Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Vancouver, Washington.

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

When I look back and compare where I was personally on my first day of classes and where I am now, I see just how much I have benefited from the seminary. I can honestly say that through my experience at Western I have been challenged in so many ways both personally and academically. By taking part in classes, I did a lot of evaluating of my thought processes, my beliefs, and my theology. I have been stretched to think through many different viewpoints, to consider many perspectives, and to examine my own lens through which I see and approach things. I feel much more prepared to counsel now and feel well equipped to effectively help and minister to others. It is amazing to see the way that coming to seminary has positively impacted the many areas of my life.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

As a MA in Counseling student, I would love to counsel in a clinical setting. I am still figuring out what kind of counseling I would like to do specifically, but the internships and classes I am in and plan to be a part of in the future are helping me to see where my interests and giftings are.

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to? Costa Rica!!! I went with a big group of friends a couple of years ago and it was the best experience of my life! So peaceful, beautiful, and the people I met there had such great perspectives on life. I loved detoxing from technology (no cell phone service) and really learning to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the area. I really connected with the Lord on a very deep level on that trip and was able to learn to stop to breathe and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and the simple things in life that God so graciously blesses us with. Such a great experience!

What is your favorite movie of all time?

It is difficult to narrow it down, but I’d say it is a tie between the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice and Steel Magnolias.

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

I first heard about Western Seminary through friends and mentors who were attending and had attended classes in the past. When I visited the campus I was really very impressed with the faculty and the way that classes seemed to run. I loved the mix of lecture and discussion I experienced while sitting in on a class. I also loved the way that the material was covered in such a way that promoted critical thinking on the part of the student. What absolutely sold me on Western was hearing that Western has students take part in internship/ ministry as part of their education with the main idea behind it being that a person learns not only by researching and reading but, they also learn so much by doing. I also greatly valued that all of the faculty members have served in the field in which they teach. I knew Western Seminary would prepare and train me well.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love exploring new places in the Portland area or walking around downtown or on 23rd with my husband. In Portland there is always something going on in the community or new shops and restaurants to check out. I also must admit that I will find almost any excuse to wander into Powell’s Bookstore and spend an afternoon or evening perusing the books and sipping coffee. I also love to cook, quilt, travel, and listen to music. Generally speaking, I am a huge fan of pretty much anything that involves spending time with my close friends and loved ones.

What’s your favorite quote?

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." — C.S. Lewis

Who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

The Lord has placed in my life many mentors and friends who have influenced my walk as a Christian in incredible ways. I would say that both my youth pastor and my small group leader in middle school and high school greatly encouraged me to seek to know God more deeply, to get involved in ministry, and to know my worth in Christ which was incredibly impactful at that age as I was forming my identity. My husband Ray, my family, and my best friend LeeAnn have been very encouraging to me throughout my life and in my faith. They have really challenged me to grow more and more deeply in my faith and in my walk with the Lord and to know why I believe what I believe.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

Whether you are taking on an entire degree program or auditing one course I think that seminary is necessary. Not only does seminary prepare you to minister to others effectively, but it stretches you to think critically about your theology and practice. One of the richest parts, I believe, of the seminary experience is not only the lecture and book/article reading, but, the rich discussion it provokes. By attending seminary classes I am not limited to the thoughts and opinions myself and the authors of the books I am reading but, I also get the opportunity to see issues and subjects through the lenses of the other students in my class and my professors as well! Not only does this help me to consider and think critically from different angles, but it also adds to the value of my education in that it more thoroughly prepares me for ministry. I believe that it is essential that the people who are pastoring, ministering, and counseling be well-trained so that they will be well equipped and effective in their roles.

Where are you originally from?

Most recently from La Mirada, California, but I’ve moved around a lot.

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

I am not in a degree program, but I have greatly benefited from taking courses at Western through our Learning Together Program. This program is designed to allow spouses of those who are in degree programs, to also take advantage of the training that Western offers. Being able to take courses alongside my husband Matt not only helped us have common ground as we dealt with the rigors of graduate school, but it also personally challenged me to think through how I approach ministry, the Church, and my relationship with God. I am so thankful that Western values not only equipping individuals, but also couples for ministry.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

My husband graduated with an MA in 2009, and he is serving as an Associate Pastor. Because I feel like God has brought us together to do His kingdom work, I am serving alongside him in ministry. I have been so blessed to be able to minister to people as we invite them into our home and also to be able to invest in the lives of young women.

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to? I would love to go to Fiji.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

Les Misérables.

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

When Matt and I prayed about it, we knew this is where God wanted us to go. We knew that we wanted to go to a seminary that would challenge us not just academically, but also that would help us to continue deepening in our walks with the Lord. It was refreshing to interact with professors and students who weren’t approaching seminary just as an academic endeavor, but who really wanted to apply what they were learning to their lives and ministries.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Moving up to Portland, I have developed a great appreciation for coffee, so I love going to a fun coffee shop and hanging out with friends. When the sun is shining, I really enjoy spending time outdoors (mountain biking, walking, hiking, lying on a blanket in the park). I also enjoy good food, so my husband and I always have fun finding new date restaurants. And, I’m a big basketball fan so it’s great when I get to catch a Lakers game or a college basketball game.

What’s your favorite quote?

“Wisdom is the right use of knowledge. To know is not to be wise. Many men know a great deal, and are all the greater fools for it. There is no fool so great a fool as a knowing fool. But to know how to use knowledge is to have wisdom.” — Charles Spurgeon

Besides Jesus, who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

R.A. Torrey. Both for what I’ve read and been influenced by personally and for the influence he’s had on my parents, husband, and the pastors that have influenced my life.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

Having seen my husband go through seminary, I realize that this time was essential for him to really think through his approach to ministry. We had served in youth ministry for 3 years before coming to seminary, but I think we had a lot of blind spots and things the Lord wanted to teach us. Having professors and students with a variety of perspectives and being challenged to think through so many different issues really enriched us and prepared us to be more effective in ministry.

Where are you originally from?

Born in Santa Barbara, California.

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

Western has trained me to understand and apply what God’s word says. I used to rely on and apply worldly, pragmatic advice and solutions.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

I am pursuing a Master of Divinity, hoping to apply it in leading a church, which desires renewal.

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to? I’d like to take my wife through Europe during April.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

The Incredibles (I’m a kid at heart).

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

My pastor had taken Greek through the Western Seminary Center for Lifelong Learning (distance learning), so I took Carl Laney’s classes, loved them, and moved to Portland for more.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Go for walks in my neighborhood, go backpacking with my kids, and grow vegetables and roses in my garden.

What’s your favorite quote?

“In Him you have been made complete.” Colossians 2:10

Who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

My wife, who has faithfully loved me for 22 years, whereas my life prior to her had been marked by broken relationships.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

To learn to accurately handle God’s word, and to gain skill and wisdom in leadership from professors who are also church leaders.

Where are you originally from?

Cleveland, Ohio

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

I benefited from gleaning from my husband’s DMiss courses. (We have been missionaries for over 20 years.)

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

n/a (yet)

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

Israel

What is your favorite movie of all time?

I don’t really have an all time favorite, but I like Driving Miss Daisy. (I’m not a big movie fan)

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

I’m actually working here, but my husband came in 1999 for the DMiss program because it came highly recommended.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Music, exercise, read, visit with people.

What’s your favorite quote?

Prov. 14:4a “Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty” Life is messy.

Besides Jesus, who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

My husband

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

If both professor and student desire spiritual transformation, studying God’s Word in deeper ways can help bring that transformation about. Seminary training has also given us tools that we have used to present the truths of God’s Word more effectively.

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Napa, California.

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

Western Seminary has reshaped how I approach biblical and theological studies. I have learned to think with the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center, while doing my studies in service to the church.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

I am currently in the Master of Theology (Th.M.) program and I also did the MA (Biblical and Theological Studies) here at Western Seminary. I intend on going into doctoral studies with hopes of some day teaching in a college or seminary setting.

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go? And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to?

If I had an all-expense paid vacation I would probably go to Greece to tour cities like Corinth and Thessalonica. The best vacation I have ever had would likely be my recent trip to Rome/Paris, but my trip to Israel in 2005 was wonderful as well.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

I think my all time favorite movie is Goodwill Hunting. I think the greatest scene is when Will’s best friend is talking to him during a break from work and he basically tells him that if he doesn’t take the opportunities afforded to him it will be an affront to all his friends and family that wish they had his gift.

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

I was considering a few seminaries, but the key reason for choosing Western Seminary was my connection with alumni. It is one thing to see marketing materials for a school; it is something altogether different to have someone give you a first-hand account of their experience.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I have free time I read, which also seems to be what I do when I am busy! I like to write as well.

What’s your favorite quote?

It would be from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together (p. 27), which I read at a time in my life when I was really struggling to understand my relationship to the church. He wrote, “Every human wish or dream that is injected into the Christian community is a hindrance to genuine community and must be banished if genuine community is to survive. He who loves his dream of community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial.” I realized that while we should always want to see the church grow in Christ, we should not confused our idealistic dreams with what is really the most important thing: loving our brothers and sisters in Christ as they are, because they are children of God.

Besides Jesus, who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

I would say I have had two great influences on my life. The first is one of Western Seminary’s adjunct professors and my pastor when I lived in San Francisco, Dr. Jeff Garner. The second would be N.T. Wright whom I have only met once but whose writings have given me a biblical imagination.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

I think seminary training is necessary because life is messy and people are complicated. One great way to prepare for being a Christian in a diverse world is to sit under several professors with differing views on various subjects and in the classroom when twenty other students preparing for service to the Christian church who do not see eye-to-eye with you. It is easy to say that I can get training where I am at with people who are familiar. But to grow one must be stretched beyond comfort zones and seminary is an ideal atmosphere for this.

Where are you originally from?

Born in Los Angeles, California, moved to El Paso, Texas for 13.5 years, then moved to Phoenix, Arizona. Lived there for 9 years, graduated from ASU (Go Sundevils!), and came to San Jose, California in 2005. Best decision ever.

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

My time at Western has proven to be one of the most humbling, humiliating, growing, and challenging times for me in my walk with Christ. I came in with years of ministry experience under my belt, determined to prove people wrong about what leadership was about and how to make things happen in ministry, as I did life with people. Then, at Western, the Gospel finally touched my soul in a way that has brought me to my knees. Assumptions about my life, my experience, and my ministry were tested and found wanting. The Gospel shifted how I had initially viewed ministry from a self-driven, ego-centric, man-focused perspective, into a grace-filled, Gospel-centric, Christ-focused approach. Christ truly turns everything upside down, including what it means to be successful, and that has recalibrated my understanding of leadership.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

My calling has always been to teach, to preach, and to shepherd God’s people. Currently, that calling has led me to the Bay Area, where I hope to plant a church upon completion of my degree, with the hope that, twenty-five to thirty years from now, I can be an existing leader in this area who supports and unleashes the emerging leaders of the next generation to proclaim the Gospel in word as they authenticate it with their lives.

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to? In 2009, my wife and I visited the north island of New Zealand for 15 days. Best vacation ever! We would go back to New Zealand, and explore the south island.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

Hardest question ever! I have them for all categories. Just to name a few off the top of my head: The Notebook, Horse Feathers, Constantine, anything by Chris Nolan . . . okay, I’ll stop . . .

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

As I became more active in ministry leadership, I began to realize that my biggest deficiency as a leader within the church was that I did not understand my Bible as well as I wanted to. The longer I worked with people, and consequently with the difficult questions that they had about life, God, and the Bible, the more I realized that the paper-thin pages of my Bible belied the depth of the majestic truth of God and His grace through the Messiah, Jesus. It was like looking into crystal clear ocean water. Sometimes, you can see further down than you think. But once you engage it and get inside of it, the raw power of the God it reveals is almost overwhelming. I wanted more of that. I had visited other seminaries, and attended one, before I came to Western. Western was most concerned with me, as an individual, learning how to navigate through that, explaining the Gospel clearly to me, allowing Scriptures to direct what they were teaching, and showing how it informs every aspect of my life. I came to Western because, here, I learned how the theology that I was so intent on understanding was supposed to manifest itself in the way that I lived my life. So far, they have succeeded. Western is not for everybody. They do not ignore the academic or intellectual nuances of developing a sound theology, but they never let it rest there. As one of my professors put it, “If we understand in detail a theology that explains all the answers, but does not impact the way we live our life, then that theology is worthless and an offense to the sacrifice of Christ.”

What do you like to do in your free time?

Spend time with my beautiful wife, Alison, and our new daughter, Soleil!!

What’s your favorite quote?

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb. Naked I will depart. The Lord gives. The Lord takes away. May the name of the Lord be praised!” (Job 1:21)

Who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

My wife, Alison, who has expressed grace to me in amounts and in a way that no one ever has or ever will. She shows me how to live and love as Christ did and does.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

Seminary training is necessary only if somebody has not already received formal and intense biblical and theological training. Jesus grew up in the Jewish tradition, memorizing books and books of the Old Testament. In fact, on the road to Emmaus after His resurrection, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets He explained to them what was said in all of the Scriptures concerning Himself. Not just some Scriptures. Not a lot. But all of the Scriptures! How can you do that without being trained? Seminary training is necessary because it refines you as a leader of spiritual people to be better equipped to point them to Christ Jesus. We recognize the value of intense and formal training in other professions, but I am astounded at how quickly people wave it aside as being excessive or unnecessary in a vocational pastoral setting. If our child needed surgery, I would never allow someone who really loved anatomy, but never received training in it, perform surgery on her. If my car needed a transmission overhaul, I would never allow someone who really appreciates the beauty of cars, but has not touched an engine, work on my car. People are spiritual beings in physical bodies. We need people who are spiritual leaders, capable of continually pointing us back to Christ. For those reasons, formal training is necessary. Western Seminary offers that.

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in Los Altos, California. After high school, I went to college in San Diego, moved to China, then returned here to the Bay Area!

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

One of my favorite places on earth is Italy. I was fortunate enough to visit the country in high school as well as study abroad in Florence during my college years. My time was unbelievble. My Mom is fullblood Italian, despite the fact, I was shocked as to how much the foreign country felt like home. The streets, the food, the people, in fact, the entirty of Italian culture is comforting to me!

What is your favorite movie of all time?

I have interesting taste in movies. I tend to enjoy the "out-there," colorful, creative ones, though I also like historically plausible films. I can't give you just one, but here are a few: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the original), Stardust, Moulin Rouge, Shawshank Redemption, and the Gladiator.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love being outdoors, singing, dancing, and doing just about anything creative. I've had a longstanding passion for art, particularly oil painting. I can paint for hours and hours, and time seems to pass almost instantly. In addition, I enjoy reading, journaling, and spending time with friends.

What’s your favorite quote?

Now this is a difficult question; there are so many amazing quotes out there! Though it’s not my absolute favorite, this is one I heard recently from a dear friend and I can often relate: Every morning I awake torn between a desire to save the world and an inclination to savour it. This makes it hard to plan the day. – E.B. White

Who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

My family. I don't know if I could name just one person, seeing as that I have four siblings and two amazing parents. They've each challenged me in their own way at varying points in my life. My family is constant, honest, and unbelievably supportive. They have each pushed me to grow more than anyone in the world.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

Hmm, good question. I'm not in seminary, though I do feel it is essential for those entering into a pastoral, counseling, or ministry role. What an amazing calling to be entering into such a position, though what an even greater responsibility?! I know this is how Tony stated his answer, but what an appropriate way to illustrate the point: If an individual wants to be a doctor, he/she cannot begin to operate solely because they have an innate desire. He/she must study, train, and prepare for their career as a doctor. I feel the same goes for those in ministry.

Where are you originally from?

Muskego, Wisconsin (America’s real Dairyland!).

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

Western has taken this clean slate of mine and has added a wealth of knowledge and practicality to how I be and do ministry. I had graduated from a secular university in Wisconsin and I had very little instruction in terms of ministry preparation and application. I now have enhanced my gifts and skill set in terms of how to lead and shepherd others and how to be a better preacher and teacher of the Word. I’m understanding more and more of God’s grace for me and how God’s sees within us the beauty of our brokenness.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing (list degree in response)?

Currently, I am enrolled in the Master of Divinity program but I am thinking of pursuing Western’s Master of Divinity/Master of Arts Marital and Family Therapy dual degree program. There so many things that I would like to do, but to narrow it down I would love to be a teaching pastor, plant a church, and be Christian counselor/therapist/psychologist- sorry, that really didn’t narrow it down!

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to? If you ever saw the movie Couples Retreat, then you know what I’m talking about…Bora Bora in one of those vacation huts that stands above the water! Also, I would love to go to Hawaii and stay at the very last island, Kauai. I hear that it’s laid back and chill there…fits my personality nicely! The best vacation spot I’ve ever been to was Captiva, Florida. It was so amazing to overlook the Gulf of Mexico!

What is your favorite movie of all time?

This is a hard one…has to be a first place tie between Anchorman and Dumb and Dumber. Tommy Boy is definitely a close 2nd or would that be 3rd? Oh wait, the dark horse is The Adjustment Bureau…really, really good!

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

I have some friends that live in California’s Central Valley near the Sacramento campus, Western’s tuition rate was very affordable compared to other seminaries, and their theological and faith statements were very sound.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to take naps, watch the Green Bay Packers (the best football team ever!) and the Milwaukee Brewers, attend their games when I’m back in the Motherland, hang out with friends, play some flag football, go bowling, watch movies, eat, go to the gym (after I eat), play baseball and basketball, find a quiet place to be still, take a nice hike, and did I mention taking a nap?

What’s your favorite quote?

I really don’t have one. However, I really love this passage from 1 John 3:19 - 21: “This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God”.

Who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

Believe me; I’m not trying to sound like a seminarian here, but Jesus Christ. Since the day I met Him, He has been so patient with me and continues to make me aware of His unconditional love for me. My parents have also been a powerful influence in my life. They have sacrificed for me all my life and for that and their tremendous love I am very grateful!

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

All of us who name the name of Christ have been gifted in amazing ways with skill sets, temperaments, desires, passions, and gifts that He has put in all of us. Seminary is necessary not because it gives you those things, but acts as a blacksmith and helps refine them. Seminary is meant to sharpen our God-given gifts so that they can be maximized to further expand and enrich God’s kingdom. Seminary is meant to further the cause of gospel-centered transformation, which is a movement made up of all of us.

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Vancouver, Washington.

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

When I look back and compare where I was personally on my first day of classes and where I am now, I see just how much I have benefited from the seminary. I can honestly say that through my experience at Western I have been challenged in so many ways both personally and academically. By taking part in classes, I did a lot of evaluating of my thought processes, my beliefs, and my theology. I have been stretched to think through many different viewpoints, to consider many perspectives, and to examine my own lens through which I see and approach things. I feel much more prepared to counsel now and feel well equipped to effectively help and minister to others. It is amazing to see the way that coming to seminary has positively impacted the many areas of my life.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

As a MA in Counseling student, I would love to counsel in a clinical setting. I am still figuring out what kind of counseling I would like to do specifically, but the internships and classes I am in and plan to be a part of in the future are helping me to see where my interests and giftings are.

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to? Costa Rica!!! I went with a big group of friends a couple of years ago and it was the best experience of my life! So peaceful, beautiful, and the people I met there had such great perspectives on life. I loved detoxing from technology (no cell phone service) and really learning to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of the area. I really connected with the Lord on a very deep level on that trip and was able to learn to stop to breathe and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us and the simple things in life that God so graciously blesses us with. Such a great experience!

What is your favorite movie of all time?

It is difficult to narrow it down, but I’d say it is a tie between the BBC version of Pride & Prejudice and Steel Magnolias.

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

I first heard about Western Seminary through friends and mentors who were attending and had attended classes in the past. When I visited the campus I was really very impressed with the faculty and the way that classes seemed to run. I loved the mix of lecture and discussion I experienced while sitting in on a class. I also loved the way that the material was covered in such a way that promoted critical thinking on the part of the student. What absolutely sold me on Western was hearing that Western has students take part in internship/ ministry as part of their education with the main idea behind it being that a person learns not only by researching and reading but, they also learn so much by doing. I also greatly valued that all of the faculty members have served in the field in which they teach. I knew Western Seminary would prepare and train me well.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love exploring new places in the Portland area or walking around downtown or on 23rd with my husband. In Portland there is always something going on in the community or new shops and restaurants to check out. I also must admit that I will find almost any excuse to wander into Powell’s Bookstore and spend an afternoon or evening perusing the books and sipping coffee. I also love to cook, quilt, travel, and listen to music. Generally speaking, I am a huge fan of pretty much anything that involves spending time with my close friends and loved ones.

What’s your favorite quote?

"You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." — C.S. Lewis

Who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

The Lord has placed in my life many mentors and friends who have influenced my walk as a Christian in incredible ways. I would say that both my youth pastor and my small group leader in middle school and high school greatly encouraged me to seek to know God more deeply, to get involved in ministry, and to know my worth in Christ which was incredibly impactful at that age as I was forming my identity. My husband Ray, my family, and my best friend LeeAnn have been very encouraging to me throughout my life and in my faith. They have really challenged me to grow more and more deeply in my faith and in my walk with the Lord and to know why I believe what I believe.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

Whether you are taking on an entire degree program or auditing one course I think that seminary is necessary. Not only does seminary prepare you to minister to others effectively, but it stretches you to think critically about your theology and practice. One of the richest parts, I believe, of the seminary experience is not only the lecture and book/article reading, but, the rich discussion it provokes. By attending seminary classes I am not limited to the thoughts and opinions myself and the authors of the books I am reading but, I also get the opportunity to see issues and subjects through the lenses of the other students in my class and my professors as well! Not only does this help me to consider and think critically from different angles, but it also adds to the value of my education in that it more thoroughly prepares me for ministry. I believe that it is essential that the people who are pastoring, ministering, and counseling be well-trained so that they will be well equipped and effective in their roles.

Where are you originally from?

Born in Santa Barbara, California.

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

Western has trained me to understand and apply what God’s word says. I used to rely on and apply worldly, pragmatic advice and solutions.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

I am pursuing a Master of Divinity, hoping to apply it in leading a church, which desires renewal.

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go?

And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to? I’d like to take my wife through Europe during April.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

The Incredibles (I’m a kid at heart).

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

My pastor had taken Greek through the Western Seminary Center for Lifelong Learning (distance learning), so I took Carl Laney’s classes, loved them, and moved to Portland for more.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Go for walks in my neighborhood, go backpacking with my kids, and grow vegetables and roses in my garden.

What’s your favorite quote?

“In Him you have been made complete.” Colossians 2:10

Who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

My wife, who has faithfully loved me for 22 years, whereas my life prior to her had been marked by broken relationships.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

To learn to accurately handle God’s word, and to gain skill and wisdom in leadership from professors who are also church leaders.

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Napa, California.

How have you benefited from your training at Western?

Western Seminary has reshaped how I approach biblical and theological studies. I have learned to think with the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center, while doing my studies in service to the church.

What do you want to do with the degree program you are pursuing?

I am currently in the Master of Theology (Th.M.) program and I also did the MA (Biblical and Theological Studies) here at Western Seminary. I intend on going into doctoral studies with hopes of some day teaching in a college or seminary setting.

If you could have an all-expense paid vacation, where would you go? And what’s the best vacation spot you’ve ever been to or want to go to?

If I had an all-expense paid vacation I would probably go to Greece to tour cities like Corinth and Thessalonica. The best vacation I have ever had would likely be my recent trip to Rome/Paris, but my trip to Israel in 2005 was wonderful as well.

What is your favorite movie of all time?

I think my all time favorite movie is Goodwill Hunting. I think the greatest scene is when Will’s best friend is talking to him during a break from work and he basically tells him that if he doesn’t take the opportunities afforded to him it will be an affront to all his friends and family that wish they had his gift.

What made you decide to come to Western Seminary?

I was considering a few seminaries, but the key reason for choosing Western Seminary was my connection with alumni. It is one thing to see marketing materials for a school; it is something altogether different to have someone give you a first-hand account of their experience.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I have free time I read, which also seems to be what I do when I am busy! I like to write as well.

What’s your favorite quote?

It would be from Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book Life Together (p. 27), which I read at a time in my life when I was really struggling to understand my relationship to the church. He wrote, “Every human wish or dream that is injected into the Christian community is a hindrance to genuine community and must be banished if genuine community is to survive. He who loves his dream of community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial.” I realized that while we should always want to see the church grow in Christ, we should not confused our idealistic dreams with what is really the most important thing: loving our brothers and sisters in Christ as they are, because they are children of God.

Besides Jesus, who has had a powerful influence in your life (living or non-living)?

I would say I have had two great influences on my life. The first is one of Western Seminary’s adjunct professors and my pastor when I lived in San Francisco, Dr. Jeff Garner. The second would be N.T. Wright whom I have only met once but whose writings have given me a biblical imagination.

Why do you think seminary training is necessary?

I think seminary training is necessary because life is messy and people are complicated. One great way to prepare for being a Christian in a diverse world is to sit under several professors with differing views on various subjects and in the classroom when twenty other students preparing for service to the Christian church who do not see eye-to-eye with you. It is easy to say that I can get training where I am at with people who are familiar. But to grow one must be stretched beyond comfort zones and seminary is an ideal atmosphere for this.