معرفی
Lindy Backues is an Associate Professor of Business and Leadership at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), part of the School of Social Sciences and Professions. He previously served as Associate Professor of Economic Development at Eastern University and spent 18 years in Indonesia as a development theorist and practitioner. Fluent in Indonesian, his work focuses on grassroots empowerment, social justice, cultural exploration, and interfaith dialogue. He is co-authoring a book on interfaith understanding, Deep Listening, Deep Respect, and chairs the Advisory Board of the Christian-Muslim Relations Team at Eastern Mennonite Missions.
Backues holds a PhD in Theology and Economic Development from Leeds University, an MS in Economic Development from Eastern University, a BS in Educational Studies from the University of Missouri-Columbia, and an MDiv from Asbury Theological Seminary. He is an ordained minister of the Mosaic Conference of the Mennonite Church-USA and holds certifications including Associate Academic Life Coach (Coach Training EDU) and Certified Court Interpreter (Indonesian).
His research spans community development methodologies, interfaith collaboration, ESG investing, and the intersection of theology with anthropological practice. Recent presentations include work on ESG impact investing (2023), interfaith dialogue frameworks (2023), and the role of humility in anthropological research (2015). He has advised NGOs in Indonesia, designed microfinance programs, and moderated forums on topics like theology and microfinance (2009) and hunger awareness (2014).
Teaching includes courses on economic development, theology of poverty, microfinance, project management, and intercultural studies—many of which he designed himself. Professional memberships span organizations like the Maui ESG Project, the Regional Climate Governance Working Group, and the Society for International Development.
