James McLean

Originally from Machias, New York, James came to Purdue University in 2022 with his wife, Ellen. He earned a bachelor’s in theology and pastoral ministry from Houghton University in 2018 and a master’s in theology with a concentration in historical theology from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2024. He is currently pursuing a master’s in philosophy with a concentration in ethics.

James spent nine years in ministry at various Protestant churches as a lay minister and staff pastor. After taking a class on the early Church Fathers in 2022, he began questioning certain Protestant beliefs. After two years of intense study, he and Ellen were received into the Catholic Church in February 2024.

Passionate about sharing the faith, James especially hopes to guide those from Protestant backgrounds into the Church. In his free time, he enjoys reading, working out, baking, and spending time with Ellen and their daughter, Maisie.