Campus Pastor
Donald Opitz, Ph.D.
Campus Pastor
dopitz@messiah.edu
717-766-2511 x6520
A graduate of Westminster College, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Boston University (Ph.D.), Don is also an ordained minister in the PCUSA. Early in his career, Don worked in campus ministry and leadership studies before becoming professor of sociology and higher education at Geneva College. Don and lovely Christine have two grown daughters, Lauren and Katie, and one scruffy mutt, Izzy. Don loves trees and trout, and he loves students and learning, so he feels like he has found a corner of paradise here at Messiah College.
Student Ministries Pastor
Evie Telfer, M.Div.
Student Ministries Pastor
etelfer@messiah.edu
717-766-2511 x7224
Evie oversees the Student Chaplain Team and their various ministries as well as the groups and leaders under Koinonia. In addition, she serves as advisor to Acclamation and the Collaboratory. Along with the other MCM staff, Evie assists in chapel planning and programming and preaches in chapel each semester.
Evie provides pastoral counseling to students and actively mentors numerous students seeking vocational ministry. Her research interests focus on understanding the factors influencing spiritual development in young adults. Furthermore, Evie leads in efforts to highlight reconciliation and cross-cultural understanding and interaction.
Worship Pastor
Douglas Curry, D.Min.
Worship Pastor
dcurry1@messiah.edu
717-766-2511 x6721
Primarily responsible for planning and leading campus worship services, Doug guides, supports, and oversees the Worship Community. He also advises Powerhouse and is consulted by other campus groups that include worship as a primary emphasis.
On the curricular side, Doug is an adjunct instructor in the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies and in Interdisciplinary Studies. A professional vocalist and choral director, Doug serves as a resource to music department ensembles for education and training in musical ministry skills, spiritual development, and the consideration of worship as an integral part of spiritual formation.
Administrative Assistant
Joanna Hadley-Evans
Administrative Assistant
jhadley@messiah.edu
717-766-2511 x3080
As a 1996 alumna of Messiah College, Joanna has provided administrative support to the campus community in a variety of academic settings. In her College Ministries role, she supports the Campus Pastor, as well as chapel attendance planning and protocols. Joanna and her husband, Brian, met while students at the College, and they continue to be avid men’s and women’s soccer fans. They have two grown children and share hearts for marginalized people. Joanna is passionate about travel, culture, music, food, and the game show Jeopardy.
Teaching Pastor, Assistant Prof. of Hebrew Bible
Dr. Brian Smith
Teaching Pastor, Assistant Prof. of Hebrew Bible
bsmith@messiah.edu
(717) 796-1800, ext. 7088
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As teaching pastor in Messiah College Ministries, Brian can regularly be found preaching in chapel services and/or leading small groups of students in Bible study. Brian Smith also chairs the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies. His research interests include ancient Israel, Hebrew narrative, ancient Near Eastern religion.