معرفی
Rev. Dr. Sarah Ann Bixler serves as Assistant Professor of Formation & Practical Theology and Associate Dean of Eastern Mennonite Seminary at Eastern Mennonite University. Her work bridges academic theology with pastoral practice, emphasizing holistic formation through an Anabaptist lens. She holds a PhD in Practical Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary (2021) and has served in diverse ministry roles including youth ministry, seminary administration, and theological education.
Dr. Bixler's research focuses on adolescent attachment dynamics within religious communities, caregiving relationships, and spiritual friendship. She leads the $1.25M Conectere project, investigating how secure relationships enable faith transmission. Her current book project explores the paradox of adolescent belonging in American religion. She co-edits academic volumes and serves on boards for organizations like the Global Association for Interpersonal Neurobiology Studies.
Her scholarly presentations span conferences in Seoul, Denver, and London, addressing topics like attachment theory in youth ministry and early Anabaptist ecclesiology. Awards include major grants from Lilly Endowment and Princeton's prestigious doctoral fellowship. She teaches courses on trauma, vocation, and theological reflection at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
Outside academia, Dr. Bixler actively engages her Park View Mennonite Church community and stewards a historic farm with her spouse and three children, integrating restorative agriculture into their family life.
