Dr. Roger Trautmann has recently been hired as director of Multnomah Bible College and Biblical Seminary's Placement Department.

As the new director, Dr. Trautmann said he has a "burning desire to help place people in a ministry where they can best serve with the talents and abilities that God has given them."

Dr. Trautmann will be working under Dr. Don Brake, seminary dean, to help students nearing graduation to find jobs in various ministry positions. He will also be responsible for connecting with churches and Christian organizations to update information on ministry openings. In addition, Dr. Trautmann will teach two seminary classes: Developing Lay Ministry and Bible Study Methods II.

Dr. Trautmann arrived in Portland on Nov. 29 and has already begun working with ideas for his new position. However, he will officially begin in Jan. 2001.

Cheryl Dillon, college placement coordinator, will work under his supervision. She directs students interested in secular positions.

"I am very excited about this new job experience that the Lord has given me," Dr. Trautmann said. "The ministries I have been doing for the past 15 years are now all summed up into one job."

Dr. Trautmann received the Lord as his personal Savior when he was 10 years old. He later attended Western Bible College in Denver, Colo., to gain a solid understanding of the Bible.

As a sophomore, he attended a missionary conference where a missionary spoke about her experience on the field in New Guinea.

"When I heard [the missionary's] experience, I told the Lord I would be willing to do whatever He wanted me to do from that point on. If she was willing, I could be willing, too," he said.

Dr. Trautmann went on to Western Baptist Seminary in Portland, Ore., where he graduated in 1977. Twenty years later, he earned a doctor of ministry degree in church leadership from Biola University, Talbot School of Theology.

Dr. Trautmann and his wife, Iola, have been married 33 years. They have three grown children.

Dr. Trautmann enjoys sports such as backpacking, fishing and racquetball. He has led several groups backpacking.

When backpacking with church leadership groups, Dr. Trautmann stresses that a team works together, not only on the mountain, but in a church environment as well.

As the new director of placement, Dr. Trautmann said he desires to see as many people as possible mobilized in a fulfilling life of ministry, serving God in areas where they have been most gifted.

"As I recall the movie, 'Chariots of Fire,' I remember the words, 'When I run I sense His pleasure.' My desire is to help young people sense His pleasure," he said.