Meet accounting and theology associate professor Rev. Dr. Hans Trinklein

Rev. Dr. John “Hans” Trinklein serves Concordia University, Nebraska as associate professor of accounting. He teaches financial accounting, managerial accounting and theology courses including history and literature of the Old Testament. He has served at the university for two years.  

“I really enjoy interacting with students and getting them interested in and excited about the material I’m teaching. Given that 50 percent or more of my class time is teaching accounting, that’s not always easy to do!” he said. “I thoroughly enjoy the people I work with, both the faculty and staff in business, in theology and around campus, because they are sincere, hard-working and take their vocation of teaching and reflecting Christ to the students very seriously. They are open and welcoming, not stuffy or hierarchical, and are very willing to work together with others to achieve our goal of training up men and women to impact the world for Jesus Christ.” 

He pointed out that integrating a Christ-centered focus can sometimes be challenging, especially when teaching accounting.  

I really enjoy interacting with students and getting them interested in and excited about the material I’m teaching. Given that 50 percent or more of my class time is teaching accounting, that’s not always easy to do! I thoroughly enjoy the people I work with, both the faculty and staff in business, in theology and around campus, because they are sincere, hard-working and take their vocation of teaching and reflecting Christ to the students very seriously.

“It does force me to face a key question every day as I prepare: how will the material I present help them in their present and future vocations? How will they see and learn of Jesus in today’s class? And given the variety of responses and levels of interest displayed by the class, teaching often provides me the opportunity to get down on my knees and have good, long, heart-to-heart talks with my Father,” he added. “He’s the only one who can provide the strength and inspiration I need. Otherwise it turns into rote or forced enthusiasm on my part, which students can almost always recognize. So my faith grows as it’s challenged, both by everyday experiences and by the questions that students ask.” 

He said that interaction with students is the best part of his job. 

“It’s been said that love isn’t love until you give it away. I’d say that much the same is true for your faith. It’s like a muscle that grows through use and challenge. Having the opportunity to talk with students about what matters to them, especially one-on-one or in small groups, presents many challenges and opportunities. Challenges, because their perspectives are not the same as mine, and the things that I assume are a ‘given’ are suddenly on the table for exploration, defense and discussion. But it’s also an opportunity, because it allows me to re-evaluate what I believe and why, and it gives me the opportunity to present the truth in a way that’s specifically appliable to the student’s situation. It’s so rewarding to see someone understand a core Gospel truth for the first time…how this ‘Jesus stuff’ really does apply to them, right now, in their context. It’s growth for both teacher and student as we hash it out together!” 

Trinklein’s beloved wife Gretchen lost her battle to cancer in 2022 after the couple came home from mission work in South Korea in order for her to pursue treatment. Seeking ways to serve following her passing, he recalled his first church call in Pierce, Nebraska, and began inquiries that eventually led to his service at the university. He has four grown children. The eldest (Jael) is married to a man whom she met at the Trinklein’s missionary orientation seminar. Abi is looking into joining the Marines. Mike is a musician with the St. Louis Philharmonic and teaches piano and cello when he’s not doing quartet gigs. John is in his first year at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.  

“The kids used to be a string quartet, until Jael had the audacity to get married and break up the band,” he laughed. “Abi, Mike and John reconfigured themselves as a trio and have even performed here at St. John’s for an Advent service.” 

Trinklein said his path to his current role has been filled with many twists and turns. At various times in his youth, he vowed he would never be an accountant, would never live in California, would never become a pastor, would never serve overseas and would never get a doctorate. 

“Now, some decades later…I won’t tell you how many…I am an ex-CPA who has worked in New York and Los Angeles who left that field to become a parish pastor who got a Ph.D. and served seven years on the other side of the planet. In short, if you want to hear God laugh, just tell Him your plans,” he said. “My Lord has taken me through the most unlikely series of experiences, serving in just about every way that I, in my great personal wisdom, was certain that I’d never do. And when I look back and consider all the twists and turns, I can easily see His loving hand at work. I wouldn’t have it any other way. God knows best. I just want to follow Him the best I can, and if the people I meet completely forget the vessel and see only Him, my heart will be satisfied.” 

A degree in accounting from Concordia University, Nebraska gives students the education to succeed in just about any aspect of the business world. Here, students get the foundation needed to become a certified public accountant, work for government institutions or in a private accounting firm, pursue a career in finance or corporate management accounting or become an entrepreneur.