Jerry Pattengale, PhD

Jerry Pattengale, PhD, is a founding scholar at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC where he still serves as Senior Advisor, and a distinguished professor and administrator at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU). His influence also extends beyond academia. As a Senior Fellow with the Sagamore Institute, CSR associate publisher, JEC board member at Yale Divinity School, and a member of the National Press Club's Membership Committee, he continues to shape thought leadership on history, faith, and culture at the state and global levels.

Dr. Pattengale has authored dozens of books and hundreds of articles and columns, including in prominent publications like The Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal. His recent works, The New Book of Christian Martyrs (Tyndale House, 2023); The Anxious Middle (Baylor University Press, 2023); The World's Greatest Book, 2nd ed. (Tyndale House, 2023); and Habits of Hope (IVP, 2024) have received critical acclaim. He is known for his award-winning "Buck Creek" newsprint series for its engaging and insightful storytelling. His Inexplicable TV series, hosted by Dennis Haysbert, also won three Telly Awards.

Born and raised in Buck Creek, Indiana, Dr. Pattengale's journey from poverty and homelessness at the end of high school to becoming a globally recognized scholar is an inspiration. He even addressed the United Nations, attended meetings at the White House, and was interim president of Religion News Service. With the support of church members and alumni of Marion College (now IWU), he pursued higher education, serving as student body president and recognized as the outstanding graduate. Dr. Pattengale went on to earn Master's degrees at Wheaton (IL) and Miami University (Ohio). He then earned his PhD at Miami University under the eminent historian, Edwin M. Yamauchi, with perfect marks and established himself as an active voice in his field.