Tim McNinch is Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, IN
Student Feedback
Feedback on “Introduction to the Hebrew Bible”
Professor McNinch’s ability to facilitate dialogue and discovery in the classroom set the stage for transformative learning…. His ability to invite students to discover their own insights … through questions and conversations made our classroom a fertile space for meaningful scholarship and personal reflection.
Professor McNinch conveys dense material in a very engaging and manageable way. He picked wonderful resources and reading. He facilitated dialogue in a beautiful way and held space for differing points of view.
He was organized and timely with grades and feedback. He was approachable and responsive. He engaged the class and used various materials: books, journals, commentaries, podcasts, videos to teach the material. He was great at explaining, but left room for your own interpretations. He used great visuals and was detailed about expectations and provided detailed instructions for assignments. The “exit reflections” really made you think about what you learned after each class. He made the course interesting and has so far been the best professor I have had at Christian Theological Seminary.
Feedback on “Hebrew Bible and its World(s)”
I have had very few professors at Emory genuinely care about their students’ learning and overall wellbeing as much as Prof. McNinch does. I could tell he deeply valued every person’s voice and ideas in the classroom. The way he encouraged collaboration enriched my experience in the course. I also appreciate his vast knowledge and passion for the material we covered in class. Incredible professor and incredible person.
He is a great teacher: very approachable, always wanting to help his students, is willing to make time to meet/help anyone, and is always so positive. I loved Professor McNinch and wish I could have him again next semester.
Professor McNinch was a phenomenal professor. He always gave great insights on the topics we were discussing in class. He cared about the topics we were interested in and always dove into any questions we had with enthusiasm and thoughtful, meaningful insights. I really enjoyed having Professor McNinch as a professor this semester.
This is one of the few discussion-heavy courses I have had that have actually been productive. The format of reading, discussing, reflecting, and writing made the information feel much more relevant and impactful.
This course is extremely eye opening as the assignments guide students into forming THEIR OWN conclusions rather than teaching students conclusions.
This course was so interesting and I have recommended it to many of my friends!
Professor McNinch is AMAZING! He is the best professor I have ever had. His class is fun and stress-free, but I still learned a ton.
Professor McNinch is incredible. I hope to be able to take another course from him and I recommended him to all of my peers.
Feedback on Ruth lecture, “Introduction to Old Testament Interpretation”
It was the best of any lecture I have seen virtually—and by this point, that tallies to a year’s worth of online lectures. Really, it was a treat to listen: profound but peppered with humor; attentive to the cultural and historical particularities but reflective of today; leaning into the discomfort of intersecting gender, ethnicity, and sexual exploitation with firmness but also kindness. Thank you for unpacking some of Ruth’s “baggage”; I’m now going to sort through it a bit more.
Feedback on “Summer Hebrew Intensive” (excerpted from course evaluations)
Tim McNinch is an amazing instructor, makes Hebrew come alive, and makes it accessible to new learners. His future in the academy is bright and promising.
I am normally not good online learner but the instructor’s brilliant visual aids enable me to overcome my difficulties.
Tim is incredible. He is among the best instructors I’ve had in all my time at Candler. … It is obvious that he put a lot of time, intention, and consideration into everything we did during class time and in our module assignments. He provided ample online resources to study with, and allowed us space to engage with the material in a variety of ways – listening, reading, writing, flashcards, games, quizzes, videos – you name it! It was never boring, and it gave everyone an opportunity to learn in a way that works best for them.
Tim is highly interactive during class and so thoughtful in the way he interacts with students. Learning Hebrew isn’t easy, and the way he teaches is very pastoral and compassionate in nature. … His competency, kindness, and intentionality make for a really phenomenal teacher.
The instructor listens to the students. He is patient and doesn’t rush through any lessons. He carefully explains anything that may need more clarification.
The professor is a master of and passionate about the subject matter and its pedagogy. Having taken several second-language classes, I can say that Tim is in the top-tier of language teachers. He deserves funding for whatever Hebrew project he conceives.
He made learning a difficult language very fun. He kept us engaged the entire time. He was very gracious and always willing to help us and answer EVERY question. In addition, he provided supplemental materials that were very helpful for us such as videos, Quizlets, and even games.
Tim is patient but very demanding. He really brings the best out of his students. I have a great deal of respect for him. He is the main reason I took this course.
Teaching Samples
Teaching Experience
Assistant Professor of Hebrew Bible, Christian Theological Seminary (2022–present)
Courses taught:
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
The Book of Ruth (Hebrew Bible Exegesis)
Teaching the Bible through Podcasting
Biblical Hebrew
Adjunct Instructor
2022, “The Hebrew Bible and its World(s),” Emory College of Arts and Sciences / Tam Institute for Jewish Studies
2021, 2020, “Introduction to Biblical Hebrew,” Candler School of Theology at Emory University
2015–2017, “Conversational Biblical Hebrew,” Conversational Koine Institute
Teaching Associate
2018, “Classic Religious Texts: Torah and Former Prophets,” with Prof. William Gilders, Emory College of Arts and Sciences
Teaching / Research Assistant
2020, “Written in Stone? Exploring the Meaning and Ethics of the Ten Commandments,” with Prof. Ryan Bonfiglio, Candler Foundry, Courses in the Community
2017–2018, 2020–2021, “Interpretation of the Old Testament (I & II),” with Prof. Joel LeMon, Candler School of Theology at Emory University
2019, “Becoming a Reflective Practitioner,” with Prof. Trace Haythorn, Candler School of Theology Doctor of Ministry Program
2015, 2017, “Introduction to Hebrew Exegesis,” with Prof. Johanna van Wijk-Bos, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
2016, “Introduction to Biblical Hebrew,” with Prof. Johanna van Wijk-Bos, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
2015, “Introduction to Biblical Greek,” with Prof. Susan Garrett, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary
2015, Research Assistant to Prof. Tyler Mayfield, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary