Tim Mackie's Journey from Western to BibleProject
After I finished an undergrad major in Bible and theology, I wanted to go further in my studies and in biblical languages. I wasn’t sure if I felt called to an academic or local church setting, but I knew I wanted to keep learning and I loved to teach.
I landed at Western Seminary largely because of Gerry Breshears, who basically recruited me after we met for the first time! I appreciated that Western had a great balance between academics and a pastoral-practical focus on ministry. I loved that all the professors were available to meet with and learn from.
The most significant thing about my time at Western was the mentoring relationship I began with Gerry Breshears. He was my professor first, then quickly became both a mentor and friend who helped me navigate through many important life decisions. His friendship remains formative to this day.
"I appreciated that Western had a great balance between academics and a pastoral-practical focus on ministry."
Tim Mackie, PhD
After Western, I went on to pursue Ph.D. studies in Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on the Septuagint and Dead Sea Scrolls in the context of early Judaism. After that, I came on staff as a teaching pastor at Blackhawk Church in Madison, WI, and then at Door of Hope church in Portland. I’ve also been an adjunct professor at Western Seminary Portland campus.
Most recently, I helped start a non-profit animation studio called Bible Project, where we make short animated videos that explore the books and theological themes throughout the Bible.
My life passion is to invite people into an encounter with the good news about Jesus through the storyline of the Scriptures. I believe something powerful happens when the Spirit is able to address people through the Scriptures within a community of faith.