Faculty

Art

Biology

Business &
Economics

Chemistry

Education

English &
Communication

Foreign Language

History &
Political Science

Mathematics &
Computer Science

Music

Physical Education &
 Recreation

Physics &
Earth Science

Psychology &
Sociology

Religion &
Philosophy

Other Faculty

Adjunct

Emeriti

Non-teaching

Retirees

John Tyson

According to John Wesley, Methodism’s founder, a Methodist should be ready to “pray, preach or die at a moment’s notice.” In the case of Houghton professor John Tyson, you can add “write” and “teach” to that list.

A western Pennsylvania native and life-long Methodist, Tyson holds a master’s degree from Asbury Seminary and both master’s and doctoral degrees from Drew University. His graduate research focused on John and Charles Wesley and the Reformation Era, and he has earned a reputation as a leading Wesley scholar and church historian. He’s a member of several academic organizations including the Oxford Institute on Methodist Theology, the American Society of Church Historians and the Charles Wesley Society, of which he is a board member. 

Before coming to Houghton in 1979, Tyson served as associate pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Cocoa, FL, and that experience informs his teaching to students who may be pastors themselves one day. In addition to Houghton undergrads, Tyson provides continuing education seminars for adults in or aspiring to ministry and has taught graduate level courses for United Theological Seminary. His students know him as an outstanding scholar and gifted communicator.

He’s also an active researcher and writer, with 75 articles and presentations and five books to his credit, including Charles Wesley: A Reader, Invitation to Christian Spirituality and his most recent, Who is God in Three Persons?, Tyson is in demand as a guest speaker, preacher and lecturer, duties which have taken him to churches, retreat centers, conferences and universities around the world.