Dr. Sam Baker

Professor of Christian Ministries

Phone

(503) 316-3387

Email

sbaker@corban.edu

Building/Office Location

AC 3322

Education

Ed.D. George Fox University
M.A. Christian Education – Biola University, Talbot School of Theology
B.A. Psychology – Biola University

About Dr. Baker

Dr. Baker teaches lower and upper division Bible, theology, and ministry courses. He also teaches graduate ministry courses. He has more than 30 years of ministry experience, having served churches in California, Oregon, and Washington in the following areas: youth ministry, children’s ministry, sports and recreation ministries, men’s ministry, adult ministries, family ministries, pastoral care and counseling, church administration, and Christian education. He also serves as a ministry trainer, camp speaker, conference workshop and seminar speaker, church leadership consultant, and regular pulpit supply.

Dr. Baker is a member of the Society of Professors of Christian Education (SPCE), the Association of Youth Ministry Educators (AYME), and the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry (IASYM). He has had book reviews and articles published in the Journal of Spiritual Formation & Soul Care, Journal of Christian Education, the Journal of Youth and Theology, and other publications. His research interests are in the areas of faith development along the lifespan, spiritual typology, technology’s impact on faith, Christian leadership, and current trends and issues in ministry practice.

Sam has been married to his wife, Alyson, since 1986. They have two daughters, Courtney and Katie, both married, and two beautiful grandkids (so far). In his spare time, Sam is an avid movie buff, reads mostly non-fiction books, loves spending time with family, enjoys being with students outside of class, and pursues all kinds of sports and recreation activities. He’s also a die-hard Denver Broncos fan… GB2

Recently Taught Courses

Theology of Ministry

Growing in the Lord

Teaching Scripture

Ministering in the Church

Prospective students, and their parents, have asked me this question for years, ‘Why Corban?’ The answer is simple, and always the same, ‘Because of the students!’ There’s something different about working with students at Corban. Their heart, their gifting, their passion and their personalities bear the imprint of God uniquely transforming their lives into something truly amazing. It’s a privilege to be able to come alongside students, helping them to discover and develop their unique place in the Kingdom of God. Soli Deo Gloria!

Dr. Sam Baker

Publications

“Pedagogical Emphases on the Mystery of God: The Apophatic Predicament in Emerging Adult Faith Formation.” Christian Education Journal: Research on Educational Ministry. 21(3), 2024, 267-289. Paper presentation at the biannual conference of the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, July, 2022.

“Practicing the Patience of God: A Response to Technologically-Induced Impatience by Way of Ancient Holy Habit.” Paper presentation at the Oxford Symposium for Religious Studies. Oxford University, Oxford, England, August, 2018; and at the biannual conference of the International Association for the Study of Youth Ministry, Durham University, Durham, England, January, 2019.

“Who’s Shaping Whom? Digital Disruption in the Spiritual Lives of Post-familial Emerging Adults.” Journal of Youth and Theology. Vol. 16, No. 2, 2017, 117-143.

“The ‘Circle of Sensibility’: How Spiritual Type Theory Informs an Understanding of Patterns and Preferences in Christian Spirituality.” Journal of Academic Perspectives. Vol. 2016, No. 3, ISSN: 2328-8264.

“Raised a Teenage Kataphatic: Utilising Spiritual Type Theory in Assessing Catechetical Models of Adolescent Faith Development.” Journal of Youth and Theology. Vol. 14, 2015, 45-71.