About Jonathan
Dr. Jonathan Bornman is a social anthropologist, peacemaker, filmmaker, author, and consultant specializing in Christian-Muslim relations, nonviolence, and intercultural bridge-building. His work spans 48 countries and four continents.
Background
Growing up in a Mennonite family in Indiana, Jonathan's worldview expanded through a one-year cross-cultural service and learning opportunity in Brazil, where he discovered a love of language and culture.
Jonathan and his wife, Carol, served in Burkina Faso (1991-94) developing water resources, where he learned French and local language greetings, gaining an understanding of African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity by living in a mixed community.
After earning a master's degree in intercultural studies from Fuller Theological Seminary with a focus on Islam, Jonathan served with his family in Senegal from 1999-2009 as a Bible teacher, where he learned Wolof language and culture.
In 2013, Jonathan joined Eastern Mennonite Missions' newly formed Christian-Muslim Relations Team and was mentored by Dr. David W. Shenk. This work expanded his international experience to 48 countries and four continents.
He completed his PhD at Middlesex University / Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS), producing the dissertation "American Murids: Muslim proponents of nonviolence open alternative conversations about Islam, jihad and immigration."
Jonathan loves being a husband, father, and grandfather!
Experience
Founder, Dove Tale Global
Founded Dove Tale Productions LLC (2021) and Dove Tale Consulting LLC (2026) — creating films, providing consulting, and organizing learning journeys.
Christian-Muslim Relations Team Leader at Eastern Mennonite Missions
Team mission statement: We seek to demonstrate Jesus' kingdom through friendship with Muslim people. I was mentored by Dr. David W. Shenk, one of the great pioneers of irenic Christian-Muslim dialogue in the 20th century.
Missionary and Bible Teacher, Senegal
Served with his family in Senegal, learning Wolof language and culture while teaching and building interfaith relationships.
Water Resource Development Volunteer
Served as a volunteer with Mennonite Central Committee alongside my wife, Carol, building earthen dams, digging large diameter wells and doing health work. Learning French and gaining an understanding of African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity were invaluable benefits acquired in service.
Volunteer
Mennonite Central Committee SALT program in Brazil: A one-year service and learning opportunity that expanded my worldview and ignited a love of language and culture.
Education
PhD, Social Anthropology
Middlesex University / Oxford Centre for Mission Studies (OCMS)
Dissertation (2021): "American Murids: Muslim proponents of nonviolence open alternative conversations about Islam, jihad and immigration"
ViewM.A., Intercultural Studies (focus on Islam)
Fuller Theological Seminary
Graduated in 2004
B.A., Physics
Goshen College
1990
Areas of Expertise
Personal Interests
Constructing wooden boats by hand — from kayaks to sailboats.
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