Dr. Ron Kastens is the Academic Dean of the Seminary and Associate Professor of Christian Ministries at Emmanuel Christian Seminary at Milligan, where he serves the faculty, staff, and students of ECSM to help prepare women and men for effective ministry. His teaching and research interests include Preaching/Homiletics, Leadership Development, Spiritual Formation, Pastoral Care, and the Enneagram.

Dr. Kastens has over 30 years of experience in local church ministry, including 17 years as a lead pastor in New England. In 2018, he played a key role in launching the Ministry Leadership Program at Milligan. His recent writing and presentations focus on Self-Awareness, Spiritual Formation, the Enneagram, and Leadership Development.

Dr. Kastens’ faith journey began as the son of a minister, growing up in a family where Jesus was always central to life. Initially seeking to avoid ministry, he strongly sensed God’s call to pastoral work while in college. Though the journey has not always been easy, he is deeply grateful for God’s faithfulness.

His favorite part of his work at Milligan is the students. Dr. Kastens takes great joy in helping students learn and grow, and in seeing them come alive and soar in the next part of their journey. He also values the opportunity to work alongside his colleagues at Milligan.

Education:
DMin, Pastoral Theology in Practice, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, 2017
MDiv, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, South Hamilton, MA, May 2013
BA, Bible, Greek minor, Milligan College (now Milligan University), 1989