Twenty-two pastors and teachers in the Central California Conference (CCC) jumped at the opportunity to study for a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree almost in their own backyard. Their cohort was a first-of-its-kind program for the HMS Richards Divinity School at La Sierra University. Collaboration between the Central California Conference, the Pacific Union Conference, and La Sierra University made it possible for the students to enroll in the program tuition-free. They attended two-week intensive courses at the conference office in Clovis, California, beginning in June 2016.
The program included 12 required theology courses, plus classes in Greek and Hebrew if they had not previously taken courses in those biblical languages. One class even included a tour of Israel led by Divinity School dean Friedbert Ninow. The HMS Richards Divinity School is one of only two Adventist theological schools holding full accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools.
The graduates were acknowledged at a special consecration ceremony on December 14 at the Clovis church, with La Sierra University president Joy Fehr, Divinity School dean Friedbert Ninow, and New Testament professor Kendra Haloviak Valentine taking part. The graduates’ degrees will be officially conferred by La Sierra University at a later date.
The cohort program allowed pastors and teachers in Central California to earn their MTS degrees without having to leave their churches and schools or uproot their families. It was a cost-effective solution to providing quality graduate theological education.
Nathan Renner, pastor of the Discovery Life church in Sonora and one of the graduates, expressed his gratitude to God and to all who made the course of study possible. “Their support made it possible for me to earn my master’s degree when I doubted I would ever have the opportunity,” he said. “Their generosity has given me a beautiful glimpse into the grace of our Lord.”
Elaine Posthumus, Bible teacher at Monterey Bay Academy, echoed that sentiment when one miracle after another allowed her to be part of the program. Her heartfelt response was, “I cannot say being part of the MTS cohort program was a dream come true. It was much more! God genuinely exceeded my dreams and expectations of my prayer requests.”
Students and teachers also noted the camaraderie and fellowship they experienced together. Said Dean Friedbert Ninow of the Divinity School, “Seeing the growth of these students during the course of the program, the bonding among their peers, the sometimes enthusiastic and spirited discussions, the reflections and communal devotions, the sheer joy of mining God’s Word and exploring new insights have made this journey a successful one. God was in it!”
The late V. Bailey Gillespie, associate dean of the Divinity School, played a key role in developing the cohort program. Even though his untimely passing did not allow him to see the results of his vision, students and staff mentioned the impression he made on them and how he demonstrated his passion and love for his God and those around him.
Pierre Steenberg, ministerial director of the Central California Conference, helped to organize the program an served as extension campus administrator. After also teaching several courses, including Greek, he said, “Our pastors are being blessed with the opportunity to become even better equipped to serve God and His church.”
Central California Conference President Ramiro Cano, speaking at the consecration service said, “With their classes now complete, with their textbooks now closed, and their tests and papers successfully graded, we now pray that the enhancement of their intellect and deeper knowledge of the Almighty will translate in better reflecting Christ and transforming communities for the kingdom.”
A second Central California Conference cohort will begin studies toward the MTS degree this fall. The group will primarily be composed of pastors, along with some conference employees who serve in ministry-related positions or wish to better understand pastors and their work.
A version of this article by Deloris Trujillo, EdD appeared in the Pacific Union Recorder, March 2020
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