Walking by Faith: Kristine Schiffbauer
Q. When did you first come to Waynesburg, and what led you here?
A. In the fall of 2008, seven years ago, God led me here.
I was looking for another job at the time and I saw an ad about this job and found out about it; it was a whole string of events, which included misplacing my phone.
I eventually got called in by Professor Krause.
It was what I believe to be divine intervention, because of all the circumstances that led me here.
Q. In what ways do you demonstrate your faith in your position at Waynesburg?
A. I demonstrate my faith at Waynesburg through my conversations with students, faculty and staff, as well as examples that I use in class and examples that I use from my life and in my visual work.
Q. Have any specific moments, whether in interacting with a student or a fellow faculty member, touched you spiritually or affirmed your faith?
A. I’ve had some great conversations, prayer and worship time – not only with chapel, but getting together in little faculty groups has been very helpful.
We’ve had a couple faculty faith retreats that have been fantastic.
One of the retreats was led by Barbra Bailey, who is now an adjunct at Waynesburg University.
That was probably the most memorable retreat. She spoke about imperfection; she gave an example of a broken pot still being useful.
Q. Do you feel that you are where God wants you to be?
A. Without a doubt. Honestly, I can’t see myself doing something else.
Q. How does this differ from the Herald Standard?
A. I had the opportunity to share my faith in personal contacts with friends and colleagues; however, open demonstration of faith was not something that happened in the workplace.
It’s refreshing and really affirming to be here where open demonstration is not only allowed, but encouraged and expected.
Q. Do you think you’ve grown in your faith?
A. Yes, without a doubt. Because of our faith mission, I was hired at a time where I had to give a faith statement.
I am expected to demonstrate my faith, and I see that as a privilege.