Brian Burns

Adjunct Instructor of Sociology & Social Work

I Serve in...

Sociology & Social Work Department

Education

• PhD candidate, University College London
• MRes, University College London
• IDHA, Fordham University
• MA, Intercultural Studies, Wheaton College
• BA, Christian Educational Ministries & Biblical Literature, Taylor University

Career Accomplishments

• Lived cross-culturally for 13 years in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia
• Served on the Global Leadership Team of a Christian relief and development organization
• Gave oversight to 19 relief and development professionals in eight countries
• Co-founded a school for 162 Syrian refugee children in Mafraq, Jordan
• Supervised construction projects of community centers in Jordan and Bangladesh
• Ran projects on behalf of NGOs such as Samaritan’s Purse, World Relief, Mercy Corps, Dorcas, and MedAir
• Owned a small business for 10 years

Awards & Honors

• My experiences in South Sudan were featured in the documentary, Facing Sudan (available on Netflix) 2007
• Rescuer of the Year, presented by the Springs Rescue Mission (Colorado Springs) 2004
• Certificate of Excellence in Youth Ministry, Board of Youth Ministry Educators 2003
• Testifying before US Congressional Committee on behalf of genocide in (South) Sudan 2000

Featured Publications

• Book chapter in Living with Sport, Routledge (forthcoming)
• Contributor to Wells of Refuge Devotional Bible, RAIN Alliance, 2023
• Book chapter in edited volume, “Dreaming Like a Jordanian: A Story of Church-Based Refugee Response.” In Hands: Stories and Lessons of Wholistic Development, 122–130. CAMA Services, 2019.
• Webinar presentation, MissioNexus, OnMission 2018. https://missionexus.org/onmission2018brianburns/

About

My life was indelibly shaped during my years as a Taylor student. Taylor has been recognized nationally for the high percentage of students taking advantage of opportunities to serve and study internationally. Taylor helped me develop the competencies that I often drew upon during my years of international service. I have been to 49 countries, but I am happy to make Indiana my home again!

I thoroughly enjoy research and the academic endeavor, especially related to cross-cultural learning. I am delighted to use my expertise to serve the student body. I love being part of the Taylor community. We come from very different backgrounds and experiences, but we are united in our love for Christ and our desire to serve him with excellence.

My wife and I have been married for 16 years. We have four children, and we feel called to mentor college students and make our home a place of hospitality. In addition to teaching and writing, I enjoy playing the drums, family bike rides, water sports, camping, and hiking.