John Bergsma serves as a professor of Theology at the Franciscan University of Steubenville. Additionally, he is a Senior Fellow at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Highly regarded by students and faculty alike, Bergsma has twice been voted Faculty of the Year by graduating classes at Franciscan University.
Renowned for his infectious love of scripture, Bergsma propels his students to explore and understand theology with invigorated interest. His educational journey includes Master of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees. However, it does not stop there; he also has a rich background of practical experience. He dedicated four years of his early career to serving as a Protestant pastor.
Bergsma's spiritual journey took a remarkable turn in 2001. While pursuing his doctorate in theology at the University of Notre Dame, he converted to Catholicism. His doctoral research specialized in Old Testament and the Dead Sea Scrolls, leading to his graduation with high honors in 2004.
Along with pursuing an academic career, Bergsma is a prolific writer. His articles, some coauthored with Scott Hahn, have been published in the Journal of Biblical Literature and various other academic and popular periodicals. Extending his reach beyond teaching and writing, Bergsma is also a common presence at conferences and parishes. He makes regular guest appearances on television and radio shows, including Franciscan University Presents, EWTN’s The Journey Home, and Relevant Radio’s Drew Mariani Show.
When not teaching, writing, or speaking, Bergsma enjoys family life in Steubenville, Ohio. He and his wife, Dawn, have a large family of eight children.
