James H. Waltner
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James H. Waltner, author of Psalms, was born near Freeman, South Dakota, grew up on a farm there, and was baptized in the Salem Mennonite Church. His educational studies included Freeman Junior College in South Dakota; Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas; and Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Chicago, graduating in 1958. In 1971, he completed a DMin program with a focus on Old Testament Studies and Preaching from Claremont School of Theology in California.
Waltner served as a pastor for thirty-eight years in Mennonite congregations in Kansas, California, Illinois, and Indiana. With specific interests in biblical studies, he taught courses in the Psalms at Bethel College, Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, Sunday school classes, and Bible lectures.
He wrote a number of Bible study guides for youth and adult Sunday school classes, including This We Believe, a catechism for young people (1967) and Baptism and Church Membership (1979). He served his denomination in numerous assignments, including being on the Membership Committee (1998-99), which helped to develop Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. He was Interim Executive Secreatary for Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries (2000-02) and Interim Executive Secretary for the Commission on Education (2001-02).
Waltner was a member of College Mennonite Church, Goshen, Indiana. He passed away in December 2007.
