Year in Review: Insights from PCA’s History and Bible Departments

Welcome, PCA community! Join us for a special end-of-year episode featuring insightful interviews with members of the History and Bible Departments. In this episode, educators share their observations and experiences from the past year, highlighting the growth and achievements of PCA students.

PCA's History Team: Matthew Dunphy, Melissa Weisberg, Ray Gamble

PCA's Bible Department: Terry Sharbaugh, Adam Abood

We start with introductions from Dr. Ray Gamble, Ms. Melissa Weisberg, Mr. Matthew Dunphy, and Mr. Terry Sharbaugh. Each educator provides a glimpse into their background and the unique subjects they teach, from history and civics to theology and literature.

Ms. Weisberg discusses the engaging mock trials in her civics and liberty and justice classes, which help students develop critical thinking, public speaking, and evaluative skills. She highlights the significant growth she has witnessed in her students as they navigate these challenging exercises.

Mr. Sharbaugh shares his experiences teaching New Testament, world religions, church history, and systematic theology. He emphasizes how students are challenged by complex theological debates and historical contexts, which encourage them to deeply engage with their faith and understanding of the Bible.

Dr. Gamble reflects on his work with freshmen in history classes and his goals for helping students master proper documentation and source evaluation. He also touches on the electives he teaches, including the history of the Second World War and the Cold War, and the moral and ethical questions these subjects raise.

Mr. Dunphy passionately describes his interdisciplinary course on C.S. Lewis, which combines elements of history, theology, and literature. He shares the rewarding experience of seeing students connect deeply with Lewis’s works and concepts, applying them in their academic and personal lives.

As the episode concludes, the educators discuss the importance of respectful dialogue, particularly in politically charged times, and the role of Christian values in fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. They share their hopes for continued student growth and the impact PCA graduates will have on the world.

Thank you for listening, and we look forward to another year of learning and growth at PCA. God bless you this summer!