John Addison Teevan’s life is a journey of heartfelt ministry, a passion for uplifting others, and academic achievement. His journey began in suburban Chicago and took him to Princeton University, where he earned his B.A. in Economics in 1968; John delved into macroeconomic theory, which enthralled him until he was disillusioned while serving at the Democratic Convention of 1968. That’s when he took the road less traveled into ministry. His curiosity set the stage for a life dedicated to both understanding and serving his community.
In the early 1970s, John’s new faith in Christ and a new thirst for deeper knowledge took him to Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana. There, foreshadowing his interest in social and civil concerns, he completed his M.Div in 1972, creating a critical monograph titled “Render unto Caesar.” His dedication didn’t stop there; in 2007, he completed a Doctor of Ministry degree, focusing on intercultural studies. His dissertation, “A Viable Christianity in Japan: Effort, Accommodation or Contextualization,” reflects his commitment to understanding and fostering faith in diverse contexts.
Over the years, John has held several leadership positions at Grace College, where he served from 2006 to 2016 as the Executive Director of the Prison Extension in five Indiana state prisons. He also served as Executive Director of the Weber School, establishing sites in Indianapolis, Detroit, and Columbus. His leadership journey included serving as Interim President of Grace College and Seminary for the first half of 2022, and he is currently the Envoy to the President after serving as Interim Co-Dean of Arts & Humanities in the 23-24 school year.
As an educator at Grace College, John continues to teach courses like Christianity, Critical Thinking, and Business Ethics, using his experiences to nurture critical minds and compassionate hearts. His teaching has extended both on campus and in prisons to other subjects, including Economics, Leadership, and New Testament studies, joining many other professors who have made a lasting impact on students’ lives and journeys.
Beyond the classroom, John’s dedication to service is marked by his work on various boards, including long tenures on Encompass World Partners and Cardinal Services. This speaks to his heart for community engagement and advocacy, particularly for people with tangible needs. He has also contributed to local health and education initiatives, including serving long terms on boards for Kosciusko Community Hospital and Habitat for Humanity.
Another pathway of influence has been in the Charis Fellowship, including founding the Social Concerns Committee and holding various leadership roles since the early 1980s. His pastoral work spanned 34 years with communities of hopeful believers in Ashland, Ohio, and Winona Lake, Indiana.
John’s curiosity shines through in his publications, including his works with the Acton Institute and hundreds of newsletters that he has been sending to students and colleagues since 2008. His dedication to social justice and economic equity is reflected in the book Integrated Justice and Equality (Acton 2014) and the various papers he has presented, delving into the intersections of faith, culture, and economics.
On every pathway and in every endeavor, John Teevan exemplifies a life dedicated to learning, teaching, and serving—a legacy that he hopes will inspire those around him. His journey, marked by a love for knowledge and a deep commitment to community, has followed the journeys of his wife and of those who have mentored him in life through faith, education, and service. The Teevans have three married sons.
