STUDENTS

ABSW celebrates the diversity of its student body. Differences in culture, ethnicity and age make for rich experiences in the classroom and campus life. All men and women at ABSW are encouraged to discover and express their vocation, whether in traditional parish ministry or beyond the walls of the church. At ABSW, students discover a community of support and a fellowship of faith.

Community Life

Community is a vital part of seminary education at ABSW. The Master of Divinity curriculum includes interactive faculty-student groups that serve as communities of theological learning, spiritual inquiry, and ministerial preparation. This emphasis on Christian community is also developed in the larger life of ABSW as students, faculty, and staff share in times of worship and participate in a variety of community gatherings. In addition, every January the entire student body and faculty attends a two-day retreat at a nearby conference center.

Community Worship

At ABSW, one evening a week is set aside for the entire community to celebrate the journey of faith through worship. These times of worship are unique and celebratory, reflecting the diversity of ABSW's student body and expressing a variety of worship styles. Both students and faculty have the opportunity to share and plan creative worship. Times for community meetings, guest speakers, fellowship and forums on topics related to ministry are also scheduled throughout the year. There are many opportunities for students to be involved in creating worship and community experiences at ABSW.

Student Leadership

An ABSW Student Leadership Group is elected each year to represent students' interests and to facilitate student participation in all aspects of seminary life. Students are encouraged to share their gifts with the community by serving on one of five committees. The committees include: Student Community Life, Spiritual Care, Mission, Communications, and Academic Life. Members of the Student Leadership Group serve as representatives to the Board of Trustees and to the faculty, and are contributing members to other ABSW committees and task forces.

On-Campus Housing

ABSW currently owns two apartment buildings (Gray and Benvenue) located next to the seminary campus. The buildings each have three floors and include unfurnished one-bedroom, two-bedroom, studio and studio-plus apartments. The apartments offer a unique opportunity for community beyond the classroom. Many students and families living in the buildings spend time together and enjoy barbecues in the ABSW courtyard.

Students Speak about ABSW

Jennifer Zody

"The strength of ABSW is the small community and the opportunity to experience ecumenism at its best by taking classes at other GTU schools."

Jennifer is now working at Redwood Glenn Camp.

Stefan Mitosinka

"When I visited ABSW and met a few faculty members, I knew it was the right place for me. I really enjoy the warm and energetic nature of the faculty and staff here."

Stefan is in Prague, Czech Republic, planting a new Church.

Jae Chung

"ABSW is a very special place in its effort to train students to be effective servants in evangelical and ecumenical settings. Its emphasis on multiracial ministries and urban ministries helps students to apply what is learned to the practical ministry in which they are engaged."

Jae is currently a pastor to children at Church of the Valley in San Ramon and ministering with college students at UC Berkeley. Jae is beginning a Masters of Arts degree with ABSW in the Fall.

Rogelio Antonio Ovalle

"I chose ABSW because I knew I would receive my theological training from professors committed to academic excellence and to their students. As a Latino, I see that ABSW is committed to different cultural expressions. I have also been exposed to theologies outside my denomination and that has stretched me theologically and personally."

Currently Rogelio serves as District Evangelist Director of Northern Pacific Latin District of the Assemblies of God and the Dean of Student Ministries, School of Urban Missions in Oakland, CA. Rogelio is interested in planting new churches and working with youth from oppressed backgrounds, especially ones involved in gangs and substance abuse.

Charlene Alexander

"I have learned and grown so much. The professors of ABSW are its greatest strength. Each professor has a very apparent sincere desire to give to each student the very best that they have to offer."

Currently Charlene is working with the Women's Mission and the Business and Professional Women of her home church.

Community Life

Community Worship

Student Leadership

Housing

Students Speak