Education: B.A. in Economics and Finance from Covenant College; Ph.D. in economics from the University of Tennessee.

My primary research interest is in the redevelopment of central city neighborhoods, and my publications include "Investing the Church's Social Capital in the Economy of Welfare Reform" and "Urban Community Development: An Examination of the Perkins Model." I used a recent sabbatical to study the impact that Phillips Community (Minneapolis) churches have on community well-being. My interest in central city neighborhoods extends beyond research to my teaching The Redevelopment of Central City Neighborhood and co-founding and actively participating in The Banyan Community, a non-profit organization located in the East Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, where I and my family live. More generally my interests are in macroeconomics, race, poverty and social justice. I enjoy challenging students to do excellent work and to follow God’s calling in living a life of shalom.

Course I Teach: Basic Economics, Intermediate Macroeconomics, The Redevelopment of Central City Neighborhoods, Reconciliation in a Racialized Society, and Senior Seminar

Contact Information: 651.638.6296, esstim@bethel.edu, AC222