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Undergraduate > Bible, Religion & Ministry > Don Perini

Don Perini

Associate Professor of Ministry and Creativity

Division

Bible, Religion & Ministry

Degrees

M.F.A. (Creative Writing), National University
M.A. (Apologetics), Talbot Seminary
B.A. (Christian Education), Biola University

Field(s) of Study/Expertise

Every day I wake up with wonder and realize what a great opportunity I have to work with students in developing their ministry skills and creative lives. My goal is to unleash each student’s creative potential in order to redeem the world through their creative acts. Each year I have the chance to witness life changing stories from students about how this program has moved them towards health and healing, empowered them to accomplish tasks which they never thought achievable, and start ministries that actually transforms lives.

Before I became a professor, I served in the ministry as a Student Ministries Pastor, Sports Pastor, Young Adult Pastor, and Creative Arts Director for 17 years in Southern California. I came to Michigan to design the Art of Ministry major, one I feel is very distinct from other ministry programs.

When I’m not teaching, I am speaking, writing, and consulting for businesses, artists, schools, and churches under the umbrella of two organizations which I founded: Verge (ministry) and The Orange Room (creativity).

Publications

Articles

Confessions of a Spiritual Abuser in YouthWorker Journal, December 2004.

Rethinking Gaming in Group Magazine January/February 2006.

Games

Peon by Game Addicts 2004

Looney Bin by Game Addict, 2004

Lynch Mob by Game Addicts 2004

I’m Not a Communist by Game Addicts, 2006

Books

Book titled, Rhyming With Orange with Credo Communications, January 2011

Awards or Honors

Who's Who Among America's Teachers, 2004 and 2005
Teacher of the Year Award at Cornerstone University, 2006

Courses

What can students expect from your classes?

Students will receive the best ministry education a University has to offer. What they won’t find in my classes are tests. Yes, that is true…no tests. I believe there are better ways to prepare students for ministry; ones that include useful projects, emerging documentation, and personal mentoring. I enjoy developing students’ interests, honing their ministry skills, and encouraging them to push their ministry into new directions. Furthermore, I believe you can’t take people where you yourself have not gone. Therefore, I empower students to seek emotional health in their own lives so that they are better equipped to help others.

Interests and Passions Outside of Teaching

I enjoy hanging out with my family doing fun things like building igloos, playing European board games, mountain biking, and watching movies. I recently started to play for the Cornerstone broomball team. We play in a city league each year and travel to the national tournament in Minnesota. I also love to write screenplays, children’s books, and non-fiction. One of my favorite things to do is have students come over to our house and enjoy some of the world’s best cooking from my wife and play party games.