About Paul

Faith-based Faculty Development Specialist

I have been a pastor and/ or university professor for 35+ years. For the last 15 years, I have come alongside 10 0 s of Christian educators as Executive Director of Faith Integration and founder of TheoMetrics. I have come to understand the challenges faced by teachers from across a myriad of disciplines and professional fields as they pursue competency in offering a distinctly faith-based learning experience for their students. Extensive R & D has gone into developing resources that lead both rookie and veteran academics into a more satisfying experience as Christ-centered teachers and scholars.

Experienced Academic Coach | Consultant

My PhD in Leadership and my work in OD (organizational development) has given me eyes to see how a school’s leaders, systems, policies, etc. impact missional faithfulness. Faculty development resources support those on the front-lines. But informed leaders (at various levels) and institutional practices also make a significant impact on the school’s missional integrity and values-based alignment. From the overflow of decades of learning and experience about (and with) leaders and organizations, I offer context specific wisdom that w ill increase the likelihood of seeing promotional promises come alive in every classroom.

Endorsements

At Grace we have been using TheoMetrics’ AFI Foundations materials and our faculty have appreciated the depth and breadth of the content. Most of our faculty knew a little bit about Academic Faith Integration, but all of us have been stretched and supported in our professional goal to make faith connections more explicit in the curriculum. Whether novice or expert, the training provides structure for growth at any level. In addition, each discipline in the liberal arts arena benefits from the training materials, since the materials hit the philosophy of integration and then spell out practical steps to tackle faith integration as a process. We are so grateful for the expertise and gracious spirit that Dr. Kaak exhibits in the videos, which have provided a common vision for our community of professors.

Christy Hill, PhD.

Professor of Spiritual Formation
Co-facilitator Faith Integration Initiative
Grace College

My academic work in the area of faith and academics has led me to conclude, unfortunately, that much written and said on this subject has little to offer, including works written by major figures. So when I first heard about Paul Kaak, I was skeptical. After hearing him live, but from a distance, I said “We must bring this guy to campus.” After his day-long seminar, I surveyed our faculty informally, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. He was theoretically and conceptually knowledgeable (he is extremely well-read), experienced at the practical level, and fun and engaging to listen to. In my view, Christian higher education needs to bring more of the richness and truth of the Christian faith into academics, and Paul Kaak is one of the best resources to do so.

Brian Larsen, PhD

Professor of English
Simpson University

Because many fine Christian faculty graduated with terminal degrees from institutions not involved with the integration of the Christian faith, we recognize the need to offer assistance, especially to new faculty, for understanding why and how we integrate faith into the work of the academy (teaching and research). We discovered Paul Kaak’s work in 2023 and began a consulting relationship with him in 2024, starting with Paul being with us in-person to offer a day of outstanding lectures. We are very pleased with the content of TheoMetric’s academic faith integration (AFI) courses and we appreciate Paul’s approach to facilitating our AFI Task Force. Our journey with Paul is helping faculty gain a clear understanding of AFI while also helping our University to more clearly express our AFI expectations as it relates to faculty tenure and promotion.

Jon Olhauser, PhD

Provost
Crandall University

Read additional testimonials from Faculty and Leaders

Paul’s full Bio

Hundreds of conversations with dozens and dozens of Christian instructor and professors has revealed a consistent theme: while practically everyone is thrilled to be teaching in a Christian school, almost as many are not so sure how to do that in a robustly Christian way. For that reason, I spent 12 years as the Executive Director for the Office of Faith Integration at APU, doing what I could to offer equipping to faculty from across the wide spectrum of disciplines and professions. I’ve enjoyed learning more about their courses, research interests, and professional expertise and I’ve sought to think Christianly with them about their work in these significant slices of God’s majestic world.

Because my spiritual passion, personal experience, and professional assignment have allowed me to do this full-time for many years, I’ve had the unique opportunity to discover ways that faculty members are challenged regarding this task and ways to overcome these challenges. I’ve developed dozens of workshops, engaged in just as many collaborative projects, and consulted in every academic area (including STEM, the Arts, Behavior and Applied Sciences, Schools of Education, Business, and Nursing, etc). I’ve also worked with academic leaders at every level. My PhD in Leadership reminds me of the vital role of senior, mid-level, and board leaders if there is to be long-term engagement, success, and joy for those who deliver learning in the Christian school.

In my own scholarly endeavors, I have learned much regarding what makes this work doable for those without degrees in theology. I have faith integrated publications in areas such as Leadership Studies, K-12 Education, and Positive Psychology, as well as themes in fields such as Agriculture, Ecology, Literature, and Christian Higher Education. In my role as Faith Integration Section Editor (2015-2023) for Christian Higher Education: An International Journal of Theory, Research, and Practice I’ve also discerned best practices for scholarly work infused with Christian faith.

In 2023 I launched TheoMetrics, an idea that had been germinating for many years. One senior administrator challenged me this way: “Paul, you’ve been faithful to invest in one place for more than a decade. Its time to share what you’ve learned with the rest of us. It’s time to multiply your efforts and share what you’ve learned.”

[Learn more about my “side hustle” supporting the development of leaders and teams that are often (but not always) outside of faith-based universities here.]

Additional Endorsements

Dr. Paul Kaak has significantly contributed to the integration of faith into every course at Grace College, helping to train and educate our faculty as we continually seek to have every course grounded in Scripture. Dr. Kaak’s materials have been instrumental as we strive to connect faith integration from the core courses through each program at Grace. Dr. Kaak’s experience in Academic Faith Integration has allowed him to speak and serve competently across various disciplines within our institution. Dr. Kaak and TheoMetrics materials are able to reach each faculty member, no matter if they are a novice or an expert in academic faith integration.

Kevin Roberts, PsyD

Provost and Professor of Behavioral Sciences
Grace College

I have 35 years of experience in higher education, serving in faculty and leadership roles in 4 Christian colleges. I started my faith integration journey with some of the original thinkers in this area. But in recent years Paul has come alongside, challenging me to go deeper as a Christian scholar, researcher, and teacher. Whether it is a book, a blog, an article, a new speaker, or an unplanned conversation, he has become my “go-to” resource person in the area of academic faith integration. I’ve watched Paul walk alongside faculty, students, and leadership in amazing ways. His presentations, training resources, and mentoring have challenged and focused our understanding of what can happen at the intersection of faith, intellect, and life. I am proud to recommend him to you and your organization, just as I am proud to call him a colleague and friend.

Christopher Leland

Associate Provost for Faculty Development & Faith Integration
Biola University

Dr. Paul Kaak worked with an Academic Faith Integration Faculty Taskforce to improve the University’s goals in regard to the integration of faith and learning. He also assisted departments and faculty to develop syllabuses and lessons that implemented these goals. Dr. Kaak was both a great resource for this endeavor and also a friendly and collegial coach. He is more than a consultant — as his commitment to and understanding of this field gives him the credibility to work effectively with faculty across various disciplines.

David Turk, PhD

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs (Retired)
Alliance University

Working with Paul is a delight. His passion and expertise in Academic Faith Integration are unparalleled. His charisma in presentation and interpersonal relationships makes him able to expertly lead others to the next level in integration, enabling faculty to empower students to think faithfully!

Amy Davis Abdallah, MDiv, PhD.

Professor of Practical Theology & Worship, Alliance University
Coordinator of Academic Faith Integration Initiative

I am pleased to recommend Dr. Paul Kaak and his consultation services for academic faith integration. During my decade as Provost at APU I interacted regularly with Paul in his role as the Executive Director of the Office of Faith Integration. Paul has a vision for faith integration that aligns with the commitment of Christian higher education to provide academic excellence from a Christian worldview.

If you are interested in enhancing your faith integration efforts on your campus, Paul can provide the expertise that will help you to do so. He has extensive experience in working with faculty and academic leaders to create a shared vision for the integration of God’s truth in each academic discipline. He knows how to develop internal leaders who will ensure the lasting impact of his consultant efforts. His approach is collaborative and supportive and he engages others in a positive manner. You will enjoy working with Paul. I highly recommend him to you.

Mark Stanton, PhD, ABPP

Professor and Past Provost

For CCCU institutions seeking to review and/or hone the “Faith Integration” dimension of their missional distinctive, I am pleased to commend the expertise of Dr. Paul Kaak, a valued colleague. The breadth of Paul’s background in all areas of faith integration, combined with his respect for the strengths of various theological traditions, has benefitted hundreds of faculty as they have engaged in faith integrated teaching and scholarship. As the “Faith Integration Section Editor” for the peer-reviewed journal I co-edit with Dr. Laurie Schreiner, Christian Higher Education: An International Journal of Research, Theory, and Practice, Paul has overseen the preparation of dozens of articles. His competence and commitment to the faith integration process will benefit institutional leaders who are seeking a fresh perspective on Faith Integration policies/practices and who intend to provide their faculty with faith integration programming that is professionally engaging and useful.

Karen Longman, PhD (Retired)

Professor of Higher Education; Azusa Pacific University
Former Co-Editor, Christian Higher Education: An International Journal of Research, Theory, and Practice

Paul Kaak is an inspirational leader who has profoundly shaped the way I think about academic faith integration. For Paul, his work is a mission of love, not merely a job. He helped me draw out my best work in faith-integration as a professional philosopher, and he extended my vision of what is possible in teaching and scholarship in practical ways. He is, in my judgement, the best in the world in the area of people-building and strategically stewarding the vital task of faith-integration.

Joshua Rasmussen

Professor of Philosophy
Baylor University

I have high regard for Dr. Paul Kaak. First, he was my Professor of Leadership in graduate school. Later, as Superintendent of Western Christian Schools, I sought Dr. Kaak’s assistance to develop a school-wide program of leadership development. My hope was that we might foster a broader leadership culture that blended the best of leadership theory with leadership in the way of Jesus. Through a series of consultations and guided team meetings marked by Dr. Kaak’s faith-based approach (to everything!), a framework is emerging that is tailored to the strengths and values of Western Christian. I am pleased to announce that we are seeing amazing results.

John Attwood, MA

Superintendent
Western Christian Schools

Paul Kaak is an exceptional academic leader, and throughout our interactions over the years, I have consistently admired his deep devotion to God, his genuine care for the faculty he serves, and his steadfast dedication to integrating faith into academics. A man of remarkable character, Paul has made significant contributions to ensuring that faith integration is both impactful and meaningful for teachers and students alike.

G. James Daichendt, Ed.D.

Interim Provost & Chief Academic Officer

Point Loma Nazarene University

I sincerely appreciate Paul’s contributions to the work of Christian higher education. His work is sorely needed and fills a very important gap. I have been pleasantly educated by Paul regarding a variety of views of Academic Faith Integration. The conversations he has led me and my faculty colleagues through have enriched our understanding and our drive to consider the complements, tensions, and benefits involved in working towards a more wholistic perspective of Christian education and professional development.

Carlton Jean, DSW, LCSW, MA

Assistant Professor of Social Work
Alliance University School of Social Work

Dr. Paul Kaak was a tremendous resource for me as an early career professor trying to understand what faith integration could look like while teaching within a secular discipline. In a group setting with peer professors, Dr. Kaak led us through discussions around pedagogy and provided concrete examples of faith integration in the classroom. He also created space for us to ask questions related to specific content in our varied disciplines and gave suggestions for classroom activities and discussions. One of the most impactful sessions with Dr. Kaak was when we discussed the topic of sin and evil. In this session, we discussed personal and individual sin and evil as well as corporate sin and evil. Dr. Kaak’s approach to this subject – through modeling and instruction – was nuanced, contextualized, relevant and thought provoking. He challenged us to consider how integrative learning can be a springboard for navigating these complex matters. Regardless of the discipline, Dr. Kaak remained faithful to biblical orthodoxy and provided the frameworks we needed to allow integrative learning to be a lifelong process.

Leah Fortson Reed, PhD, MDiv

Assistant Professor
Director of Clinical Training – Practicum

Dr. Paul Kaak is an inspiring and knowledgeable professor to professors. I have been part of his well-researched and thought-provoking workshops on topics such as ethics and worldview. His insights helped me understand how I integrate faith into my classes and how to explain this in an internal faith integration reflection paper. My most substantial learning collaboration with Paul was his direction and editorial support in my research and resulting article in the Journal of Christian Higher Education titled “The Method Efficacy and Outcomes of a Marketing Service-Learning Project on the Integration of Faith-Related Perspectives into the Lives of Undergraduate Students.” I wholeheartedly endorse Paul for training, coaching, consulting, and developing organizations to strategically understand how to align their faith with their missional identity, putting this into practice in every classroom.

Rachel Bodell, PhD

Associate Professor
Biola University

I met Paul Kaak in my first year as a faculty member at APU. Very quickly, he learned about my research and helped me bridge the connection between my interests in organizational membership and a more robust theology of work. He welcomed me into scholarly conversations and deep thinking about my faith and refined my growing understanding of the relationship between this rich theology and my academic field of expertise. Remarkably approachable and humble, willing to come alongside, and deeply committed to living out the Christian faith, Paul is a wonderful, knowledgeable guide, generous with all he has.

Courtney Wong Davis, Ph.D.

Professor & Chair, Department of Communication Studies
School of Business & Management
Azusa Pacific University

Dr. Paul Kaak’s expertise in academic faith integration has profoundly shaped my understanding of weaving faith and learning in meaningful ways. As a leadership studies faculty member, his guidance challenged me to think deeply about how to model faith in my teaching practices, fostering an environment where students could authentically engage with their beliefs, and to pursue depth in integration with Leadership Studies as a discipline. Now, as a Dean of Leadership, I draw upon the insights I gained through Paul’s work to support and equip my faculty in delivering faith-based leadership education. His thoughtful and practical approaches continue to inspire how I mentor others, ensuring that faith integration remains a vibrant and transformative part of our institutional mission.

Shawna L. Nist, PhD

Dean of Leadership | Associate Professor of Leadership
Trinity Western University

As a new faculty member at a Christian university where Academic Faith Integration is highly valued and required it is imperative that I gain a deeper theological, theoretical, and practical understanding of Academic Faith Integration. The ongoing journey with Paul and my colleagues through the TheoMetrics AFI 100 Series has expanded my knowledge and equipped me to grow in my ability to effectively and competently integrate faith in the academic setting where I serve.

Gloria Trail, MA

Lecturer of Education
Crandall University

I’ve seen Paul present to a variety of audiences. His detailed preparation is always impressive, leading to well-organized and easy-to-follow lectures. Confident and articulate, his delivery not only connects with students and faculty colleagues but also engages them. Audiences especially appreciate Paul’s irenic spirit, insightful observations, and admirable passion.

David Weeks, PhD

Dean | Honors College
Azusa Pacific University

Paul Kaak is an engaging speaker. He brings together theological insight, cultural connections, needed research, and reflection from real life to whatever he presents. Together with his excellent use of supporting visuals, I am always left with new insights to ponder.

Jude Tiersma-Watson, PhD

InnerChange/Novo
Associate Senior Professor of Urban Mission
Fuller Theological Seminary

Paul has a unique way of taking a thoroughly researched topic and translating it into an engaging presentation that can be accessed by a broad spectrum of listeners. His desire to see others gain from the insights he has discovered during his preparation encourages those around him to adopt the same curiosity about the topic that he demonstrates, while his creative use of visuals underscores his content and bolsters retention of the information being presented.

John Selbak, JD

Corporate Counsel Partners
Adjunct Professor of Law and Entrepreneurship

Dr. Paul Kaak is a master communicator. Having heard his lectures in both academic and church settings, I have on every occasion been challenged both intellectually and personally by his insightful and incisive approaches to the challenges of our postmodern age. Kaak’s heartfelt approach to his topics–and his ability to plumb the depth and breadth of his scholarship to find points of connection with his audience—make him a compelling speaker for laypersons, academics, and leaders. I heartily recommend him.

Jennifer Leader, PhD

Professor of English
Mt. San Antonio College

Some years ago I became a professor at a private Christian university after a lifetime of education in exclusively public schools and universities. I had no clue what Academic Faith Integration was and how it differed from “praying at the beginning of class”. With Dr. Kaak’s training in the weeks preceding my first course, I quickly learned how my faith can inform how I practice Computer Science, and how my Computer Science field can inform how I understand my faith. In the last 11 years since Dr. Kaak’s instruction, I’ve applied his principles on Academic Faith Integration successfully to numerous courses and program designs at two universities.

Dan Grissom, PhD

Department Chair | Professor of Computing, Software, and Data Sciences
California Baptist University

Vanguard University created an Academic Faith Integration (AFI) taskforce in the beginning of the 2023-24 academic year charged with the responsibility of further strengthening the university’s engagement in academic faith integration. Dr. Paul Kaak was appointed to lead our task force. His collaborative and empowering leadership has yielded excellent results; the experience has been formative as well as functional.

Paul is knowledgeable and passionate about academic faith integration. Theologically astute, he is also a highly effective systems thinker in his approach to organizational change. Our taskforce has been consistently impressed by his dedication and effectiveness as a Christian education consultant. We enthusiastically recommend Paul and TheoMetrics to any Christian educational institution eager to effect genuine learning while at the same time staying true to its historic ministry and mission

.Tom Carmody, PhD | Professor of Communication

Jim Darlack, MA; MLS | Associate Professor | Senior Director O. Cope Budge Library

Brenda Gessel, PhD | Director | Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology

Michael Jimenez, PhD | Associate Professor of History

Rene Rose, MA | Assistant Professor of Education

Isaac Voss, PhD | Associate Professor of Sociology; Nursing

Gary Tyra, PhD | Professor of Theology