What students are saying
Annie Li is a Global Studies Program student at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. She is a native of San Francisco and commutes to the Northern California Campus from her home in the Bay Area. A former music teacher, Annie heard about Golden Gate Seminary from her late father, an alumnus of Golden Gate.
"I was drawn to Golden Gate because of my desire to have a greater spiritual impact on the lives of others. I am passionate about reaching lost people and I believe training from Golden Gate will help me to become a better minister. Golden Gate does not just train church leaders, but effective leaders for Christ."
Matt Zamudio is a youth minister in Reno, Nevada. He commutes to the Northern California Campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in pursuit of a Master of Divinity degree. Because Matt’s commute is almost four hours one way, he is enrolled in the One-Day Monday track of the MDiv program. This flexible scheduling option allows Matt to pursue his degree while maintaining an active ministry schedule.
"My professors in my undergraduate program encouraged me to consider Golden Gate Seminary for my ministry training. Since enrolling at Golden Gate, I have found that I truly enjoy my classes and professors here. I have been encouraged in my calling and my vision for ministry has been clarified."
Gift Suison is originally from the Philippines. She grew up in Texas and moved to California nine years ago with her family. She is pursuing her Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at the Northern California Campus of Golden Gate Seminary. Gift’s college pastor recommended that she pursue an education at Golden Gate Seminary, even though she wasn’t sure which specific career path her calling to ministry would take her.
"The clear objectives of the MAEL drew me to the program. Since I was unsure about which area of ministry that God would have me serve, I chose this program because it seemed to provide flexibility in post-graduation opportunities for work. Since coming here, I have found the training and education at Golden Gate to be holistic. My academic work here is not separate from my personal life. The lessons I learn in class seep into my day-to-day activities, my work, and my ministry. There is a divine aspect to the training here; it is more than just academic."
Amanda Phifer is a Global Studies Program student, originally from South Carolina. Amanda and her husband Daniel are both enrolled in the Master in Theological Studies degree program at the Northern California Campus of Golden Gate Seminary. Amanda and Daniel hope to use their training at Golden Gate to better minister in Europe.
"My seminary experience has been nothing short of life-changing. I am learning to delve deeply into the Scriptures, to wrestle with understanding them so that my proclamation is accurate and insightful and, most importantly, empowered by the Holy Spirit. I am also learning to wrestle with this thing we call the community of faith - learning to love my brothers and sisters in Christ as I love myself. I am learning to love those outside the Kingdom with grace and truth, loving them into the family. More than anything, seminary is enriching my own walk with Jesus and helping me be more like him."
Jesse Bean is a Global Studies Program student originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is a former high school English teacher pursuing his Master in Theological Studies at Golden Gate Seminary. Jesse and his wife, Tanya, live in student housing at the Northern California Campus of GGBTS.
"My seminary experience thus far has been both intellectually stimulating and spiritually formative. My Golden Gate professors have inspired me to think critically, stretching my faith and unraveling some of my oldest and most misguided assumptions about God's Word. I have also been challenged to approach both theology and ecclesiology from a more missiological perspective, and to explore alternate expressions of traditional church life, evangelism and service outreach."
Bryan Brown resides at the Northern California Campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing his Master of Divinity degree. Bryan is from Niagara Falls, NY and a graduate of University at Buffalo with a BA in Media Studies. He is pursuing a seminary degree for the purpose of strengthening his skills and knowledge for his calling to ministry leadership.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a student at Golden Gate and living in the Bay Area. It is diverse and provides opportunities to make great connections outside of the classroom. In the classroom, professors are challenging and engaging, and they are focused on preparing students for their calling, whatever that may be."
Chul Kwon is pursuing a Master of Divinity degree at the Northern California Campus of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Encouraged by many mentors and friends who are alumni of Golden Gate, Chul hopes to pursue a medical degree after completing his masters degree program.
"I want a solid foundation of my beliefs and theology before immersing myself in the study of medicine. I see that healing of the spirit go hand in hand with healing of the body, and I want to practice both as a medical missionary. Golden Gate has taught me valuable skills necessary for my future ministry and has trained me to be a better leader of future Christians."
Adam Henry is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. He is pursuing his Master of Divinity at the Arizona Campus of Golden Gate Seminary. Adam is currently serving as the English Pastor of Seomginun Baptist Church of Tempe, Arizona.
"Three things influenced my decision to attend Golden Gate Seminary - location, faculty, and alumni. I was looking for a seminary that would allow me to remain in Phoenix and continue to invest in the community in which I grew up. My decision to attend Golden Gate Seminary was confirmed by my encounters with current students, alumni, and faculty. Upon these encounters I was confident that Golden Gate Seminary was a convenient location, a Christ-centered environment, and had outstanding academics."
JeongHyeon Seon is originally from Korea. She is pursuing her Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership at the Southern California Campus of Golden Gate Seminary. JeongHyeon currently serves as the Minister of Education at her local church.
“I chose to attend Golden Gate Seminary because my senior pastor is a Golden Gate alumnus and suggested I consider it for my theological education as well. Inside and outside of class, I have seen my professors live what they teach daily. Because of this, I have developed a deeper, broader, and more flexible perspective of what it means to serve God.”
Mikko Sivonen is originally from Finland. After completing his Master of Divinity he pursued his Master of Theology at Golden Gate’s Northern California Campus. Mikko and his wife Heidi are proud new parents.
“I started seminary at Golden Gate’s Southern California campus because it was close to my church, which allowed me to continue to minister and be part of my church. After a year, we moved to the Northern California campus for the residential seminary life experience. The seminary was a place for us where same-minded people could encourage, struggle and support each other for future service. It was absolutely foundational for our lives!”