Dr. Lynn Jacobson, an adjunct professor in Bushnell University’s College of Theology, Arts, and Sciences, brings a wealth of teaching experience to the classroom, spanning biblical studies, language instruction, and business. With a Master of Divinity in Jewish Studies and extensive coursework in Judaic Studies and Modern Hebrew, Dr. Jacobson offers an interdisciplinary approach that helps students engage deeply with Scripture.
For more than a decade, she has taught at both Bushnell University and New Hope Christian College, offering courses in organizational development, marketing, business strategy, and biblical studies, including Hebrew language instruction. Beyond traditional classroom teaching, she has helped create an environment in which students connect faith and learning in meaningful ways, including partaking in a study abroad trip to Isreal.
In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Jacobson is the director of the Beth Shalom Study Center, an initiative she founded to foster dialogue and understanding between the local Jewish and Christian communities. Through this center, located in Springfield, Ore., she facilitates classes, lectures, and textual studies focused on Biblical Hebrew and the culture, history, and customs of the Middle East. Her passion for bridging cultural and faith-based divides highlights her commitment to creating spaces for mutual respect, learning, and growth.
We sat down with Dr. Jacobson to explore her journey, her passion for bringing Scripture to life, and how she weaves faith into every aspect of her teaching at Bushnell. You can watch the full interview on Bushnell’s YouTube channel. Below, she shares insights on engaging deeply with God’s Word, the importance of faith in learning and service, and her encouragement for students to embrace their spiritual and academic journeys.
Wrestling with Scripture and Bringing the Bible to Life
Dr. Jacobson sees Scripture as a living story—a love story between God and His people. “It’s one book from beginning to end,” she explains, “with one message of love that spans generations.” She encourages students to wrestle with Scripture, embracing questions as part of their faith journey.
Her teaching philosophy, centered on “Bible first and truth in Scripture,” incorporates history, culture, music, and art to make biblical stories come alive. “When you see the prophets as real people with real struggles, it opens up new insights,” she says. This multidimensional approach helps students connect with God’s Word and apply it to their lives.
Dr. Jacobson is also known for her “teach up” philosophy—challenging students not only to grasp biblical concepts but to engage with Scripture at a deeper, more profound level. Rather than simplifying material, she encourages them to stretch their understanding, ask difficult questions, and wrestle with the text to uncover its deeper truths. “The Bible isn’t just a book of stories—it’s a lifelong pursuit of truth,” she says.
Integrating Faith into Learning and Life
Faith is woven into all of Dr. Jacobson’s lessons. She stays deeply engaged in Scripture during her own devotional time, discovering new insights daily that she can then share with her students. She also respects the diverse backgrounds of her students, sometimes introducing the Bible as literature, art, and wisdom before guiding them toward deeper exploration.
She challenges students to slow down and engage with the text, reflecting on a few verses rather than rushing through. One example she shares is the redemption of King Manasseh, who was especially harshly condemned in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles for restoring the polytheistic worship that his father had ended. Despite these actions, he was redeemed: “Even if you’ve gone astray, God welcomes you back. There’s always a road to blessing,” Dr. Jacobson points out.
Dr. Jacobson recalls a classroom moment when a student’s question about being far from God led to a powerful discussion. “Who wouldn’t want to know the God who created them and wants the best for them?” she says, emphasizing the unique nature of biblical study.
Encouraging Service and Embracing the Journey
For Dr. Jacobson, service is an outpouring of faith. She has served in church nurseries, leadership roles, and community programs, including wellness initiatives for law enforcement. “It’s not about duty—it’s about joy and connection,” she says.
She advises students to “jump in and explore” during their college years, emphasizing the importance of building a personal support team, seeking mentorship, and participating in internships. She also recalls a former professor’s advice, which she shares with her own students: “Pray before every assignment.” This simple yet powerful action makes a big difference. Students respond that rather than feeling like a grind, the work instead “was amazing. It just felt like it was moving along.”
Dr. Jacobson also emphasizes stewardship, encouraging students to view their time, talents, and resources as belonging to God. Her journey of learning to serve in areas aligned with her gifts provides a relatable and insightful takeaway for students.
Through faith, learning, and service, Dr. Jacobson equips students with both knowledge and a deeper understanding of God’s love. “The greatest gift I can give is helping them see the love story of God in Scripture” so they can “live it out in their lives,” she says.