Michael C. Lyons

Michael C. Lyons serves as Associate Professor of Old Testament & Hebrew at Columbia International University's Seminary and School of Counseling since 2022, with additional affiliations as a Fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians and member of the Evangelical Theological Society.

His educational background includes:

• PhD, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion
• MPhil, Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion
• MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
• BA, Cedarville University

Dr. Lyons' research centers on Old Testament exegesis with specialized focus on socio-economic conditions in ancient Israel, particularly famine motifs, hunger symbolism, and social instability as reflected in prophetic literature. His interdisciplinary methodology integrates textual analysis of biblical and Ancient Near Eastern sources with archaeological evidence and anthropological frameworks. Current investigations examine cross-cultural parallels between biblical narratives and Ramesside Egyptian records, revealing shared cultural concerns about resource scarcity and societal collapse.

His publication trajectory shows consistent engagement with Amos studies and famine anthropology, increasingly incorporating comparative analysis of Ugaritic texts and Egyptian historical records. This evolution demonstrates deepening specialization in using ancient Near Eastern contexts to illuminate biblical socio-economic realities, particularly how hunger functions as both literal condition and theological metaphor.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Fellow of the Center for Pastor Theologians

Dr. Lyons advises graduate students in biblical studies and previously served as adjunct faculty at Hebrew Union College, Xavier University, and University of Cincinnati while maintaining pastoral ministry in Cincinnati, Ohio for over a decade. His teaching integrates practical theological application with rigorous academic scholarship, evidenced by blog contributions to Gospel-Centered Discipleship and For the Church.