Relationships, Coffee, Influence: Getting to Know Chris Dodd
Relationships: Where Ministry Begins
A sports field in Southeast Asia teaming with Asian and American students vying for control of a ball might seem like an unlikely ministry classroom, but for Chris Dodd, it’s an optimal doorway to something much deeper: relationships.
“Watching students step outside their comfort zones, boldly share Christ, and return home with a deeper passion for the Great Commission was one of the highlights of my ministry,” he declares, recalling such a venue in the Philippines where he led a group of teens.
Having served in youth ministry and Christian education for more than twenty-five years, Chris comments, “I’ve learned that ministry isn’t just about planning great events—it’s about investing in people. Some of the most meaningful discipleship happens over coffee, on a long van ride, after a game, or while serving together on a mission trip. Those conversations often become the moments God uses to shape a student’s future.”
That philosophy will shape his work at MBU. As newly-appointed director of the Office of Student Activities (OSA), he oversees student activities and premier events, working closely with the Student Body Council, class officers, and campus societies to mentor student leaders. As director of Global Encounters, he will organize short-term mission trips, mobilize teams of students and faculty, and coordinate logistics.
Coffee: An Invitation into Chris’s World
Chris was raised in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, “the gateway to the Ozarks,” in a Christian family actively involved in their local church. There he married, began ministry, and started a family which now includes four children, two of whom are MBU students. A Maranatha alumnus [‘20], Chris completed undergraduate work and earned a Master of Ministry degree through Online and Distance Learning.
Though “Missouri will always hold a special place in my heart,” he affirms, “my family and I are excited to call Wisconsin home.” One of the perks is that he and his wife, Janet, can serve together, since Janet is the new executive assistant for Academic Affairs.
Beyond ministry and spending time with family, Chris enjoys sports, both as a participant or spectator. Soccer is his favorite. His other interests include travel, reading, and, naturally, coffee. “I’m always ready and happy to sit down and get to know someone, especially if coffee is involved,” he quips.
Influence: Mentoring Future Leaders
“Coming to Maranatha wasn’t simply a career move,” Chris explains. ”Maranatha’s commitment to biblical truth, servant leadership, and the local church closely matched our family’s deep heart for ministry.”
Investing in college students was likewise compelling. “College is a unique season when young adults are making decisions that will influence the rest of their lives,” he explains. “I love the opportunity to walk alongside students as they grow spiritually and prepare for future ministry and careers.”
Contemplating his new responsibilities, Chris notes, “Some of the best college memories are built through shared experiences, and I want OSA to help foster that kind of community.” Of Global Encounters, he notes, “There’s something life-changing about stepping onto a mission field, partnering with local churches, and watching God work through ordinary people.”
“If students remember one thing about me years from now,” Chris muses, “I hope it isn’t an event I planned or a trip I led. I hope they’ll remember someone who genuinely loved Jesus, cared deeply for them, and encouraged them to faithfully follow Christ.”