Jonathan T. Pennington

Position: Assistant Professor of New Testament
Interpretation

Spouse: Tracy D. Pennington (13 years)

Children: Amanda, 9; Spencer, 8; Grant, 5; Owen, 4; Nathan, 2; Emma, 1

Interesting fact about family: At the breakfast and dinner table we love to either read a good book aloud — currently, "Old Yeller," — or play word games we've made up, such as "The Story Game," "The Sentence Game" or "Quick Answer."

Hometown: Greenville, Ill.

Current church: Clifton Baptist Church

Hobbies: Piano; whatever the kids are doing — Lego, Playmobil, Nerf guns

Most influential person in your life: Chester Hilty, a mentor of mine for many years who has been very much a father to me.

Something surprising students might not know about you: One year I was the intramural badminton champion at Northern Illinois University.

What books, beside the Bible, have most influenced you and why: For many years I was influenced by John Piper and his writings, and I remain indebted to his vision for God. Over the years, the works of C. S. Lewis have consistently made an impact on my thinking and have served as a model of great writing. In general, I am a big fan of literature and I spend much of my spare reading time reading good novels, often historical fiction.

Favorite authors: C. S. Lewis, P. G. Wodehouse, Chaim Potok

Favorite music groups: Female vocalists, like: Ella Fitzgerald, Alison Kraus, Norah Jones. Lots of classical music. Fernando Ortega, Rich Mullins, Caedmon's Call

Favorite vacation spots: Mountains, woods, beaches — I'm not picky as long as it is relaxing, not over-scheduled and I have a good book!

What influenced your decision to come to Southern Seminary: My calling is to train pastors with a vision for ministry that is both academically rigorous and God-centered. Southern shares this vision and provides me the opportunity to teach and disciple lots of eager students to this end.

What do you like most about teaching: I love the classroom! I can't imagine a better job than one where I get to study God's Word in depth and then get to share and learn together with eager students! My wife and I also love to be involved in the lives of students and their wives, especially giving them a vision for family life.

Life Bible verse: Psalm 37:4 — Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.