DEPARTMENT: Bible, Religion & Theology
POSITION: Instructor
DEPARTMENT: Seminary
POSITION: Seminary Chapel Minister
LOCATION: Main Campus, Harrisonburg | RLN 301
PHONE: (540) 432-4263
EMAIL: carmen.schrock-hurst@emu.edu
Carmen is an ordained Mennonite minister in VA Mennonite Conference and has served as a Mennonite pastor for over twelve years, in Harrisonburg, VA; Richmond, VA; and Pittsburgh, PA. She and her husband Luke also lived and worked for three years in Honduras (1985-1988) and three years in the Philippines (2002-2005) with Mennonite Central Committee. While in the Philippines she served as assistant chaplain for the students and faculty at Faith Academy, the largest school for children of missionary families in the world. She and Luke are the grateful parents of Grace (EMU grad of 2008), Lucas (EMU grad 2010) and Caleb (EMU grad 2018). They are also delighted grandparents of Jeremi and Simeon who live in Indonesia with their parents Grace and Yugo.
Carmen received a M.A. in Theology with a concentration in Christian Spirituality from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries in 1996 and a B.A. in social work from EMU in 1981.
Carmen has been teaching at EMU since the fall of 2011. Prior to that she directed the volunteer program of the local hospice, where she learned about the spirituality of end-of-life issues, and of grief and loss. In addition to being a pastor Carmen has worked for Sojourners magazine, directed a homeless shelter, led local and international retreats, served on the board of Pittsburgh’s PULSE program (a young adult service and learning opportunity) and on the board of Roberta Webb Child Care Center in Harrisonburg.
At EMU Carmen teaches courses in Spiritual Formation, Congregational Ministry, Church Leadership, and Youth Ministry as well as directs the Ministry Inquiry Program and several Youth Ministry and congregational internships. Also, as Seminary Chapel Minister Carmen plans and leads chapel services two times a week for Eastern Mennonite Seminary. A gifted preacher and public speaker Carmen also shares in local congregations and church assemblies.
Carmen enjoys finding God in the ordinary miracles of our every day lives, sharing the gift of hospitality, reading, listening to her sons play music, Skyping with her daughter, son-in-law and grandsons in Indonesia, international travel, and walking on the beach.
BA, Eastern Mennonite University (Social Work)
MAT, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminaries (Spiritual Formation)