Assistant Director of Academic Programs
Book Review Editor, International Bulletin of Mission Research
Lead Instructor & Designer for OMSC Digital Certificate in Lived Theology & World Christianity
Easten’s research focuses on lived theology, religious pluralism, and public life in the context of contemporary China, the Global East, and the larger Sinophone world. He completed his doctorate in theological and religious studies from Georgetown University in 2020 examining how Chinese Christian faith is experienced, negotiated, and expressed in everyday life across cultural and religious boundaries. Easten also earned an M.Div. at Wesley Theological Seminary, and an M.A. in Intercultural Studies at Wheaton College. He is currently pursuing ordination in the American Baptist Church.
Easten has published articles and co-edited special issues on the intersections between theology, qualitative research, world Christianity, and interreligious learning in journals like The Journal of World Christianity and Theology Today. He is co-editor, with Alexander Chow, of Ecclesial Diversity in Chinese Christianity (Palgrave Macmillan, 2021) and is currently revising his dissertation for publication with Penn State University Press.
Previously, Easten taught intercultural relations at American University’s School of International Service in Washington, D.C., and Anhui Normal University in Wuhu, Anhui Province, China. In addition, Easten has also provided training, lectures, and curriculum design for intercultural communication with a variety of ministries and NGOs in the United States, Switzerland, and China.
