin Wilder at Hesston College, I saw that that was a key component of the campus pastor.”
Lehman is married to Julie Stoltzfus, a 1998 graduate of Hesston College. She served as resident director of Erb Hall, the women's dormitory, from 2002 to 2005.
Roth says he’s thrilled to have Lehman join the campus community as campus pastor. “Todd brings to his new role strong relational skills and experience with youth ministry,” he said. “We believe that the religious life ministry at Hesston College will continue to blossom under his leadership.”