Dr. Brandon Steenbock currently serves as a Staff Minister at St. Mark Ministries in DePere, Wisconsin. He is an adjunct instructor of online courses offered at MLC. For the CBTE Theology Minor he worked closely with our instructional designer to align the content and activities of Christian Doctrine I and II with the competencies created by our full-time Theology faculty. He is teaching Christian Doctrine I and II for the initial cohorts of learners enrolled in the CBTE Theology Minor.
We asked him to answer a few questions about his work at MLC and with CBTE.
Where have you served in your public ministry?
I did my internship in Sleep Eye, MN in 2006. I served at St. Paul’s in New Ulm, MN from 2006 to 2017. I have served at St. Mark Ministries in De Pere / Green Bay, WI since 2017.
What courses do you teach at MLC?
Currently, I’m teaching Christian Doctrine 1 and 2 for the CBTE program, and Old Testament Bible Lessons for the Early Childhood Certification program.
What can learners expect from the courses you teach for CBTE?
My courses are a survey of Christian Doctrine, which means learners can expect a comprehensive understanding of the foundational truths of the Bible. We go in a systematic way, first looking at who God is and how we know he exists, how he speaks to us in his Word. Then we will talk about Jesus and how he has given us salvation. From there we’ll explore topics like how we defend our faith, how Law and Gospel fit into our lives, and all the applications of biblical truth to Christian life.
I approach all of this with a mixture of Bible reading, textbook reading, videos and articles that supplement, and collaborative learning through discussion forums. Each week, students will be expected to produce one piece of work that demonstrates their understanding of the content area. This might be a blog post, a lesson plan, a one-page handout… My goal is that the work the student produces is useful for ministry in their own context. That way they are demonstrating their competency but also creating resources for their own ministry.
What is most rewarding about teaching in the CBTE Minor?
I have been so blessed by reading the things my students produce. When we have a devotional assignment, I get to read a dozen different Bible-based devotions that help me grow deeper in God’s Word myself. I also get to see how my students grow in their understanding; they go from having questions about that week’s content to being convinced of God’s truth. It’s amazing to see God’s Word and his Spirit working together to grow a person’s faith and understanding.
What would you like to share so learners can know a little more about you?
I grew up in Seattle, so coffee is part of my blood. I like to get involved in every step of the coffee process – roasting the beans, grinding them, and taking careful steps to use the right temperature of water for the brew I’m making. I get a little nerdy and scientific about it, but I love it. I also really enjoy complicated board games with lots of little rules; I love strategy mixed with just a little bit of randomness. I’m also an avid reader and I have a personal rule: Never go anywhere without a book.
