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Phil Kenneson

The Kenneth E. Starkey Chair of Bible and Christian Ministries; Associate Dean of the School of Bible and Ministry; Professor of Theology and Philosophy

Faculty Office Center, 112

Dr. Philip Kenneson is an Associate Professor at Milligan University, where he teaches the capstone course “Christ and Culture” for nearly all graduating seniors, regardless of their major. As the Associate Dean of the School of Bible & Ministry, Area Chair of Biblical Learning, and Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Dr. Kenneson plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic and spiritual formation of students at Milligan.

Dr. Kenneson’s research focuses on the relationship between the Christian faith and contemporary cultures, as well as the church’s role in God’s mission in the world. He has written extensively on these topics, with his book Life on the Vine: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit in Christian Community, published by InterVarsity Press in 1999. The book remains in print and has been translated into Spanish, Korean, and Chinese. With over 25,000 copies sold, it continues to be a significant contribution to Christian scholarship.

In his teaching, Dr. Kenneson is deeply passionate about mentoring students as they transition from college to life beyond graduation. He sees his work with Milligan seniors as one of the greatest joys of his career, having taught this course for over 30 years. Dr. Kenneson values the opportunity to integrate his Christian faith with his academic work, fostering an environment that encourages students to think critically, engage with contemporary issues, and deepen their spiritual growth.

Education:
BA, English and History, Butler University, 1981
MDiv, Theology, Emmanuel Christian Seminary, 1986
PhD, Theology and Ethics, Duke University, 1991