George F. Pickens                                 

Professor of Theology and Mission

Drawing upon the fourteen years I spent in Africa (Ivory Coast and Kenya), my teaching focuses on the global and cross-cultural implications of Christianity.  Through courses in Global Christian Theology, Christianity in Africa, Islam, Theology of Religions and Mission Studies I challenge students to view Christianity in its global contexts.  Given that the majority of the world's Christians now live outside the West, American Christians must learn to engage our Christian brothers and sisters and the wider world in ways that are both faithful and relevant. 

My current research and writing includes the global significance of the Believers' Church tradition and understandings of Jesus in non-western Christianity. 

Away from Messiah my life centers around my family (wife and two adult sons) and my local church (the Mechanicsburg Church of the Brethren). I also enjoy my Jack Russell Terrier, rooting for the Harrisburg Senators and the Cincinnati Reds, hiking, and reading contemporary fiction.

Education:                                                                                                             Contact Information:

Ph.D., 1997                                                                                                           Messiah College

  The University of Birmingham, England                                                       Box 3053                 
M.A., 1984                                                                                                              E-mail: GPickens@messiah.edu

  The Ohio University                                                                                           Phone: (717) 796-1800 ext.2802

B.A., 1980                                                                                                              Fax: (717) 796-4790                   

    Kentucky Christian College