Jesus pursues people into the “far countries” of human existence, blazing a trail for us and making it possible for us to minister and serve in Christ’s name even in the most challenging circumstances. Joni Sancken shares a message based on Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32.

Dr. Joni Sancken serves as assistant professor of preaching at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. Sancken grew up at First Mennonite Church in Urbana, IL. She graduated with a Ph.D.in Homiletics from the Toronto School of Theology in 2009, earned an M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary (2004), and a B.A. from Goshen College (1998). Dr. Sancken completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Practical Theology and Religious Practices at Emory University in May 2010 and has recently been appointed Director of Eastern Mennonite Seminary’s Preaching Institute, which is committed to finding ways to support and enhance preaching in congregations through consultation, courses, workshops and other events.