Purposes

• To help students appreciate and understand Christian history, theology, and spirituality from the perspective of the biblical, historical Christian faith;
• To create opportunities for students to apply and integrate classroom knowledge and principles to in-service training experiences in local churches, cross-cultural settings, and missions;
• To prepare students to pursue the study of philosophy, theology, or religion in a graduate school or seminary;
• To educate students to be “practical thinkers” and “thinking practitioners.”
• To prepare students to apply principles of Christian formation for the practice of ministry.

Tradition of Excellence

The School of Theology and Christian Ministry faculty is committed to Christian service and the Wesleyan heritage. It offers personal attention and programs geared toward preparing women and men for ministry in a variety of forms as well as for other professions. With approximately fifty denominations represented at Point Loma, students have the opportunity to learn the similarities and differences between the major denominations and traditions within the Christian faith. The faculty of the School of Theology and Christian Ministry is diverse in educational background, with degrees from leading seminaries and universities across the country. Faculty members have published commentaries, articles in scholarly journals, books, and resources for pastors and Church leaders. All professors are members in academic societies in fields of study. Outside the classroom, the faculty are committed members of local congregations and often spend weekends preaching, teaching Sunday school, or speaking at camps and retreats.

Career Opportunities

Many of our students go directly into Christian ministry or other professions; others go on to seminary or graduate school. The School is proud of the acceptance rate of its alumni into a variety of graduate programs and law schools across the United States. To assist those entering Christian ministry of all sorts, “hands-on” internships in local churches are available. Also, up to six units can be earned through the summer ministries program by working in a local church, urban mission, or summer camp.

Faculty

Interim Dean - Rebecca Laird, D. Min.

Jennifer Guerra Aldana, M. Div.
Fuller Theological Seminary

Brad Kelle, Ph.D.
Emory University

Rebecca Laird, D. Min.
Drew University

Michael Lodahl, Ph.D.
Emory University

Kara Lyons-Pardue, Ph.D.
Princeton Theological Seminary

Mark Mann, Ph.D.
Boston University

Stephanie Matthews, Ph.D.
Vanderbilt University

Heather Ross, M.A.
De Paul University

Robert Thompson, Ph.D.
University of Oklahoma

Montague Williams, Ph.D.
Boston University

To view requirements for majors, minors, and certificates, see the Degree Program Information page.