Why SFTS

Why San Francisco Theological Seminary is the place for me

Elizabeth Campbell - As a student at Davidson College, I was encouraged to expand & enlarge my understandings of grace, inter-religious dialogue, and overall, that famously beautiful & nebulous word: love.  I was encouraged to honor a “Sabbath” and to take peace & justice seriously.  There were Crop lunches, Spring & Fall Alternative Break trips to places like the Appalachian Mountains, New Orleans, and Ontario, Canada, and Weekly College Worship, Methodist Fellowship, and Gospel Choir.  Davidson is a place that provides life-long mentors who are not only dispensers of wisdom but who also become friends.  At San Francisco Theological Seminary, I have discovered a community that has helped me to continue to claim & cherish these Davidson learnings. At SFTS, we commit ourselves to becoming “Whole leaders for the Whole church.”  This means that as a student here, you will not only get an education of the mind but also one of the body, heart, and soul.  Here at SFTS, I not only have professors who are warm, accessible, and incredibly well-versed in their disciplines, but I am also encouraged to engage in monthly, individual spiritual direction sessions, offered at a reduced-rate at our on-site Student Counseling Center, and have the opportunity to explore spirituality and spiritual formation through the academic Spirituality Concentration.  In example, this Fall I am taking a course about Lectio-divina.  As another plus, SFTS is also one of the most ethnically-diverse seminaries in the PC (USA).  Here I have the opportunity to collaborate with peers from other countries and parts of the States, and these friendships have provided a rich addition to my education; I have friends from Korea, Canada, Indonesia, the Philippines, Wisconsin, and New York.  As you might imagine, our potlucks are the best!  In conclusion, one of the other great things about going to school here is the incredible natural beauty that surrounds us.  There are many opportunities to take part in hiking in the North & East Bay areas (and beyond) as well as chances to explore the scintillating arts-scene of the Bay Area.  If you are interested in a seminary experience that will touch your spirit as well as your mind, I encourage you to pray about coming to SFTS. 

Evans McGowan - I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at San Francisco Theological Seminary.  Like Davidson College, SFTS has small classes, accessible faculty, a caring administration and beautiful setting.  My fellow students come from a wide background, including geographically, culturally and religiously within the Christian faith.  The classes are engaging with lots of readings and ample time for engaging discussions.  The professors really want students to have a good grasp of the material and be able to look at the text from multiple angles.  The administration is always inviting students over for potlucks or bringing in world-renown speakers.  Marin County is a gorgeous place, with tons of hiking and biking nearby, as well as really fun and interesting towns and cities nearby, not least of which is, of course, San Francisco.  While it is a very wealthy place, the seminary makes rent rates quite affordable and the people here are quite progressive, giving me a breath of fresh air after being in the South, God Bless Her Soul!  The diversity of beliefs and cultures is astounding, and I have been both challenged and inspired by my interaction with others.  The GTU in Berkeley has been a nice "university augment" to life here, and SFTS makes the commute very accessible and affordable with schools vans to drive for free!  So far, SFTS has met me right at the edge of my need for comfort and my desire for challenge, and I am very happy to be here, studying and engaging the Word of God.”

Sharon LeClaire - I attended Whitwoth College and got my degree in 1992.  The Whitworth philosophy creates a truly positive educational experience.  Classes are challenging and interesting, the faculty and staff is knowledgeable and supportive, and the campus is a beautiful and peaceful place.  Students come from a wide variety of backgrounds which enhance the culture on campus. Because of my Whitworth experience, I was very prepared to attend San Francisco Theological Seminary. Both schools offer a Christian atmosphere that is conducive to study, fellowship and fostering a relationship with God.  Faculty and staff work with the students to maximize the educational experience and I have grown in my faith and Christian walk from attending both schools.”

James Ro - Coming to SFTS made me realize that I was merely watching my life instead of living it.  I have asked myself questions that I have avoided all my life.  For the first time in my life, I am aware of the changes that are happing within me.  At times, it has been a challenging and even painful experience.  However, thanks to the love that this caring and wonderful community has provided for me: I am able to persevere.  I am truly blessed that God brought me to San Francisco Theological Seminary.”