Business Professor Steve Whiting preps for his business analysis and analytics seminar course at Bethel University, Feb. 23. Professor Whiting has been excited for the class because he is having a guest speaker from the business world speak to his class. “I easily could have became a pastor, probably what would have happened — but here I get to be both- So God’s vision for me was bigger than my vision for me,” Whiting said.

Professor Project: Professor Steve Whiting

Incorporating faith into all aspects of life.

By Zac Villarreal | Journalist

Professor Steve Whiting has been teaching at Bethel for 11 years as an associate professor of business. With more than 20 years of experience in management, consulting experience, and technology experience, professor Whiting’s primary focus is faith integration into the business world, along with all other aspects of life. However, Whiting is not only a professor at Bethel. Whiting also is the Bethel University club hockey coach and adviser. This season Whiting lead the club hockey team to a 16–4 record, and nearly had the Bethel Royals qualifying for the regional playoffs. His door is always open for any consulting an individual may need.

Why Bethel?

“I came to seminary originally be a pastor, I was in an industry group of computer consultants — I am passionate about helping other people, and felt like maybe God was to ministry.”

“I teach students how to be business professionals, so they can see all of life — not just Sundays — as ministry.”

Why do you teach?

“The way I teach faith integration is really important — I teach students how to be business professionals, so they can see all of life — not just Sundays — as ministry.”

If you weren’t a professor, what would you do as an occupation?

“I easily could have became a pastor, probably what would have happened — but here I get to be both- So God’s vision for me was bigger than my vision for me.”

Business Professor Steve Whiting preps for his business analysis and analytics seminar course at Bethel University, Feb. 23. He was very excited to have a guest speaker visit and talk to his students as an effective way to teach. “I easily could have became a pastor, probably what would have happened — but here I get to be both- So God’s vision for me was bigger than my vision for me,” Whiting said.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“I always loved all the super friends but there was something about flying that was super cool, the deviant side of me says being invisible — but no I don’t want that.”

What is your most embarrassing teaching story?

“I am not a person who embarrass easily, I have shared some stories that are personal or difficult — but I don’t go back and say I shouldn’t have said that. Those are the kinda stories that students point out as most transformational”

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

“About 10 years ago I thought I could be a high school teacher and a coach and an entrepreneur so I looked and sure enough Bethel had an opening, the first school did not want me but Bethel hired me. This college student reminded me that a long time ago I wanted to be a teacher.”

Business department, Whiting coached the Bethel club hockey team to a very successful season finishing with a 16–4 record, his aim is to provide competitive hockey players a place to play, while incorporating faith into hockey. “The way I teach faith integration is really important — I teach students how to be business professionals, so they can see all of life — not just sundays as ministry,” Whiting said. | Photo by Bryon Walls

What do you love about Bethel?

“My P course, Christian leadership in the secular world, we really dig into difficult issues and really push on people where they are in Christianity and how they will influence others. I always get feedback from someone saying this was the best class, this discussion we had, this thing we did really challenged me.”