Dr. Davis named Director of Youth/Intergenerational Ministry
Posted July 11, 2002

Dr. Stephan Davis has been named the Director of Youth/Intergenerational Ministry for the Diocese of Sioux City. He will start this position on July 15.

Under his leadership, effective youth ministry programming will continue in the diocese. In addition, he will be working with fellow staff members of the Office of Faith Formation: Kay Morrissey, Bev Hurni and Linda Anderson in assessment and evaluation of all faith formation programming.

Davis has served the diocese as a professor for the Church Ministries Program while on the staff of Briar Cliff University. He taught theology, biblical languages, liberal arts and philosophy at the Sioux City university. He has also taught at Marquette University, Northwest Iowa Community College and Concordia University.

"My goal in pursuing a theological education was not to become a college professor; rather, I sought to be of service to the church," he explained. "As a college professor I had to trust that my courses would ultimately help grow and strengthen the church. I am excited to be working for the diocese in faith formation because now I know the skills and knowledge developed over so many years can have a direct impact on the growth of the Catholic Church."

Davis, who had worked in youth ministry in Huntington Beach, Calif., said there is nothing more fulfilling than to produce Catholic Christian people who are willing and equipped to be signs of God's love to the world.

"I am a developmentalist," stated David. "I think the development of our youth's moral character should be of the highest priority. In particular, I identify peacemaking as an essential element of discipleship."

He pointed out that Jesus models peacemaking through non-violent conflict resolution and breaking down the social and cultural boundaries that create hostility between people.

Davis earned a doctorate in religious studies at Marquette University, a master's in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary and a bachelor's in humanities and Greek at Concordia University. He recently published a book titled The Antithesis of the Ages: Paul's Reconfiguration of Torah.