Veteran educator and minister Steve Sherwood joins Linfield University as chaplain and director of service learning. Starting Oct. 1, Sherwood will guide campus ministry programs and create opportunities for students to engage in service that connects their education with the broader community.
Sherwood brings more than three decades of experience with young adults in ministry, teaching and nonprofit leadership. He spent 19 years with the Christian organization Young Life in New England and the Midwest. This was followed by 16 years on the ministry and theology faculty at George Fox University. Most recently, he founded Table14 in 2020. This Newberg-based nonprofit provides a safe and welcoming community for LGBTQ+ students at George Fox.
“College is such a rich time for young adults to explore and deepen roots in spirituality and faith,” Sherwood said. “Linfield is an ideal setting for students to discover how spirituality, ethics and faith intersect with the life of the mind and a commitment to justice, compassion and love for one’s neighbor.”
In addition to his teaching and nonprofit work, Sherwood frequently speaks at retreats, chapels, camps and campus events. He has authored or co-authored three books that seek to broaden traditional understandings of Christianity with an eye to openness and inclusion.. He earned a master’s degree in theology from Fuller Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Portland Seminary.
Jeff Mackay, Linfield’s vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said Sherwood’s experience is a strong match for Linfield’s student-centered mission.
“Steve has spent his career walking alongside young adults during their spiritual journey,” Mackay said. “His ability to connect with students, create inclusive communities and encourage meaningful service will enrich the Linfield experience. We are excited to welcome him into the Linfield community.”
Jamison Nemecek ’26, a Linfield student chaplain, agrees.
“Steve has a great heart for engagement and inclusivity. His is a spirituality that doesn’t know borders, stretching across personal and religious identities alike,” Nemecek said. “Steve has a deep heart for theology, but an even deeper heart for people. He will engage students honestly and authentically, in both fun events and deep conversations alike. He is the perfect successor to pick up where Chaplain Jeremy Richards left off.”
Beyond ministry and academics, Sherwood has coached high school track and cross country teams, leading multiple athletes and teams to state championships. He and his spouse, who pastors a welcoming and affirming Friends church in Newberg, have two adult children.
With deep ties to the region, Sherwood said he looks forward to helping Linfield students connect their passions with meaningful community engagement.
“The diversity of Linfield, in all its forms, invites all of us to understand and celebrate others in their uniqueness. Together, we can form communities of care, justice and good,” he said. “I am tremendously excited to be a part of that work.”
